(video link courtesy Hot Foot)
In news that might make some Manhattan residents nostalgic for the stop-and-frisk tactics of former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, a succession of taverns are planning “Francesa Con” for the day prior to Super Bowl XLVIII. In what might be the most chilling sentence published in recent memory, organizer Michael Leboff tells the NY Daily News’ Bernie Augustine, “I think it started out that way (just a way for people who like Francesa to get together) but now it’s really taken on a life of its own.”
Seven bars (coincidentally the same number as Mike’s hero, Mickey Mantle) are participating in the event — Saloon NYC (where registered fans will get their bracelets), Rathbones, Mad River, Swig, The Bullpen, East End Bar & Grill and the supply room. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Children’s Network for Hope, the Coalition for Brain Injury research and Detroit Mutual Aid/National Firefighter’s Endowment Fund.
“First reaction was, Wow, that’s hilarious,” said Michael McCann, GM of Saloon and not WFAN update-man Mike McMann, who added that everyone involved agreed that they wanted to avoid the scandals that come with SantaCon (so Mongos should be well-behaved on Feb. 2). “We wanted to hop on board. We’re big fans here of Mike Francesa.”
Details are still being hammered out — it’s free to attend, though you have to register online at eventbrite.com — but here’s what we know: attendees are encouraged to dress like Francesa, or another WFAN personality, and there’s a contest for the best costume; there may be a live show, of sorts, featuring well-known Francesa impersonators.