Newsday’s Jon Heyman on the inspiration for the Mets’ new home.
The Mets are staying secretive about their ballpark plans, but Newsday has learned that, in addition to Ebbets Field, the Mets’ other main model is Pittsburgh’s PNC Park. For those who haven’t been there, that’s an excellent choice. If the Mets pull this off, they’ll go from baseball’s worst stadium to one of its best.
According to a well-placed source, Jeff Wilpon told confidants about PNC Park, “I’d take it in a second if I could.” Wilpon or his underlings have toured every new ballpark, but Wilpon is said to love the homey feel of PNC best.
PNC also is known for its view, tougher for the Mets to duplicate given that they’re a few miles from Manhattan, which can be seen only from the upper deck now. One goal is to upgrade Willets Point, which might mean folks needing a chop shop will have to go elsewhere.
An intruiging scheme, but I hope the Mets don’t plan to replacate every feature of the Pirates’ venue. For one thing, there’s really no call for a statue of Kent Tekulve at the front gate.