More than a week after insisting Citi Field’s poor sightlines weren’t in fact, obstructed views, Mets V.P. David Howard once again rises to the occasion when it comes to infuriating p.r.-babble. In Friday’s New York Times, Ken Belson considers the oft-heard allegation Citi features little in the way of Mets artifacts.
Where, other fans complain, are the banners that used to hang inside Shea that could be seen from the escalators? (They were sold at auction.) What happened to the 1969 photo montage that adorned the outside of the right-field stands? (Gone like the stadium.) Where is the bronze statue of Mike Piazza hitting his famous home run in September 2001? (Not on the drawing board yet.)
The Mets are aware of these complaints, including the chatter on sports radio stations. But opening the stadium on time took precedence over adornments.
œIt was something we always intended, but it wasn™t given a priority, said Dave Howard, the Mets™ vice president for operations.
Howard said the team was working to add more memorabilia, including a display of Topps baseball cards of Mets from each year since 1962. Banners like the ones outside the stadium could be hung on the concourses inside.
The busts in the team™s Hall of Fame, which has not added a member since 2002, could be replaced by plaques with relief sculptures and descriptions. Life-size statues, like the ones at AT&T Park and Busch Stadium, are possible.
These additions will take time, though, which means the Mets may have to endure more taunts from their fans. Howard sounded sanguine.
œI™m never surprised and always encouraged by the passion of Met fans, he said. œIt™s great that people care this much and we listen to it.