In addition to what might be the best joke of his long tenure at the New York Post — albeit one that was widely repeated several days ago (“A human leg last week washed up on the shore behind Jim Dolan’s L.I. estate. That’s one way of doing it, but most Cablevision subscribers are advised to simply use the remittance envelope.”), Phil Mushnick has a serious gripe with the script provided to SNY’s Gary Cohen.
The Mets are actually advertising the “fact” that Opening Day is “sold out” – but the Mets still will sell you tickets to Opening Day. Thursday, during Braves-Mets on SNY, Gary Cohen, reading an ad, said just that. He stated that the Mets’ home opener is sold out – but you can buy tickets to it within a “Seven Pack” (the purchase of tickets to six other games).
If I were Cohen and been made party to such a lie, I’d be livid. Here’s a fellow whose regard for his credibility dictates that he not serve as a Mets shill, yet he was turned into worse: A Mets liar. If I were Cohen, I’d let the club know that I never again want to read an ad that’s both dishonest and preposterously dishonest.
Imagine if Cohen worked the counter of Wilpon’s Grocery Store and told the customer, “Sorry, the milk is all sold out. No more milk. But if you’d like to buy some milk, we happen to have some in the back. But you gotta buy six other items.”
Such a place would be closed down, no? Cohen would face prosecution – and be jumped by the “Shame-On-You!” TV crew. Yet, the Mets are pulling such a scam, with Cohen serving as their front man.
Cohen, we’re sure, never would read an ad claiming that up is down, left is right, and noon is midnight. Yet, he read a come-on claiming that the Mets’ home opener is sold out – and there are tickets still for sale.
As for the Mets, they never used to be that bold and forthright when telling such lies. Now? It gets easier when you have no shame.
Though Phil’s general point — that as Six Packs are concerned, this isn’t one Dez Cadena will be singing about anytime soon — is solid enough, I think the Mets have exhibited a callous, cynical ‘tude towards the paying customer as long as I can remember.
I’m curious how many local radio & TV play by play voices in the big leagues are excused from any pitchman duties as part of their job description. Phil would have us believe that Cohen’s participation in such a scam is a blow to the broadcaster’s credibility, but can anyone identify the last time an announcer refused to recite a spiel for his club’s sales department? And while you’re at it, let us know in which city he’s now driving a cab?
Jeez Phil wasted his entire column with this? I’m suprised he didn’t devote fifty paragraphs as to how Vince McMahon’s shaved hair is “poisoning” children into being Homophobic Wife-Beating Steriod-Abusing Freaks.
I saw Jerry Trupiano busing tables at the USS Chowder Pot IV in Hartford. He said Bernie and Phyl were total dicks. I was there.
actually, Greg, Phil didn’t waste his entire column on this. He had a few other items, too.