The Mediocre Man Stories

Hey.

These are five stories I've written from 2002-2008.

They're called Mediocre Man (2,3,4,5).

It's about a tragic 'super hero' named Herb Lopez.

They were inspired by my life experiences,exaggerations of those experiences and every possible genre that popped into my head, with an emphasis on comedy.

These stories aren't the greatest works of art.

But I love them.

Each story got progressively better. They inspire me to continue to improve my writing.

I was able to order them in book form for my own satisfaction during the holiday season (as seen above).

This blog entry includes excerpts, synopses, commentary of these stories.

I welcome you to read and enjoy them.

Thank you.

PS Much more new writing to come this year.

Mediocre Man 5 (2008)



A year after saving the male race from the scorned and ruthless Tara The Witch, Herb Lopez (Mediocre Man) is back again for one final adventure in Mediocre Man 5.

Change is at the forefront during this period of Herb's life. Him and girlfriend Jill Walker have embarked on a new relationship after months of friendship and struggle. In addition, he's finally completed his college tenure and appears ready to face the real world. Initially, the future seems optimistic.

But a sudden dark cloud ripples through his world. Herb's relationship is tested along with his dedication to pursue his dreams.

Meanwhile, an important family member from his past makes an unexpected return into his life, mother Luisa Lopez. Her mysterious absence is supposedly linked to a religious fanatic with an outrageous plan that he describes as 'out of this world'. This mad man's intention is to exterminate the world's entire middle and lower classes. As it starts to come to fruition, Mediocre Man is thrust into a battle to not only save the world as we know it, but also fight for his own happy ending.

CLIP 1

SCENE 9

Herb and Jill walk inside Tracey's house. About a dozen friends are gathered in the living room, music blasting. The walls are filled with graduation theme posters and banners.

Herb: Okay, can we leave now?

Jill: I said five minutes, not five seconds.

Herb: Oh boy...

Jill: What?

A man named Jimmy approaches Herb, smiling.

Jimmy: Herb! My boy! Congratulations on graduating! You going to miss eating with the roaches over at the cafeteria in Boylan? (Laughs extremely hard)

Herb: With them? With the food they serve, don't you mean actually eating them!?

Jimmy laughs even harder at Herb's continuation of his joke.

Jimmy: I'll see you later my friend.

Jimmy walks away. Herb turns to look at Jill and smiles.

Herb: Just like clock work.

Jill: You think you're so damn smart!

Herb: I'm not smart, just very good. And 5,4,3,2....

Jill: Why are you counting?

A girl named Abigail approaches the couple as they fully walk into the living room.

Abigail: Herb and Jill! My favorite couple in the world. Well next to Corey and Topanga. Those two were just so adorable. I miss that show so much. I remember in grade school, all week, we’d look forward to TGIF to watch it. Anyway I'm so glad you decided to come. How are you?

Herb: I...

Abigail: I'm doing just awesome. Except I'm getting this terrible reaction to tequila and I'm so upset because I love, love, LOVE it! But I just can't have it anymore. It doesn't make the brain feel too right and forget about my stomach. And I'd love to have beer but hello?! I gotta watch my cals! I can't become a fattie, like those losers in Celebrity Fit Club. Have you seen that show??

Jill starts to walk away. She smiles at Herb in a devilish manner.

Jill: I think I'll let you two catch up.

Herb: I hate your guts, Walker.

Jill: Have fun.

Abigail continues to chatter away with Herb about nonsense. Meanwhile Jill finally spots one of her best friends and party host, Tracey.

Jill: There you are!

Tracey: Yes! Jilly, my favorite home girl in the hizzle!

Jill: ...And you're drunk, already.

Tracey: I'm sorry but I'm so shit faced right now, I see four of you. And all four of you are my favorites!

Jill: Tracey! I came to this party for you. Remember?! You said you would disown me if I didn't come. And you're two seconds away from passing out.

Tracey: I'm sorry my baby Jilly! It's just that...that I was pre-gaming and I just went a little overboard.

Jill: How overboard?

Tracey: (Gags) Oh my God!

Desperate to leave the living room, Tracey runs away, trying to make the bathroom in time before she pukes.

Jill: (to herself) I don't believe this...Now what? I can't let Herb know he's right. Someone to mingle with...

Jill sees her backstabbing friend Debra in the kitchen. She slowly walks over to hear what she is talking about with another girl.

Debra: And then there's that bitch Jill and her nerdy boyfriend Herb. That 'dork is cute' thing is so last year!

Jill angrily taps her on the shoulder. Debra turns around.

Jill: Hello Debra!

Debra: Oh hi Jill! I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you so much. I thought we were supposed to hang during the summer.

Jill: Oh someone is going to hang...

Meanwhile Herb is leaning against the wall, slowly banging the back of his head because Abigail still hasn't stopped talking.

Abigail: I was about to have sex with this guy and, just my luck, I started to get cramps! PERIOD TIME!

Suddenly, Herb hears Jill screaming at Debra all the way from the living room.

Jill: (Screaming) I'm going to take your ugly boyfriend's face and shove it straight up your slutty ass! Lord knows you've put your fair share of things in there.

Herb's eyes widen as he hears his hostile girlfriend screaming. Herb leaves the room and Abigail and runs to Jill's aid. Although Herb has ran away, Abigail continues to talk

Abigail: Wait! Don't go! I didn't get to tell you that I gave him a BJ and how his semen tasted!

Herb finally reaches the kitchen. Jill has her fist lifted, aiming right at Debra's overly made up face. Herb grabs Jill, attempting to restrain her from her rage.

Herb: Whoa! Easy there, Uma Thurman in Kill Bill!

Debra: Bring it on, you crazy bitch. I'll kick you and your Mediocre man! He's a punk ass loser!

Debra looks at Herb and her tone changes. She smiles at him.

Debra: Oh, hey Herb. Good to see you again.

Herb: You too Deb. Come on Jill. Let's go!

Jill finally listens to Herb and walks away from the kitchen. Herb follows her.

Jill: Don't say it!

Herb: Say what? I was just about to say...

Jill: Do you want me to land a punch? Because you're next.

Herb: I'm just happy you got me away from Jabbergail.

Jill: You were right! Okay?! You win! Everything you said was going to happen, did. I feel like a complete idiot. I just thought it would be fun to party and mingle and all that. But I realized something. I hate people.

Herb: Oh Jill. Don't be so hard on yourself. Many of my adversaries have been outsmarted by me. I just have a gift.

Jill: I'm going to take away the gift between your legs.

Herb: Okay. Scary Lorena Bobbit moment!

Jill: I'm sorry. You were right. I must be gracious now. I'm all yours. Tracey can take care of her drunken self. I'm not playing babysitter tonight.

Herb: That’s the spirit.

Jill: So where are we going?

Herb: Well, if we want to be alone, we can't go to my house.

Jill: Oh no! Don't tell me your dad is singing Bryan Adams karaoke in his underwear again.

Herb: No. I already talked to him about that. It's just that he really loved the summer of 69. Anyway, Ted came in a little early. So he's spending the night at my place.

Jill: Then where to?

Herb: How about a movie?

Jill: No! I hate your movie choices! Please spare my petty soul for once.

Herb: A deal is a deal!

Jill: Fine!

Herb: Wait. Let's take a few beers for the movie.

Herb grabs a couple of unopened cans of beer that were sitting on the coffee table

Jill: Yeah. Lord knows I'm going to need it with whatever you're dragging me too.

Herb: I'll give you a hint...A giant monster attacks New York City! Roar!

Jill: No...Anything but that one.

Herb: Ya know Jill, I came to this party with an open mind.

Jill: My ass!

Herb: Is beautiful. I can't wait to bite it.

Jill rapidly grabs more bottles when she realizes what movie Herb is dragging her to.

Jill: It's going to be a long night.

CLIP 2

Right outside of the Smoothie Center, Marcus is walking down the street with Jeff.

Marcus: It's time to celebrate Jeffrey. We have hit the watermark.

Jeff: As long as you're paying.

Marcus: Certainly! Although we can't get too carried away. It took me years to raise this kind of money to purchase the parts necessary for this machine.

Jeff: You've earned it.

Marcus: Take a look around the streets of New York City. It's disgusting. Pretty soon, I'll have the power to mix and match this dump and get rid of all the dead weight. The hobos on the street, the lower class, the middle class. All gone! Screw this mama-papa shop nostalgic crap. This country and the world will be moving in the right direction after I'm done.

Jeff: If this machine works as advertised.
.....

Marcus: I'm not finished. Now it's one thing to be able to have the power to communicate to the gods. But what if you had the power to control those gods? What would that make you? Well, I guess that would make you the one and only god.

Jeff: This is still insane.

Marcus: It's faster and easier than Bush's tactics. Straight to the point. We're gonna take out the trash!

CLIP 3

Sarah: My turn. What happened to you and Jill? You guys looked so happy together.

Herb: Yeah...We were. Maybe that was the problem.

Sarah: How would that be a problem?

Herb: Sometimes when the skies are clear, you know that a storm is inevitable.

Sarah: What does that mean?

Herb: I have no idea. I just always wanted to say some profound analogy that's so unique and mind blowing.

Sarah: (Laughs) Wow. Nice try. I think I get it though.

Herb: To be honest, I don't have an answer. I guess things just happen. You stop acknowledging each other's needs and you get angry and you start to hurt each other through words. I wish I knew... Maybe the explanation to most of these break ups is time and time alone. You could blame it on the little things like hogging the sheets in bed or bad taste in television or their annoying friends. But those aren't the real reasons because you put up with it in the beginning. Time just wears you out and you become too weak to dismiss those little things. Then that opens the door for the larger problems.

Sarah: Aw. I'm so sorry. That's one of the saddest and truest things I've ever heard.

Herb: Much better than that rain metaphor.

CLIP 4

SCENE 45

That day, Jill is holding a parent-teacher conference over at a small Catholic grade school she works at. The mother of one of her students enters the classroom. Jill walks over to greet her.

Jill: Hello Mrs. Gardner.

Mrs. Gardner: Hi. I'm so sorry I'm late

Jill: It's quite alright. Thank you for coming on such short notice.

Mrs. Gardner’s son Tommy enters the room as well.

Tommy: Hi Ms. Walker.

Jill: Hello Tommy. How about you go by the Mega Blocks while your mother and I talk?

Tommy: Okay.

He walks away.

Mrs. Gardner: So what is exactly the problem with my son?

Jill: Well it's not a real problem per say. Tommy is such a joy to have in my classroom. I just want to preface the conversation by saying that.

Mrs. Gardner: I know there's a huge but coming.

Jill: Would a however soften the blow?

Mrs. Gardner: Not really.

Jill: Well for the past few weeks, he's looked a bit, I don't know, disinterested.

Mrs. Gardner: Disinterested?

Jill: Yes. He always appears rather fatigued during lesson time. He also doesn't like socializing with the other kids. During recess, he just sits alone, and stares at his Spider-Man toy.

Mrs. Gardner: Yeah. That toy is sort of his security blanket.

Jill: I can tell. I mean, he is a sweet kid but seems a bit unsure of himself. His participation skills haven't been strong. Sometimes I'll call on him to answer a question, and even though I know that he knows the answer, he won't respond.

Mrs. Gardner: Oh dear. I guess I have noticed some lack of confidence on his part.

Jill: The gym teacher has also complained of some laziness on his part. He'll just lay on the floor when the rest of the kids are doing push ups.

The two look over and stare at Tommy who is eating Elmer's glue.

Jill: Plus he eats glue and won't listen to a word that I say.

Mrs. Gardner: What do you suggest we do to fix this?

Jill: Wait a minute.

Mrs. Garnder: What?

Jill: Oh my God! I just realized...Herb is Tommy. Tommy is Herb. Lazy, disinterested, doesn’t listen to me!

Mrs. Gardner: Who? Herb?

Jill: I can't believe it. He's the closest thing to a baby Herb. This would be my kid with him.

She stares at Tommy in horror, and he looks back, smiles and waves.

Tommy: Let's go Mets!

Jill: Did...he just say let's go Mets?

Mrs. Gardner: Yes. His father is taking him to his first baseball game tonight at Shea. It should be really exciting.

Jill: God help me...

Mrs. Gardner: Now about his troubles. could this just be a short phase that he'll just grow out of in time?

Jill grabs the mother.

Jill: No! For the love of God, please listen to me. You must change that boy for the better now! He won't outgrow it. Trust me! I know.

Mrs. Gardner: Ms. Walker? Are you okay?

Jill: And don't take him to that Mets game! Please! It'll only turn him into an emotional, pessimistic, paranoid mess. You don't want his heart to be broken every year, do you?

Mrs. Gardner: I think we should go now.

Jill: Okay.

Mrs. Gardner: Thank you for this interesting talk Jill.

Jill: Remember what I said.

Tommy: Bye Ms. Walker.

Jill: Bye Herb...I mean Tommy.

CLIP 5

Scene 58

After a few seconds of thinking, Herb reaches an epiphany.

Herb: And that's why I'm going to go get her back. I'm going to go get mom and we're all going to work things out. It's time gluttons like Marcus understand that they just can't take and take. So don't you worry about me or mom. You just worry about getting better, because when you get out of here, we're going to have a big barbecue. You can cook of course. And we're finally going to be a big happy, crazy family. If you want something, you have to fight for it.

The patient that is sharing the room with Ramon chimes in.

Patient: Shut the fuck up already! It's not bad enough I have to get my appendix removed! Now I gotta hear this shit!

Herb: I'll make them pay dad.

Patient: How can you pay for anything? You don't even have a job!

COMMENTARY

On The Plot

The easy part was figuring out what Herb's next journey would be. MM4 was a transitional story. It was a slight departure from the first three. It had to be, given the growth of the characters, but in the end, it really did lend it's hand to wipe the slate clean and allow the next story to have a natural progression. The dilemmas really fit.
As bad as it sounds, no one wants to read about a complex free, non complicated love relationship. That's because it's not realistic. People want to see themselves and their problems in these characters. Relatable feelings are key. Since all Mediocre Man stories rely heavily on the romantic aspect, it was easy to figure out the potential problems. We've seen Herb in a relationship before, but he was in a different place, physically and emotionally. He was in high school and later on just starting college. It was his first time and the answers were easier to come by, even if at times the answers were irrational. MM4 was about the chase and the struggle of letting go of personal demons that was left in the residue of his last break up. This time, Herb is in love as an adult and the differences are stark. I felt I could use this take to my advantage and create a romance that hadn't been told before in these stories. Herb and Jill are young adults, trying to make a love work in a time where making it work isn't easy. The two deal with complacency which could be a relationship killer. Other obstacles include jealousy and struggle of finding balance. Unhappiness with their own situations regarding unfulfilled dreams, also affects their interaction in a negative way. So in short, I had two stories to tell in this area. The honeymoon phase and the actual tests that could either bring two people closer together or tear them apart. Although there are ups and downs, I think it's a charming love story that tries not to vilify either character. They're just both terribly confused. It's also very honest. I hope people see themselves in Herb and Jill. I did. Although as many know, Herb is a reflection on myself, a lot of aspects in these stories are embellished and just made up.

I feel that I was better equipped to write about relationships six years later, having had more time to think about it all and go through more and observe more. It all helped and I think the dialogue here is more natural than the earlier stories.

Another journey Herb had to go through was post college life. I felt this was excellent timing (not for myself personally but for the story). The country is going through a major crisis. Jobs are being lost. More importantly, hopes and dreams are being lost. So to have a MEDIOCRE MAN try to reach the seemingly unreachable was very appropriate and timely. It goes back to the relatable factor. How many other people out there are losing hope today? There are many, myself included. How many people allow debt to control their lives and prevent them from going to college? Many. So this was very important to the story I wanted to tell. It all ties to the slogan FIGHT FOR YOUR "HAPPY ENDING". This is the final story and the rest of the world is struggling. But fighting on is the only solution it seems.

On the villain.

Figuring out the villain could either be really easy to decide or extraordinary difficult with these stories. But it really does dictate the rest of the plot. In the past, I've used people I've known or met personally as a template. Then I'll embellish enough to make him/her an interesting enough character to read. When it comes to comics and super hero movies in general, my favorite adversaries have always been the ones that are emotionally connected to the protagonist in some way. With MM, the antagonist MUST be connected to Herb. The choice is taken away because he's not a crime fighter. He has no powers. He's mediocre. So the only way he'd go through something dramatic would be to have Herb know the villain in some way.

I wanted him to be powerful and middle aged or even a little older than that. Most importantly, I had this idea to have him represent what Americans are most afraid of to date. Someone who was everything wrong with the world. Greed, religious fanatic, power hungry, etc. So I mixed figures like certain administrations. But I felt there had to be some kind of comedic twist. I immediately thought of Tom Cruise. Watching that promotion video for Scientology made it too hard to resist. I had to involve it.I'm a fan of his but it's amusing to entertain the idea of a Hollywood icon with insane beliefs regarding aliens and technology.

The problem with going with a character who is that powerful is the question of how Herb could possibly be connected with that type of man. This was tricky. Could he be Herb's new boss? Could he be the boss of his girlfriend? It didn't feel right. Then I thought of Herb's mother and her absence in the previous four stories. Her whereabouts were always mentioned, but in passing and not really emphasized. When I wrote the first Mediocre Man, I wanted Herb to live alone with his father. At the time, I thought it would add a lot more depth to the character along with a certain type of empathy. So I wrote in it that she left the family to marry Marcus Antonio, a latin singer in tribute to my mother's true obsession with real life singer Marc Anthony. The line, "Damn Marcus Antonio" was used in each of the stories. Although very funny, I regretted not writing his mother in since I really look at these stories as a reflection on my life. It's not an autobiography by any stretch but it's close. And I simply love my mom. So this was a great opportunity to write about the return of Herb's mother while making it the focus of the villain. It seemed to connect. It was hard but I think for the most part, I got the type of fierce opponent I wanted. He's a threatening figure while adding to that humor these stories have been built on.

Final Words.

I had a lot of ideas for MM 5 and hopefully the final product reflects that in a positive way. This was meant to be the final installment so I tried diligently to throw in every idea I didn't get a chance to express in the first few stories. This time around, I feel that humor is the backbone of this story. I laughed on the inside while writing some of the crazy scenes.

I wanted the story to be relevant, thus making it even more relatable and turning Mediocre Man into this tragic and universal figure. He's part of a dying breed in this country: the middle class. This whole past election was geared towards the normal Americans and their new hardships. So in this story, Herb's begging for a job while a powerful man in Marcus has a fictitious plan to exterminate the middle and lower classes.

In the end, it's the most 'out there' in terms of the threat. I definitely embraced fantastical ideas and hopefully the three people that read this story will do the same.

Like the fourth story, the dialogue is strong along with character development. The more pages gave me a chance to do all that. I also decided to bring back the clutzy, nerdy, 'lovable loser' aspects of Herb that defined him in the first three but lacking in the 4th one. I'm not afraid to take jabs at myself. If anyone is going to do it, it might as well be me. I'm in on the joke and that makes me feel comfortable with a lot of shortcomings.

It's sad to think this may be the last one. Then again, I can't write about Herb Lopez forever. There has to be an end at some point. Might as well be now. Right! Right?

Mediocre Man 4 (2007)



It's been three years since Herb Lopez (Mediocre Man) and company's last adventure. In the midst of these years, Herb suffered the break-up of his long time high school sweetheart. Now at age 22, Herb attempts to develop new friendships, notably a new relationship, with classmate Jill Walker. Their chemistry and sincere friendship makes Herb want to give romance another shot.

But when longtime friends and family make plans to move on, such as brother and best friend, Ray getting engaged and the addition of past heart ache still lingering, Lopez ponders whether or not it's worth investing time and emotion in new relationships. Will he choose to learn the power of letting go and embrace the change or will he protect himself by pushing away people that want to care?

Meanwhile, the phrase 'hell have no fury like a woman scorned' comes into play as a vengeful ex-girlfriend of Ray's named Tara Dina discovers the power of witchcraft and abuses it by destroying all that have brought pain in her life and turned her into the monster she is. Initially, her main objective is to kill the entire Lopez family, but the plans become bigger and more catastrophic! Can Mediocre Man save his family and the entire male race?

CLIP 1

Scene 8: Herb is slowly walking down the side street to his apartment alone. All of a sudden, an old lady
pops out of the bushes near a house. Her name is Kay Hive and she has a giant Marge Simpson-esque
hair style. She is Herb's neighbor.

Kay: Hello sugar!

Herb jumps back and falls on the ground in fear.

Herb: Mrs. Hive? Hi. You scared the living crap out of me.

Kay: I'm sorry dear. Would you like to come inside for some lemonade?

Herb: It's 2 in the morning! Why are you awake anyway?

Kay: Oh I was worried about you! I usually see you come home around 6 but you never showed. So I
decided to just stay out and wait for my love to get home safe.

Herb: ::Mutters:: Creepy...

Kay: What's that?

Herb: I said that's so thoughtful. You're a great neighbor. Thank you. I'm fine though.

Kay: Are you sure? You look a little tense. If you come inside, I'll give you one of my famous Kay
massages.

Herb gags.

Kay: All the soldiers loved my rub downs in Vietnam.

Herb: I think I'm going to have to pass. I know, I'm crazy for doing so. But I have some things to do,
like keep the food I've eaten today in my stomach. Have a good night Kay.

Kay: I also practice tauntra!

Herb runs away in fear into his apartment. When he opens the door to his place, he discovers his
roommate and best friend, Ted, is posing naked for a photographer. Ted sees Herb and smiles.

Ted: Hey bud! Want to join in?

Herb: What the hell is this?! A night at the Freak Show?! First Kay, now this...

Ted: She hit on you again... ::Laughs hysterically:: I've told you time and time again to tap that!

Herb: She's 83 years of age, Ted!

Ted: She's got experience my man. Beggers can't be choosers.

Herb: I think there's a bigger issue at hand. Like you, naked with some photographer.

The photographer, wearing a bouret, appears insulted and walks over to Herb.

Photographer: Some photographer? I am an ar-teeeest! ::Raises his hand::

Herb: You mean an artist?

Photographer: No, an ar-teeesst!

Herb: There's no real need for you to pronounce it that way and raise your hand when you say it, but
okay.

Photographer: Ted, who is this fool? I cannot work like this.

Ted: Herb. I got some fantastic news!

Herb: A threesome? (Laughs)

Ted: Not funny...at all. I'm moving to Los Angeles!

Herb: What?! Why?

Ted: To become a porn star! My dream has come true! Some director checked my shots on Iheartporn.net
and hired me on the spot to star in his next film. And the name of the film is Spider-Penis 4.

Herb: This has to be a nightmare.

Ted: Wait. This sucks for you now that I think about it now. You're going to need to move out or find
another roommate.

Herb: When are you leaving?!

Ted. In a couple of days.

Herb: Thanks a lot for the head's up man.

Ted: That's what she said.

Ted laughs and gives the photographer a high five. But Herb is un amused.

Herb: What am I supposed to do now?

Ted: What? You can always stay at Ray's for a while

Herb: He's getting married.

Ted: What a loser! So what the hell are you going to do?

Herb: Go to bed. And hopefully wake up in a universe that actually makes sense.

Ted: Love you too bud. Before you go. I need a new name. You know, a stage name. How about ‘Ted the
Bed?’

Herb: Goodnight.

Herb is taking a shower, leaning against the tiled wall as water runs down his body. He gets out of the
shower and into his room, with a towel around his waist. He walks over to his computer to check e-mail.
He sees one from Jillian Walker. He opens it. The image loads and it's a picture of a giant rat. The text
underneath it reads, 'Rats! I'm still thinking of YOU!' Herb laughs, turns off the computer. He walks over
to his bed, a few moments later, lies down and just stares at the ceiling. He then takes a piece of paper out
of his wallet and unfolds it to read it. He then sighs and turns off his light.

CLIP 2

Scene 29: Herb runs over to Jill's house. He suddenly stops when he sees Jill outside the house sitting on
the stoop, slowly eating a brownie. He slowly approaches her.

Herb: Jill...

Jill: Well, look who it is. Why are you bleeding?

Herb: That's not important.

Jill: You stink of that trash. She couldn't wait to send me pictures of you with her cell phone. Unreal.

Herb: Nothing happened Jill. Just a kiss and I left.

Jill: How could you, Herb? And then you don't even have the decency to pick up the phone and say you're
not coming.

Herb: I wanted to come. I really did.

Jill: But something else came up. You'd rather sleep with Ms. Easy. A girl that gets a rise out of watching
me cry.

Herb: It's not like that.

Jill: No. That's exactly what the fuck this is!

She's about to break down but quickly gathers her composure and speaks softly.

Jill: What happened? You were one of the good guys. Part of a dying breed. Now I look at you, and...
you're no better than the rest of them. And that's something I never thought I'd say. Ever.

Herb: Why do you care so much anyway?

Jill: Excuse me?

Herb: These things don't ever work out! No matter how good we think we are for each other, something
stupid would have happened. Then you and I won't even acknowledge each other. Am I such a bad guy
to realize that and not want to be a part of it?

Jill: You know what? I don't know if it would have lasted or not. But what do you consider a successful
relationship, Herb?! Marriage? Is there a particular time frame that would make it worth while for you?

Herb: No because they're all shit. People end up hating each other. I would never want you to hate me.

Jill: Oh well I'm pretty close to hating you... And of all people, Carolyn?

Herb: I went to her place because she doesn't scare me! I look at her, and I feel nothing. It's safe! All I
see is a pretty face that wants to have fun. I look at you and it's like...this power. This power I give you.
No one should give someone else that much power over them. It's irresponsible. And when I'm with you,
I feel that way. I just can't put myself in that situation! I did it to push you away.

Jill: You know what your problem is? You're a selfish coward! Maybe we would have hurt each other in
the end. But I was ready to embrace these feelings. I left a guy who treated me like I didn't matter
because it was you who gave me the hope that things could be different. I was scared of the same thing.
But I said to myself, 'Jill, you need to take a leap of faith. And if you fall, at least you fall for something
that matters'. Just one night would have made it worthwhile. You didn't feel the same way, did you?
You'd rather hurt me to protect yourself.

His chin starts to tremble as he swallows his saliva and his eyes become glassy.

Herb: People keep leaving. I don't know what else to do. (His voice cracks)

Jill: Herb, the thing is, I'm not Ray. And I'm not Ted. Most importantly, I'm not Anessa! So why do you
keep punishing me for things that they did to you?!

Herb: I...

Puts his head down.

Herb: I don't know.

Jill: Because you're an asshole, that's why.

She throws Herb a bag.

Jill: There's your stupid present. Choke on it

She walks inside her home. Herb takes the item out of the bag. It's a navy blue t-shirt that reads,
"Mediocre Man". He lets out a heavy sigh and looks up at the sky.

Herb: (to himself) How would I choke on a t-shirt?

Jill yells from inside her home

Jill: Choke!

CLIP 3

Herb: Wow. A world where only women exist…

Ray: Boy, would that suck.

Herb: This whole thing sucks! I got a snake wrapped around my body really tight. I'm starting to get
dizzy.

Ray: That's the least of our problems.

10 seconds of silence passes. Herb whistles while Ray sighs.

Herb: In a world where only women exist, the toilet seat would never be left down.

Ray: In a world where only women exist, Ryan Seacrest would exist.

Herb: In a world where only women exist, Cher would not exist.

Ray: In a world where only women exist, watching episodes of Will & Grace would become mandatory.

Herb: In a world where only women exist, the WNBA will still not be watched.

Ray: Good one.

CLIP 4

Tara and Mike enter a hotel room, and begin to make out. They make their way to the bed.
He puts his hand on her leg.

Tara: Hey, do you remember what you did to me in 8th grade?

Mike: I don't believe I do.

Tara: Oh it's just a small thing. You told the entire class that I was awful in bed. Funny thing is, we had
never slept together. Do you know how cruel a bunch of 13 year olds can be?

Mike: I'm so sorry Tara. But that was decades ago. I was an immature prick.

Tara: Doesn't seem like much has changed...

Mike: Excuse me?

Tara: Well you call yourself mature? You have a wife and kids and here you are, in a expensive hotel,
trying to fuck me after talking to me for 5 minutes.

Mike: Still a freak, aren't you? I knew this was a stupid idea. But I gave you the benefit of the doubt.
You're still a crackpot.

Tara: And you're still a bad human being.

Mike: Whatever. I'm leaving. Get therapy, you cheap slut!

Tara points her finger to the door and it automatically locks. Mike tries to open it with force but no
result.

Mike: What the hell is going on here?

Tara: I'll tell you what's going on here Michael. You've done a lot of wrong in your life and now, it's
time to pay for your sins. You made my adolescent years miserable. And now you're making your wife
miserable.

As she speaks, she starts to turn into the hideous witch form.

Mike: My God! Somebody help!

Tara: Don't insult our intelligence. She knows what the late nights are about. They're about you crushing
the feelings of people that love you, that would die for you. Do you even care?

Mike: I'm sorry. What do you want from me? Money?! I have plenty of it. Just let me out of here

Tara: No. You came to get laid. You're going to get laid.

She kisses Mike's lips. Because she's in witch form, body contact is lethal. His skin begins to burn with
every kiss. She continues to kiss him all over his body, including his crotch. This is when he screams the
loudest.

Tara: This feels so good.

He burns to the point where all you see is his skeleton. Tara has killed Mike. She holds up his skull and
begins to laugh.

Tara: Too hot to handle.

His bones turn into dust. Tara turns back into human form.

Tara: That was some good practice. Now It's time to move onto better things!

COMMENTARY

On The Plot

Since I had about two and a half years to reflect on the feeling of losing a first love and realize the outcome of it, I was well equipped to finally write about it in a script. So I wanted to start the story after Herb's breakup. Anessa played an important role in all three Mediocre Man stories, which was another hurdle in writing a 4th story that didn't include her. But if Herb's entire journey in MM4 was to let go of the only girl he loved and move onto a new relationship, then you have a story that understands and acknowledges the significance of her character and uses her absence as a key plot point. I wanted there to be a new girl that Herb was a friend with. Someone that he was very close to that would sort of test his resistance and fear for loving again. This was the character of Jill Walker. I could've gone the route of starting the story with the two meeting but I wanted the two to have already established some type of bond and chemistry. That way, when the story starts, you see this new budding relationship that's eventually thwarted by Herb's own personal demons.

I also wanted to tie in Herb's best friends in this theme of 'letting go'. So his brother Ray returned for another significant role. After his first appearance in MM3, I was excited about the prospects of writing a fourth one because Herb would have a sidekick. He gets engaged in this story after living with his girlfriend and their baby boy. Remember, it takes place three years after MM3 so I wanted a lot to change since then. Herb should be happy for Ray and his bright future, but he's being selfish in the story and knows that he holds a much lesser role in that future. In addition, his best friend Ted, who he's living with, is moving to the west coast to pursue an outrageous career opportunity. So all these changes are happening with Herb and he responds by pushing away the new friends in his life, most notably Jill. It made for very interesting drama. There's also another new female character who doesn't share the kindest of personalities.

The villain Tara and Herb had some stark similarities in their journeys. Both were broken hearted and a bit scarred by people that they loved exiting their lives. Mid way through the story, Herb allows these feelings to overtake his better judgment and pushes away. Because he's not a bad person. He's only confused. Because of that good spirit, and family, he's able to learn the hard but basic lesson in life. It's a painful part of life that takes its course with time and new challenges. However, Tara had been hurt too many times and was beyond being saved. She didn't have the family or friends that Herb did, which sealed her fate and cased her to go the opposite path. With stories that include clear cut protagonists and antagonists, it works seamlessly when both of them have similar problems, but solve them differently.

Final words

This is one of my favorite Mediocre Man stories for many reasons. I wasn't supposed to write it and did anyway. I realized I hadn't outgrown the character
and the stories, so when the time finally came and I wrote it, I was proud of the outcome. I didn't care if it sounded silly or juvenile. A lot of elements within the story are deliberate. But there's also heart and humor and hopefully creativity involved.

After taking 3 writing classes, I was able to utilize the lessons I learned there and apply them to Mediocre Man installments. It's been encouraging how to see each one reads better and better. It shows some time of progression and evolution. I look forward to seeing that type of progression in the years and stories to come.

I feel the dialogue was the best and that trend continued with MM 5. It was an opportunity for a fresh start while continuing the heart of the last stories. It's more mature, bolder and better, yet it still fits in with the others. Probably the drama aspect is the most influential genre of the story. All the characters conflicts or intentions seemed to tie together nicely to the theme and the 'power of letting go'.

Mediocre Man 3 (2003)



It's been 6 months since Herb Lopez (Mediocre Man) and girlfriend Anessa decided to take an indefinite break after her move to the west coast in order to tend to her rising career. Now a college student, Lopez has a hard time dealing with his maturation stage that he labels as 'the curse of time'. During their time off, Herb decides to go on a blind date set up by friends Ted and Byron. Little did his friends know that they were setting Herb up with the evil Diana, a senior at an all girl private high school. Though seemingly just another dumb blonde, she and her boyfriend Andrew are following through an outlandish plan to monopolize Brooklyn's schooling system.

After Diana's 'date' with Herb, she realizes that she accidentally leaves behind incriminating evidence regarding their plan. The evidence falls into Herb's hands. It then becomes their duty and responsibility to kill Mediocre Man and all who he associates himself with in order to keep their secret safe.

On top of this calamity, Herb's father informs him that he indeed has an older brother. Ray's existence has been hidden from the mediocre hero for good reason. But when Herb, Ray and Anessa, who makes a return, realize that they're against forces far more powerful than just the villainous couple, they must work together to save their own lives and the borough of Brooklyn.

CLIP 1

Herb opens a folder that’s on his lap and takes out a paper that he has written. It is titled, “America’s game: Different, But Still Beautiful”. He flips through the pages and quickly reads certain sentences.

Herb: (to himself) Come on, Herb! You can do this. This is a great story. This is better than 90 percent of the things that are printed in the paper…Okay.

He gets up from the bench, walks inside a building and makes his way to the BC Weekly office, which is where they print the school newspaper. As he approaches the door, he starts to tense up a bit. His hands shake as he tries to turn the knob. He releases his hand from the knob and just stares at the door for a few moments. Suddenly, the door swings open and hits Herb right in the head, causing him to fall on the floor. An attractive girl had opened the door. She looks at Herb, and appears concerned.

Girl: Oh my God! I’m so sorry.

Herb: Oh. No. It’s fine.

He quickly gets up from the floor.

Herb: That’s what doors do. They open. Ha.

Girl: Are you alright??

Herb: You mean besides a hurt ego? Sure, I’m okay.

Girl: Well, can I help you with something?

Herb: Actually, yeah…

Although he wants to ask about joining the school paper team, he begins to get nervous and changes.

Herb: Can you tell me where the Bursar’s Office is located?

Girl: Sure. It’s straight down that way.

She points to her right.

Herb: (Sighs) Thanks a lot. I appreciate.

Herb walks to the exit door, which is on his left. The girl appears very confused.

Girl: What a strange guy.

CLIP 2

Scene 10: Herb’s dad drives away in his van while both Ray and Herb are still in the house.

Ray: Dude! So what kind of dinner have you cooked for me?

Herb: Dinner for you?!

Ray: Yeah! What’s wrong? You’re deaf?

Herb: I didn’t even know you were coming until 2 minutes ago.

Ray: Oh so dadio waited that long to tell you the good news, ay?!

Herb: Oh yeah! Great news! I couldn’t have asked for anything better for my birthday. Right up there on my list. A laptop, season tickets, Jessica Biel…Oh and a crazy older brother who tried to kill me.

Ray: Okay. I’m sensing a little sarcasm on your part.

Herb: You got a great sense there…”BROTHER.”

Ray: You know what they say about sarcastic people? They’re insecure.

Herb: You know what they say about brothers trying to kill you when you’re just an innocent baby? They’re psycho!

Ray: If you give me a couple of minutes, I can explain.

Herb: Okay. Fine. Why did you try to kill me?

Ray: Well you know how it is. I was only 12 when you were born. At first I thought it would be great to have a baby bro. You see, dad and mom told me that I would always be their first and their favorite. I believed it for a while. But then, they gave you my room! You know where I had to sleep? On the freezing cold floor until they fixed the other, smaller room for me. It just became too much. So I tried to drown you. It’s been a rough road ever since. There hasn’t been a night that I haven’t regretted what I did. I was young and disturbed.

Herb: Well you shouldn’t have done me any favors.

Ray: What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Herb: It means that you should have finished the job!

Ray: What’s wrong with my baby bro? He seems a little depressed.

Herb: Nothing is wrong.

Ray: Girl trouble? Hey, I read all the newspaper articles about you! Who would have thought my brother, the hero. Saved his girl twice along with his entire senior class. Mediocre Man!

Herb: That’s ancient history.

Ray: Come on! Let’s talk about Anessa Hotlicious. What happened?! She’s seeing someone else?

Herb: I don’t know. We’re on some weird hiatus. So she could be. I have no idea.

Ray: So why not try dating during this hiatus?

Herb: Well, I tried that! But I was tied to a chair. And not in the fun way either. And I’m an A plus loser according to some sources.

Ray: That can’t be it. What’s the matter? You’re not well hung down there?

Ray points in between Herb’s legs.

Herb: What are you talking about?

Ray: What? I gotta spell it out for you!? How big is your sausige!?!

Herb: Let’s just say I do well down there.

Ray: How well?

Herb: Above average. I’m the girl pleasa.

Ray: Is that so?

Ray pushes his pants down.

Ray: Size contest! Right here! Right now! 20 bucks says I’m bigger.

Herb: What the hell are you talking about now?

Ray: Come on! Let’s find out which Lopez brother is the better girl pleaser.

Herb: You’re crazy!

Ray: Wow! Is it that small?

Herb: No!! I’m going to sleep. It’s been a long ass night, week and year. And with you around, I assume it’s going to be even longer.

Herb stares at the bed in his old bedroom.

Herb: Here, you can take my bed. I’ll sleep somewhere else. Maybe even the floor. I wouldn’t want you to get all killer, crazy mode on me. It means more to you than it does to me.

Ray: I really appreciate it. Thanks. Hey, do you mind if I raid the frig?

Herb: Be my guest. Don’t think we have much though.

Ray: Fine by me dude. I may snore a bit during the night. Oh and I have this weird pre sleep ritual. Just giving you the warning.

Herb: Whatever.

Herb gets out a blanket and gets ready for bed as he makes his way to the living room couch. Ray starts blasting The Ramones songs on the stereo. He jumps around the living room, singing and pretending to play the guitar with a tennis racket.

Herb: Hey ho! Let’s go!! Woo!

Herb: Why me?!

CLIP 3

Scene 19: That afternoon, at 11:59 AM, Mediocre Man is shown riding his bike the Brooklyn Bridge walkway. He stops in the middle as he sees a girl a approaching him. It’s Dieana.

Diana: Hello Mediocre loser. You look like you got absolutely no sleep last night.

Herb: What the hell do you think you’re doing?

Diana: Having some fun. What’s wrong Herb? I guess that’s a stupid question. After all, you’ve had a pretty rough week. Your ‘girlfriend’ was supposed to head out to Mongolia and leave her trash, trash being you, behind. You find out you had a brother who tried to murder you. Now, they’ve both been kidnapped, all because of you. But worst of all, you got rejected by me, quite the cutie!

Herb: You are, miss Diana, a grade A wacko. And you still owe me $200.

Diana: I played you so bad that day.

Herb: We know. We know. Where are my they?

Diana: No need to worry. They aren’t dead…yet!

Herb: If you hurt them, I swear…

Diana: Um, excuse me? I don’t think you understand. You aren’t exactly in the position to offer me threats. That is currently my job.

Herb: Brainwashing kids?! You are nothing but a robot and a puppet for your school. You’re a whore for the system!

Diana: You are one sensitive guy Herb. I think you have a phone call.

She whips out a cell phone and hands it to Herb.

Herb: Hello?

Anessa: Can you do me a favor?

Herb: Ness? Is that you?

Anessa: Make her life so miserable that she wishes she had a yeast infection instead of dealing with you.

Herb: (Laughs) Always humorous, no matter what. Have they hurt you?

Anessa: Not yet, but it’s not looking so good. These are some real nuts.

Herb: I swear to you Ness, you and Ray are gonna be okay. I’m going to get you two out of this.

Diana: Aw! Isn’t that sweet? She has her own knight in shining armor. What a loser!

She grabs the phone from Herb.

Diana: I wouldn’t bet on this Rican weakling saving you anytime soon Ness. Ha! Later.

She hangs up.

Herb: What the hell do you want from me?

Diana: Well, to be honest, at first we wanted to kill you. We were unsuccessful three times. And you got us really pissed. So instead of killing you, we are going to fuck around with you, which in my opinion, will be much worse. Here’s how it’s going to go from here. Since I know you love baseball so much, maybe this won’t be so bad for you after all. Are you familiar with Shea and Yankee Stadium?

Herb: Oh boy…Yes I am. Why?

Diana: Well you see you’re precious Nessie is going to be literally hanging out at the top of Yankee Stadium, while your broskey will be doing the same thing but at the top of Shea Stadium.

Herb: I don’t like where this is going.

Diana: As you know, both teams are out of town, which will mean minimal security. And since we have Larney and Eggzaverian special access, we can get in whenever the hell we please. Any who, they will be tied to the top of each stadium. Now if you don’t go to save them, they will be released from all the way up top, and let’s just say the respective janitors are going to have a big mess on their hands.

Herb: You are sick!

Diana; Hold on. It gets better. See, as of now, you have 0 time to rescue them. You have to earn the time. Bishop Larney has a little Guy Auction going on tonight and you will be one of the guys selling yourself. For each dollar a girl bids on you, you gain five minutes. So if you receive a small bid, it looks like you are going to have very little driving time to rescue both of them. Who know? You may even have to choose one.

Herb: Did you say drive?

Diana: That’s right. We will provide you with a car to drive…Oops. That’s right! You don’t have a license. Not to mention you are afraid of driving. I guess you’re going to have to get over that fear for their sake. You poor baby. Well, look at the time. I gotta go. See you at 7 at Club Neo. Oh and it requires great dancing skills so you better get your freak on.

Herb: You may be pretty but you are so insane, it’s unreal!

Diana: Thanks. Bye sweetie.

Andrew picks her up in a motorcycle and they ride away.

Herb: Crazy ass.

COMMENTARY

On the plot

We finally introduce Herb as a college student. MM2 ended with his high school graduation. So this one all starts on the college campus of the t-shirt that he’s proudly worn. Brooklyn College. Sound familiar? We see that he's still the same insecure mess we remember from the last one. Now he's basically at the tail end of his teenage years. Those can be very confusing times. The story begins by delving into these feelings of confusion but unlike MM2, these moments are brief. Most of the time in the first act is spent introducing Herb's brother, which was fun. It's hard to bring in family members when they weren't mention in previous installments, so that posed as a challenge. Although I'm sure these weird families exist, there's always a bit of fiction and humor in these stories.

Herb's relationship with Anessa is basically nonexistent throughout the story. I, myself, was going through the whole long distance relationship struggle. So naturally, I dragged Herb along for the same ride of emotions and disappointments that whole mess creates. She's an actress, which was established since the 1st story, so it was a seamless transition to have her character become consumed with her up and coming career. This leaves Herb basically on the rebound and the great friend that Ted is (who's one of only three characters to have appeared in all 5 Mediocre Man stories: Herb and his father are the other two)he organizes a blind date for him via the internet. Herb learns a painful lesson because of that. The main theme is The Curse Of Time. That's sort of the motto, but it's a story that's not as focused or singular as the others. For instance, the villains don't necessarily relate to the theme or Herb's emotional journey. They're just greedy and are there for the adventurous aspect of the story. In addition, that motto doesn't speak for Herb's new relationship with his brother. It speaks for Herb and Anessa really. This is probably the craziest of all the 5 stories in the sense that not everything always clicks and comes together. That's not a bad thing though. In fact, it was fun to write. I spent time in the school library writing this story...in the summer! It may not be the best thing I've done, but I think it's good fun and once again, speaks for myself and the obstacles I felt that I faced when I wrote it. I enjoy its humor and this was really the catalyst for me to write a better Mediocre Man 2 the following year and 4-5 years later.

Final words

This was written a long time ago: over 5 years to be exact (writing this entry 11/18). To re-read Mediocre Man 3, I realized that I've come pretty far in writing these stories. But none of that evolution process would be possible without this one. This was the beginning of something pretty damn cool. For myself, the most intriguing writing is always honesty. Honesty with yourself, the world, people, conversations. I felt that honesty come through the pages as I read it. If you look through the fictitious parts, and there are some, my hope is that you'll see it as well. This story paved the way for the next two stories, giving Anessa and Herb's relationship more depth and conflict, adding an amazingly amusing character with Ray, creating preposterous antagonistic plots just to name a few.
It's definitely the most chaotic Mediocre Man, but it's still a lot of fun. I look back at the writing sessions with fond memories. It puts a smile on my face and has much meaning to me. It was the start of harder and more confusing times and to see how feelings change along with writing styles has definitely been a learning experience.

Mediocre Man 2 (2004 Rewrite)



It's been a year since Herb Lopez became Mediocre Man and found his first love, actress Anessa Hotlicious. But as her career quickly grows, so do Herb's insecurities of being nothing more than Mediocre Man. Anessa is thrown into a life full of glamour and upscale friends. This forces Herb to do anything in his power to fit into that lifestyle and hold onto his relationship, even if that means abandoning his average ways. During this process, he struggles to find a new niche and identity.

Meanwhile, loner and high school peer, Rick Roscow develops an obsession with Anessa. So much so that he decides to undergo a self induced dangerous science experiment that involves turning Rick into everything Herb isn't: a Superior Man! This project is successful, giving him the charm, wit, strength and looks that Herb doesn't quite possess.

At first, Rick's newly acquired attributes alone aren't enough to woo the actress, as she is devoted to Herb. But that doesn't deter his pursuit. He later uses several psychological tactics that expose Herb's lack of confidence and their relationship. When all else fails for Roscow, he resorts to force and revenge on the entire senior class. It's up to Lopez to be victorious in the battle between mediocrity and superiority.

CLIP 1

Anessa: Herb! IT’S TIME TO GET OUT OF THE FREAKING LIMO!

Herb: I don’t feel too good...

Anessa: Herbert Lopez, if you don’t get out of the limo right now, I will drag you by your ski slope hair cut!!

He peaks out of the limo and sees all the people and becomes easily intimidated.

Herb: I don’t think I can do it...

Anessa: Okay, what if we make a deal. If you come out, we can play that game you like so much tonight.

Herb: Which one?

Anessa: You know which one...

Herb: Pleather and the beast?!

Anessa: Yes, pleather and the beast. Now please come out.

Herb: Okay. I’ll try.

Herb gets out of limo and hundreds of flashes are shown. They walk through the red carpet smiling. Herb is in awe by all the attention of the media. They stop in the middle of their walk to pose.

Herb: Why are we stopping?

Anessa: (Smiling as she responds) Just shut up and smile.

Herb: Oh this is the posing time.

Anessa: Yes.

A photographer yells out to them

Photographer: Anessa, who is your date?

Anessa: His name is Herb Lopez

Photographer: How old are you Herb?

Anessa: Herb is 18 years old and a senior in high school.

Reporter: Hey, does Herb Lopez have a voice?

All the reporters and photographers start laughing.

Herb: Ha ha. Yeah I do.

Reporter: So how did you meet Anessa?

Herb: At school...

Reporter: Wow, you’re just a ball of laughs, Lopez? Can anyone ever get you to shut up?

Herb: But I’m not talking...

Reporter: The hell you’re not.

Herb: Yeah...

Herb and Anessa walk through the red carpet as they smile and wave at photographers. As they walk, Herb accidentally steps on the bottom of Anessa’s dress, causing it to rip. She then trips and fall as he falls on top of her. The photographers and reporters start laughing hysterically.

Herb: Oh no! Are you okay Ness?

Anessa: Oh just dandy.

Herb: I’m so sorry...

Anessa: You mind getting off me now?

Herb: Yeah!

They both get up, but her dress is so torn that her panties are showing. Herb bends over and tries to cover it.

Herb: Oh no! It’s okay Ness. I got you covered...

Anessa: Get up!

Herb: Hey, you’re wearing the Yankee panties I got you. Awesome.

Anessa: Oy!

CLIP 2

Scene 9: Herb is going inside his home. He checks the mail and has three letters from colleges. One from NYU, Harvard, and Georgetown.

Herb: Please, give me some good news...

::He opens the letter from NYU letter and starts reading the piece of paper.

Herb: Dear Herb Lopez, We regret to inform you that...’ Come on!!!! YOU GUYS SUCK! SUCK!

A neighbor walks by and stares at Herb in confusion.

Herb: O hi, Mrs. Gonzalez

Ms. Gonzalez: (to herself): That boy has finally lost it.

Herb: Okay. 2 more letters...What are the chances that I GET REJECTED FROM ALL 3 SCHOOLS?!

::Opens Harvard letter::

Herb: ‘Dear Mr. Lopez, Because you are such a dumb specimen, there is no way on God’s green Earth that we will accept you’re mediocre ass into our University. We tried extremely hard not to laugh at your sub par application, and failed in doing so...we laughed so hard we pissed our pants. Good luck in the future?!’ Wow these colleges are getting more direct. Who needs Harvard?!?! Not Herb Lopez! I hold in my hand the final letter. But this upsetting trend is scaring me.

Herb begins to open the final letter, then stops.

Herb: I can’t do it...

Scene 10: Herb is outside of Ted’s house.

Herb: YO! TED! You there buddy!?

Ted opens the front door in anger.

Ted: What is it, ass clown?!

Herb: I need you to open this letter from Georgetown for me.

Ted: Why the hell can’t you open it!?

Herb: Just please...I think it’ll bring some luck. Usually when the guy lets the friend open the college letter, something positive always happens.

Ted: You mean like all the movies and cheesy sitcoms?

Herb: Exactly.

Ted: Give me the damn letter.

Ted opens it and silently reads it.

Herb: So...what’s the verdict?

Ted: Um, I don’t know how to say this?

Herb: WHAT?!

Ted: You didn’t get in.

Herb: Oh (laughs) I know what you’re doing...It’s the token friend trick... Any second now, you’re gonna say, "Gotcha! Congrats buddy, you got in"

Ted: Yeah, except for I’m not a corny bastard and I just read what’s on the letter...

Herb slams head against Ted’s front door. door, while same neighbor, Mrs. Gonzalez walks by.

Herb: Hey, Mrs. Gonzalez again...Bad day.

Mrs. Gonzalez: (mutters) What a psycho.

Herb: Ted, what the hell am I going to do?!

Ted: You got into Brooklyn, didn’t you?

Herb: Yeah.

Ted: So go there... Stop acting like a little girl.

Herb: You don’t understand man. I wanted to do something special. I wanted to feel exceptional...

Ted: Since when?!

Herb: Since I realized I’m destined for a life of mediocrity. Since I realized that I haven’t done anything spectacular. Since that night at the hospital

CLIP 3

He gives Todd a five as he walks outside the crowd and sees Herb.

Rick: Hey Herbbie! What’s shaking?

Rick pats him on the back.

Herb: Nothing much man. You’re looking sharp though.

Rick: Ah It’s nothing. How is Ness doing?

Herb: Oh, she’s fine. She’s coming home in a couple days from her promotion stuff.

Rick: BUSY, BUSY GAL! You two have anything planned?

Herb: Yeah, she loves beef, so I think I’m going to take her to this steakhouse.

Rick: Oh, you gotta love a girl who stands by her meat...ESPECIALLY beef. So what is the name of this steakhouse?

Herb: Tad’s.

Rick: TAD’S?!?!?! (laughs) You’re taking the ANESSA HOTLICIOUS to Tad’s?! (laughs)

Herb: Yeah...Question: Why does this amuse you!?!

Rick: Answer: It’s basically a dive...Herbbie, Herbbie...Walk with me. Talk with me.

They walk into the school and in the halls.

Rick: Now, Tad’s OKAY for a nice meal during a lunch break...Not gonna win you any points with the ladies though.

Herb: It won’t?!

Rick: I understand your situation. I do, and I feel for you. It must be hard going out with a girl who makes more than you will probably make in 10 lifetimes. She works for Hollywood and you work for?!?!

Herb: The Brooklyn Library...

Rick: (Laughs) Right... But the point is you can still manage to take her breath away. Here, take her to Peter Lugaa’s. This place has top of the line, aged, thick, juicy steaks. T-bones, sirlon, shell steaks, you name it. Best in the city. NOW that’s where you gotta take her. Have a nice candle-lit dinner. Great band, great atmosphere, awesome view of the city...I know how much she loves the city.

Herb: Yeah, I’m glad you know so much about my girlfriend. Do you know what toothpaste she uses too?

Rick: Calm down. I’m just trying to help a brother out. Anyway, that’s WHAT I WOULD DO! I do understand how hard it is for a librarian to afford a night like that. I’ll tell you what I can do... There’s an entrance fee of 30 dollars a person. Now I have some connections. If you want, I could get you two lovebirds in there for free.

Herb: Thanks a lot Rick. I appreciate the offer, but I think I can afford the place on my own.

Rick: OK suit yourself. Just remember, they don’t accept food stamps. I’ll see you later man. Tell the Mrs. I said I loved her in her film. Later!

Snaps his finger, smiles, and walks away. Ted approaches Herb after hearing their conversation.

Ted: Ouch! Wow, that had to hurt!

Herb punches his locker really hard twice. He is in pain but refrains from showing it.

Ted: Bet that hurt a little more, didn’t it?!

Herb: Yeah...Ah! Guess I should be worried, right?

Ted: Of Rick? No. God no.

They stare at each other for ten seconds.

Ted: Well maybe...a LITTLE cautious...

They stare at each other for another ten seconds.

Ted: I mean, I’D BE PRETTY WORRIED, but not THAT worried...

Then another few seconds.

Ted: Come to think of it, you’re in pretty deep shit bro...

Herb: That’s what I thought.

CLIP 4

Herb: Why are you doing this Rick? Those people in that boat are innocent. They are just trying to have fun.

Rick: Innocent?! HAHAHA Herbbie, give me a break. No one in that ship is innocent. People like Jake, Jared, Todd, Mike, Chris. Are they innocent?! They didn’t seem so innocent when they stole my homework and made the last four years a living hell for me!! No. They were guilty Herb! Guilty and you know it! Calling me names. Saying I’m the world’s biggest dork! Now a guy like me will finally gets what he wants...revenge and the girl of his dreams.

Herb: What’s happened to you?! We were friends Rick. Not too long ago.

Rick: That was the old me, Herb. I’m a new man...A Superior Man.

Herb: The point is, I’ve been bullied just as much as you have! We are kind of similar! I understand what you’re going through! But this isn’t the answer!

COMMENTARY

On the plot

As much material as I had to write Mediocre Man 2, some rules and restraints applied. Because I was treating this as prequel, I couldn't include Herb's brother Ray. He introduces himself in MM3. That was kind of a drag because that character was really fun to write. But it allowed me to have Herb's friend Ted play a more prominent role since he was for the most part MIA. This story takes place a year after the first Mediocre Man. Herb and Anessa's relationship hits a peak during that year. But as soon as the first scene, we see the problems that could potentially drive these two apart. Anessa's career is thriving after her debut movie premieres. Herb, adjusting to life as Mediocre Man isn't as smooth as anticipated.

In the first story, the main drive behind Herb's journey and what made it unique was that he didn't wish to be extraordinary or this smooth talker. No. He wished to be average. At that time in his life, being average was an ideal world that he felt would make him happy. But that was before he fell in love with a girl who works in a field which idolizes its figures. The more she becomes that iconic figure, the more Herb starts to sink. And to a degree, he sabotages himself and the relationship while attempting to fix his insecurities. That's really what this story is about. It's a natural progression from the first Mediocre Man because you see Herb's inner turmoil and the consequences of being a shockingly average guy. If he was romantically involved with anyone else, whether that be a neighbor or a friend of a friend, he'd feel comfortable and content. But with a celebrity who's popularity grows throughout the story, it's a major problem. He tries to impress her with fancy dinners, job titles, rather than just being his odd charming self. There's some sweet stuff he does, like sell his prized possession in order to afford to take his woman to an expensive restaurant: a special Spider-Man comic book.

The more intriguing twist in this complex relationship is that Anessa starts to believe the people that tell her Herb isn't the best fit for her life, to say the least. This notion justifies Herb's paranoia. Her agent, Mike, serves as the poster child for this philosophy and pushes her to find a boyfriend that could help boost her stardom even further ala Jessica Simpson-Nick Lachey. Just a guy she could use to get her name out into the tabloids. On the fly, I thought of this idea of Anessa starring in a movie about the events that took place in the first movie. The movie within a movie idea, which I believe was used in Scream and A New Nightmare. The idea was a little out there but it served the purpose of revealing her agent's deviant ways. He plans to cast Herb's role with an actor that has potential to also be a star. This way, the two could fall for each other. Coincidentally, this other actor just happens to be the main villain of the story, Rick Roscow.

Final Words

In the end, this is light years ahead of the original MM2 in terms of the quality. WIth the exception of a few gaffes on my part, it's one of my favorite Mediocre Man stories. With my ankle injury that I sustained, I was hurting in more ways than one and needed Herb Lopez more than ever to help pass the time. Luckily it was also at a time where I felt inspired enough to spill 80 or so pages of my heart and personal problems and try to make it funny and interesting, while adding a little adventure. The fights that Herb and Anessa have are interesting. They both act like idiots but vindicate themselves by the end of act 3. Anessa had outside influence to do things and be with someone for all the wrong reasons, something that tends to happen in Hollywood or even when you're popular and people take a vested interest in you. Herb allowed Rick and others to get under his skin. When you don't feel good about yourself, it doesn't matter what you try, your love relationship is destined to fail. They learn their lessons before it's too late. I love how we bring the whole MEDIOCRE theme to it, something that's involved in all the stories, but really is at the forefront in this one. In Mediocre Man 1, he's seeking normality and here, he wants to rid himself of it. It's really about self love and self acceptance when being thrust into a superficial world where that's really hard to do. It's a timeless lesson that I still struggle with learning today. But I think I'm a smarter and better person for writing it. At least just a little bit.

Mediocre Man (2002)





High school junior Herb Lopez leads his life an uninspired and lethargic soul. His underwhelming popularity with his peers and the womenfolk has him thirsting to become just a 'regular guy'. Unfortunately, Lopez is not very careful what he wishes for.

While volunteering at a local hospital, Herb gets into an accident involving two blood samples of polar opposite individuals: One of a successful billionaire. The other of a homeless man. These two DNA samples enter Herb's body and cancel each other out, turning him into Mediocre Man.

Lopez is initially ecstatic to look, act and sound less like an outcast, but quickly realizes being average at everything has significant drawbacks. He realizes this granted wish can also be a curse.

In addition, he meets Anessa Hotlicious, an aspiring actress whose career is on the rise. They quickly take a liking for each other. But when her jealous, evil twin sister Valerie kidnaps her in order to steal her acting roles, Herb must attempt to save the girl he pines for by going from zero to...somewhere in the middle.

CLIP 1

Chris: Okay, Herb. Whatever you do, please do not ground into a double play. Anything but a double play.

Herb: Okay.(To himself) Gee, I wonder what’s going to happen now.

Herb steps up to the batter’s box, looking very intimidated. The pitcher winds up and delivers the pitch. Herb swings at the very first pitch and hits the ball, but weakly and right to second base. The 2nd baseman gets the ball, steps on the bag and throws it to first, and just gets Herb in time for the double play. Herb puts head down.

Gym teacher: Okay guys. That’s it. The bell is about to ring. Pack it up!

Chris looks at Herb with disdain.

Chris: I seriously think you are cursed Herb. What a loser! Next time, I don’t care if Mullin threatens to fail me, you will be nowhere near my team. Your curse may rub off on them too.

Herb: Thanks a lot man.

Scene 5: Herb goes into the empty locker room and punches one of the lockers. He takes out an asthma pump, sprays it in his mouth and throws it across the room.

Herb: ::Yells to himself:: Dick! I want to take that lacrosse stick of his and shove it up his ass!

The janitor, Juan, is mopping the floor in the background and over hears his rant.

Herb: Sorry about that Juan.

Juan: It’s okay amigo. I know the feeling.

Herb: You do?

Juan: Sure. I’m a janitor amigo. Clean up this, Juan. Clean up that Juan. I just want to go crazy some days. One day, Herb. One day this whole school will feel my pain. One day they will be cleaning up for me!! We’ll see how they like mopping up vomit, cleaning up toilet seats. They will one day see. (Laughs)

Silence is heard for about 10 seconds.

Herb: No they won’t.

Juan: Yeah, probably not.

Herb: Gotta go. Good luck with that though. See you tomorrow buddy.

Juan: Adios amigo.

CLIP 2

Scene 6: Herb enters the cafeteria with his tray of food in hand. He looks around for a cool group of people to sit with. Not wanting to look like a loner, he sits in the front where it is known to be the SMART table.

David: Whoa, whoa. Hold it, right there!!

Herb: Who me?

David: Yes, you! This lunch table has a standard of excellence.

Herb: What? I don’t know what you’re talking about but I just want to eat my lunch.

David: So, you want to be in our club!?!?!

Herb: Club? No, can’t I just sit here and eat.

David: What college do you plan on going to?

Herb: Well, I may be going to Kingsborough Community College. But if I get lucky, Brooklyn College is looking pretty nice right about now.

The whole table laughs.

Herb: What did I say?

David: Herbbie, Herbbie. This is an A plus table! You are like a C student. There is no place for you here. I plan on going to Harvard. And so do my 9 other friends here.

Herb: Harvard…never heard of it.

David: I’m sure you haven’t. Why don’t you go sit with a group more in your SAT level? (Laughs)

Herb: Thanks for being so cool guys. I thought you were going to be dicks.

He gets up and walks over and finds a table full of students mingling in the middle of the room and sits.

Peter: Hold up.

Herb: What? What now?!

Peter: Please stand up for a second please.

Herb stands up and Peter takes out measuring tape.

Peter: Make a muscle on your right arm.

Herb does so and Peter measures it and starts laughing.

Herb: I assume it’s too small for me to sit on this table.

Peter: You got that right. This is the athletic table and you are far from an athlete. You are so below average. What is that arm made of anyway, spaghetti?

The table laughs. A frustrated Herb walks over to another table full of kids sitting. As Herb sits though, a guy named Ken takes out a white colored card and puts it right next to Herb’s face.

Herb: Why are you putting a card next to my face?!?!

Ken: I’m sorry. You can’t sit here.

Herb: Why?!?! What is it this time? Is this the must not have facial hair section. The must not be a virgin table! What?!

Ken: If your skin is darker than this shade in the card, you are unable to sit here. That’s why it’s called the majority table.

Herb: You gotta be kidding me?!?! You know what?! Forget all of you. I’ll just sit alone.

Herb walks to the back of the room and sits alone the remainder of the period.

CLIP 3

Herb: Hey, I’m really sorry about that.

Anessa: No, don’t worry. Are you okay?

Herb: Fine. More pissed than anything.

Anessa: What a jerk!

Herb: Yeah. He’s what I like to call “Think their shit don’t stink people”. His head is so far up his ass. He’s going to marry his favorite person. Himself. He even has a mirror in his locker and he spends several minutes just staring at it. I kid you not.

Anessa: (Laughs) Oh yeah. Being in my business, you meet plenty of people like that.

Herb: Actress?

Anessa: Yep.

Herb: It could be worse. You could go to school here.

Anessa: Then I’d be a boy.

Herb: (Laughs) Yikes! Wouldn’t want that. Oh. I’m Herb Lopez by the way.

Anessa: That’s a pretty unique name.

Herb: Yeah, it’s one of my many curses.

Anessa: No! I didn’t mean it that way. It has a very nice ring to it. Anessa Hotlicious. Nice to meet you.

Herb: Hotlicious. Hmm? Is that Italian?

Anessa: Very funny. Stage name. Like Carmen Electra.

Herb: I would’ve never guessed.

Anessa: Shut up.

Herb: So how is the entertainment business treating you lately?

Anessa: Well, I haven’t done anything major as of yet. So far I’ve only done commercials.

Herb: Wait! You were in Hamburger Helper commercial, right?!

Anessa: Yeah that’s right! Oh my God, you recognized me?! That was years ago!

Herb: Yeah, I remember. Every time I would stay home from school sick, I always looked forward to watching that commercial. You were my first girl, crush thing! They ALWAYS played it in the
morning. You were great. “It’s helper time.”

Anessa: Wow. Well, I’m trying to get a part for a big movie right now. It’s an action flick starring the next big ‘action hero’.

Herb: The Rock?

Anessa: No Derek Jeter. It’s called, Down The Line…Fair! I play his love interest.

Herb: Right…

Anessa: Yeah, the only problem is my twin sister is also up for the role. So for the first time, we are sort of competing. And we both want the role so bad.

Herb: That must create some serious tension.

Anessa: Believe me, it does. My parents, my whole family, everyone is torn.

Herb: Well, don’t tell your sister, but I hope you get the role.

Anessa: Thanks. Well, I gotta go or else Val’s going to kill me.

Herb: Hey before you go, can I have your autograph? You would make a childhood dream come true.

Anessa: Are you serious? I’ve never signed an autograph before. Of course! Where would you like me to sign?

Herb opens his backpack and takes out a textbook.

Herb: Well, all I have on me is my Human Sexuality Text Book. (Laughs) Could you sign that?

Anessa: (Laughs) My first autograph on a sexuality book. Wow. Okay. What page?

Herb opens the book and flips through the pages.

Herb: Let’s see. We have the erection page, the STD page, the pregnancy page. I got it!! The orgasmic phase page.

Anessa: My mom would kill me.

::She signs the page and hands the book back to Herb:::

Anessa: Well, you are officially my first fan.

Herb: I won’t let you down. I’ll be a great fan. No stalker business.

CLIP 4

Scene 26: Anessa awakes from the attack, but she quickly realizes she’s tied up in
a dark, isolated and dirty room. The shadow of Valerie suddenly appears.

Anessa: Val, what the hell do you think you’re doing?

Valerie: Hello sis. Good to see that you slept well. I hope you like your new room, cuz you are going to be spending A LOT of time here.

Anessa: I swear to all that is sacred, I’m gonna kick your ass!

Valerie: Oh sure. We are going to switch identities for a while. You are now looking at the new Anessa and I shall be starring along side Derek…Derek Jeter. While you will be sleeping with the rats.

Anessa: Oh, like mom and dad won’t know.

Valerie: No they won’t. They are going to be in Long Island for months. I shall just pretend I’m you on the phone. I am an actress, you know.

Anessa: Come on, Val. We’re twins! We came from the same egg. How could you?

Valerie: Exactly. I shall win the competition

Anessa: Competition?! What are you talking about?!

Valerie: CHRISTMAS!

Anessa: Val, you are indeed a psycho.

Valerie: You see, Ness. This is why you are tied up. Because you so critical of everyone but yourself. You tortured me by celebrating in my face. So now I am going to torture you!

Anessa: No Val. Anything but the…

Valerie: That’s right!!!!

::She takes out a guitar::

Valerie: Time to sing and play you a song.

Anessa:: No! Anything but that disgrace of a voice.

Valerie: (Sings loud and terrible) Well..NESS IS TIED UP IN A DIRTY ASS ROOM WITH A WHOLE BUNCH OF RATS!! WHILE I SHALL STAR IN A MOVIE, HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT! I HAVE WON, SHE HAS LOST!! NOW I MUST GO BREAK HER UGLY BOYFRIEND’S HEART AND HIS LITTLE DANCE TOMORROW!!!

Anessa: If you do anything to him, it will seriously be the end of you.

Valerie: Don’t worry, egg. I’ll let him down gently. Like in the middle of a slow, romantic song. Muhaha!

Anessa: No…Please.

Valerie: Time to go sis. I’ll visit you every now and then drop you some of my leftover meals. But I won’t leave you that lonely.

She lies a stereo on the floor.

Valerie: This CD will loop my songs over and over and over AGAIN. See you around sis.

She walks up the dirty steps walks out of the room and locks the steel door.

COMMENTARY

On the plot

As stated above, I knew I wanted to mix non fiction with fiction. At the time I found myself too much of a bore for writing blog entries. So I decided to create a story with a character that reflected and represented my own personality and more importantly, surround him with crazy, amusing, exaggerated situations. That's the life of Herb Lopez. I thought I'd start the story with a very gloomy scene. He gets up one morning to go to school and just discusses his lack of motivation or strive. I just tried to describe the typical terrible start to a terrible day. His physicality reflects that lack of motivation. He looks terrible. I wanted to recreate the catholic school setting because some of it makes for humiliating scenarios, especially an all male catholic high school! There's humor and material in that alone. Later on, Herb meets a girl named Anessa, who is an aspiring actress. I purposely gave this character a certain 'star' status in order to create this unreachable, implausible scenario for Herb. I established Herb's inability to date a normal girl earlier in the story. Not only did Mediocre Man have to grow into hero, he desires a girl of exceptional social status. But the two connect in a way that is sweet and not over the top. At least that's how I saw it.

Herb's life quickly takes another twist. Because of his excessive amount of lateness’s to homeroom, he's forced by his high school to do some volunteer work at a local hospital in order to avoid summer school. It was fun to have Herb interact with some of these patients. Anyway, one night on duty, he slips and falls onto two blood samples. The two samples enter his body. As the two mix together, they coincide with each other since one sample was from a successful man, the other from a complete hobo.
The next morning, he wakes up a new man. A Mediocre Man. Throughout that day, he realizes what happened. A lot of his traits that he was below average in, he bumps up and performs average in. You see this in a scene where he passes a math quiz and performs decent during a softball game in gym class. His few exceptional skills declined to just average, such as writing. Most of all, Herb sees a difference aesthetically. The women label him as looking, 'just okay' a huge improvement over the gags he would hear before.

His wish had come true. Early in the story, he prayed just to be a normal, average guy. He realizes there are some drawbacks to that desire though. So it has that "Be careful what you wish for' vibe, influenced by films like Big.
As Herb and Anessa get to know each other, problems in her life threaten to tear them apart. She has a twin sister named Valerie and they're auditioning for the same role in a movie. They both desperately need this job to help jump start their careers. Anessa gets the part and this throws her sister over the edge. Valerie kidnaps and hides her so that she could get to film the movie, a dream of hers. In addition, she poses as Anessa and tells Herb they should stop dating. Herb, the doofus that he is, doesn't connect the dots that it's her sister. When he finally does, it makes for interesting and funny action sequences. Brooklyn residents should appreciate it.
It's really just about a teenager that is trying to come out of his shell and find his identity. When he finally does, the reader gets to see him thrive. It's not really about crazy science. That's a small portion of the story that adds humor and sci fi, but at the heart of it, it's just about an insecure guy growing into his own thanks to good family and friends.

Final words

What else can I say? In 2002, this 50 or so page story started a tradition for myself. I gave it to one person to read, who very much enjoyed it and briefly inspired her to write her own story. But that was it at first. What inspired me to keep writing these stories was my own life experiences and my desire to continue the character's journey. If that sounds corny, it is.
Six summers later, there I was I'm writing the final story. It's crazy. I'm crazy. Something that started as a joke one spring afternoon carried with me through the rest of high school, college and now as an 'adult;. I'm just now trying to let go of these stories. The first Mediocre Man isn't by any means an amazing work of art. It isn't even the best writing within the five stories. But I still find it a fun piece that can both make you laugh and be able to sympathize with these characters because you see yourself in them.

It was the first building block towards my attempt to write a quality story, from beginning to end. It gave me the desire to take writing classes in college so I could learn my strengths and weaknesses. And I really believe that each story has been better than the last one, which is very encouraging. I'll never be an amazing writer. But I consider writing a hobby and like any hobby whether that be working out or playing chess, you want to get better and better. The Mediocre Man stories have prepared me for that step.

It's been fun reading this story over to see what my mindset was. In Mediocre Man 1, Herb's biggest problems included getting a date to the school dance and not being late for homeroom. In Mediocre Man 5, he's trying to find a career, thinking about marriage and meeting old friends that now have children. I'm fascinated to read the progression of a character that has reflected myself over the years.

THE FINAL 15 (COMPLETE VERSION)

Ready, set, goooooooo!

What's up?! For the next month or so, I'm transforming my blog which is typically used for creative works such as stories, songs, poems, etc and I'm going to use it to document my personal goodbye to a place that has meant the world to me, Shea Stadium. For the sane, it would take one day or a handful of times at the ballpark at most, to take in the ambiance, watch a great team live and bid farewell. But for me, that's just not enough. I have spent many, many, many days and nights at Shea to see my beloved Mets this season. And now, 15 home games remain. I'm going to attempt to attend every single one. And on this site, I'm going to recap them! That means the game, which means the most. After all, we are in a pennant race (and we're 3 games ahead!). But in addition, I'm going to throw some pictures, videos, old memories, recent memories on here! I'm doing everything I can to take a game, bring it home and post it right here. Turning a memory into a physical object is the goal. You'll see scorecards of most of the games scanned on here as well. Yeah, it's that nerdy and hardcore. This is the time to go crazy because pretty soon, My Sanctuary will be transformed into a parking lot and the phrase, Shea Faithful will turn into the Citi Faithful?! Weird. The new park does look beautiful though.


It all starts later tonight against the hated and I mean, HATED Phillies, who trail the Mets by 3 games for the NL East lead. As we know, no lead is big enough. Personally, I have a great feeling about this year's team. There's just a certain confidence there that was missing a year ago today. It doesn't hurt that Mike Pelfrey has emerged as a great starter. Not only does he lead the team in wins, but he's the first Mets starter in years to pitch back to back complete games. Hopefully the trend will continue against a potent Philadelphia lineup. Bret wife beater Myers will oppose the Mets. Since his return from a brief stint in the minors, Myers has been very effective. He hasn't given up more than 3 earned runs since them. So let's cross our fingers and fasten our seat belts. It should be an interesting and hopefully, fun ride.

15

September 5th, 2008

Well this was a frustrating one. I guess as a diehard fan, you could say that every loss is a frustrating one: A blowout, a close high scoring game, a close low scoring game. But tonight's game was rough for a couple of reasons. For starters, the Mets offense couldn't get anything done! Walks, hits, small ball, utilize speed, nothing! And it's a tough pill to swallow as a fan because we just saw them sweep a very good team on the road, the Brewers. So all the fans were pumped to see the surging Mets continue their winning ways against the hated Phillies, especially with tons of Philadelphia residents in attendance. For a team that's won nothing, how obnoxious and arrogant are those fans? No joke, I heard an E-A-G-L-E-S chant in the 8th innning. I don't EVER want to hear Philadelphia considered a good baseball town again. Terrible. Who cares about football in the 8th inning of a very important September game. The football season hasn't even started yet.

Bret 'wife beater' Myers was incredible and struck out ten. It pains me to type this. I want to erase and rephrase the statement. But I will refrain from doing so because he shut us down. Case closed. Sure, we had chances but they were too few and far between. 3 hits in 8 innings. Tough to get momentum established that way. Daniel Murphy continues to prove he's already a big time hitter. 2 hits, both doubles. Already a fan favorite. I saw a guy wearing a Murphy shirt. That was pretty damn awesome. But nobody else could hit or drive him in. Ugh! On the defensive side, I got frustrated very early in the first inning, because of a seemingly harmless one out single by Shane Victorino (I despise that man). I knew that would come back to haunt us because Victorino plays like he belongs in Cooperstown when he plays us. So naturally, he stole second, and on the throw by Schneider in an attempt to throw him out, throws the ball in the outfield, allowing him to advance to third. A ground out later, and the jerk scores. 1-0 at 7:15 PM. Great! Pelfrey was amazing and as advertised. You won't hear me complain about him the rest of the season. He made one big mistake in the 7th with two out and two strikes, one man o., Gregg Dobbs (you gotta love these no names that rise to the occasion) hits a ball to right that just seemed to carry and carry. I really thought Church was going to find a way to grab that ball. He almost did. But after he jumped at the wall and crotched in anger afterwards, it took the life out of me, my friends, and the crowd. 2 run homer. 3-0 Phils.

The crowd was relatively quiet the entire affair until the 9th when Lidge got into a real jam. The bats came alive and fans, inculding myself, had the sense that this time was gonna find a way to get the big hits and win it. Two on with one out, one swing could tie it. Lidge was wild, giving up a couple of hard hit balls and losing the strike zone. Beltran, who's been on a bit of a tear was up. On a 3-1 pitch, he swings and flies out to left. Damn! Looking at the replay at home, it looked to be a ball too. I won't complain about his aggressivness though. Especially seeing Luis Castillo strike out looking 3 times! I'm usually calm about things like that, but I screamed after that 3rd one, 'Swing the bat!!" Seriously,, play Easley and A. Reyes, will you? Nobody wants to see him hit anymore. Then with two outs, Church hit the ball a ton, but right to...wait for it...Victorino. Mets lose. Phils now just two games back.

It's just one game but a few things bothered me. Wright is one of my favorite players, but his recent offensive slump is a bit of a concern. We all know how great he is, but I worry that he's trying to hard and pressing. We need him to be clutch if we want to win this division. If he doesn't relax at the plate, it's bad news. Now I'm thinking and hoping that he's just a bit tired and a day off will fix this (although the entire team had one off Thursday). We'll see. Second, as a paranoid Mets fan or just a paranoid person in general, I can't help but think back to last season and how we just let this team walk all over us. I don't want that feeling again! Please, for the love of God, just play this team like you've been playing them all season long. Time will tell if history will repeat itself...Duh.

The bullpen continues to be pretty stellar. Wow. Did I just say that? Keep it up Stokes. ANd Rincon, all you had to do was throw one pitch and you moved above Heilman in my list of options.

I wish I could throw some pics on here. I brought my camera and as I was about to take a shot of the new Citi Field sign displayed at the right side of the park, the batteries had run out. So I don't have pictures and I didn't bring the scorecard book tonight. But tomorrow's another day...Well probably not due to the rain.

I will say that I was a little disappointed with tonight's attendance. There was a good turn out but the entire left side of the upper reserved section was empty! How! This is crunch time people. September against the Phillies. Let's at least get 50,000 in there. Almost a year ago on a Friday night, the place was packed for a game against the Phils. Weird...Maybe it was the fear of rain or maybe the fans are just scarred.

Not so funny story, my friend and I bought the tickets on the Mets site for 30 bucks a pop because we were afraid of a big crowd. A few hours after purchase our friend calls us and has 14, yes 14 free tickets!! That didn't make me a happy man. Terrible timing. I should've known then and there it wasn't gonna be our night.

Typically I don't get food at Shea, due to prices and options. I frankly get tired of chicken tenders, soggy fries and hot dogs. And a beer?! Forget it. But I didn't eat all day and was forced to shell out the 7 or 8 bucks, who's counting now. I try to forget about the price and I think it's working. I did get free pudding out of it, but it wasn't very good. Too warm.

As I said, there were lots of Phillie fans in the stands. A few that sat right behind us. This is probably why I saw security working overtime tonight. Lots of ejections. Lots of explitives. Lots of idiots.

Well now it's time for My Shea Memories. I've decided to cap off the first segment with my first game ever at Shea (sort of). It was 1994. My friend and his parents took me for my birthday. I was just really getting into the NBA and the Knicks but this trip would give birth to an insane and epic era. It was a hot July day. Of course everyone remembers 94 as the year shortened season because of greedy people. But it was my first real taste of baseball. I believe I went to Shea earlier, when I was 5 but I don't fully remember. i could just be making that up in my head. Anyway, back to July 94. It was Old Timer's day and I got a free reprinted program of the 1969 World Series which I still have in my room. I don't remember too much about it, but obviously they were honoring the 69 Mets. Here's what I do remember. The Mets sucked that day. It's only fitting that my first game of recollection was a loss. A blowout at that. It was definitely a rude awakening. They played the Padres and lost something like 8-1, 10-1. I forget, but it was rough. I did get a picture of myself posing as Met and it was put on a mock baseball card. It's on the right side of the site. It was a great day. I came home to a mini surprise birthday my parents had thrown for me in our now cat infested backyard. My grandmother was in the hospital that month and passed on later that month so it was a very sad and eye opening time for me. But days like that picked my young spirits up and it stuck with me.
So there's memory number 1. Looking forward to writing 14 more! I have hundreds but let's keep the number small for now..

So the game tomorrow is in serious jeopardy. It's at 3:55 but the forecast calls for heavy rain all day until midnight so it doesn't look good. If it does rain out, I'll indeed be there Sunday for the day-night doubleheader. Always tough to sweep those but who knows. Pedro and Johan! I just really hope they don't jerk us around and call the game early. There's nothing worse than taking a 1.5 hour train ride just to see a goofy picture of mr. met on diamond vision with a sign that reads rain delay or postponement! FAK! Call it by noon please and I'll be happy.

In any event, I'll check in tomorrow. Tough loss but the 2008 Mets WILL get through it. I promise you this. Later.

All 'baseballed' out...Double post later today

Okay. I have all my thoughts set up. I have the scorecards scanned, two memories I'm ready to share and a couple of pictures via shitty cellphone camera. (The actual pictures will be ready for Tuesday against the pesky Nats) But I must be honest. AFter being at Shea for 6 hours plus, experiencing several emotions, and more 7 train rides than one should ever have to endure during a 24 hour span, I can't write the Game 14-13 recap right now. Not the way I want it to be written. I won't rush these. Too important. But later today, there will be two recaps! It will sound bipolar due to the drastically different outcomes, but it's coming.

Here's a preview though: Thank the LORD they won that second game! What a relief. It's like that feeling where you really have to goto the bathroom (You could choose in your head whether it's number 1 or 2) and you can't find a bathroom anywhere. But at the last possible moment, you find an open Starbucks or Barnes & Noble, or isolated corner. That's the kind of relief I experienced tonight after Ayala got that 3rd out. So stay tuned. Two posts, manana.

One more thing: How many times is Delgado gonna save our bacon!? Hopefully deep into October...

14

After having a good night's sleep, I was able to recharge the baseball batteries, digest 18 innings of baseball and without further interruption, here are the game 14 and 13 recaps/entries

SEPTEMBER 7th 2008
(Game 1)
Phillies- 6
Mets- 2

I wish I could just skip this one and go straight to discussing game 13. But you can't always get what you want. Well, there's not much to say about this one. No positives came out of this game at all. Only serious concerns. At least with the Friday, you saw a solid outing by Pelfrey against a very dangerous Phillies lineup. But this one? Ouch.

I actually had a good feeling going into that game. The 2pm start gave me time to get to Shea early. I was one of the first 25,000 fans there, meaning I became the lucky owner of an XL Shea stadium t-shirt. Seriously, why do they have to be so damn huge. I'm thinking of using it as a blanket. It's that big (that's what she said.) Anyway, since I got there early, I was able to see this very odd promotion day they decided to do: Internet Safety Awareness Day. Mind you this has absolutely nothing to do with baseball. But that wasn't a deterrence. The Pepsi Party Patrol quizzed kids regarding the internet. I found it a bit condescending. I'd b really offended if I was a kid because these people think they're so stupid. Then a goofy robot mascot danced on the field and performed a rap on the diamond vision on how to avoid internet predators. Why?!

Onto the game thankfully! I know Pedro hasn't been dominant at all this season, but I still got chills when he took the mound and the speakers blasted his pretty catchy Dominican tune. I kept saying, just get through the first unscathed and he should be alright. He's given up his fair share of first inning runs throughout the year. After a ground out and two pop ups, I felt fairly confident that Petey was going to come up huge for us. The bottom of the first brought me back down to Earth in terms of energy. Jamie 'I throw junk' Moyer effortlessly retired the side in order. I didn't feel confident at all with the bats that game. Maybe it was because of what happened Friday night or because Moyer, with the exception of his last outing against us, always gives us troubles. So the 2nd inning come. During this inning, for a brief moment, I felt as if someone kidnapped me from my seat, threw me in a time machine and brought me back to a Sunday afternoon game against the Phillies in sept. 07. The same game where they made several errors. It wasn't as bad, but after a walk to Werth, Greg Dobbs, the brand new Mets killer, hit a ball hard to right field. It was catchable, but Tatis, who is really a 3rd baseman, has been put in the outfield, misplayed it and the ball sailed right over his leaping attempt. The Phillies always seem to capitalize on mistakes so this was basically the turning point of the game. Newly acquired Matt Stairs drove in one run on a sac fly. Now the Dobbs hit was not Pedro's fault, even though they ruled it a hit. But if you're a big time pitcher, you have to get Carlos Ruiz out in that spot to limit the damage. You can't let a hitter of his caliber beat you. In other words, he sucks! But he hits a single, and the Phils at that point extended the the to 2-0. Then came the top of the 4th, which just put the nail in the coffin. Ryan Howard led off with a double. Werth hits a single. And Greg Dobb does it again. He basically ends the game with a 3 run shot. The damage continued that inning though. Ugh. Ruiz gets a double! What is it with these scrubs? Jimmy Rollins hits a bloop that lands between Reyes and Evans, who is also an infielder turned outfielder. An error wasn't charged but the ball was a very catchable. 6-0!

The good news is that the Phillies wouldn't score another run for the remainder of the game. The bullpen continues to be, dare I say, solid. They stopped the bleeding. Knight, Schowenweis, Heilman, Feliciano, Figueroa, and Sanchez combined for five innings of shutout ball. That's a mouth full.

The bad news is that the Mets offense stunk up the joint. Sometimes at Shea, in the Upper Reserved section, it smells like rotten eggs. It's terrible and I have no idea where it's coming from. But yesterday, it was the offense that generated that smell. Until the 8th inning, we only had 1 hit and it was a bunt single by Robinson Cancel, the refrigerator. You know things are bad when Cancel is all of your offense. In the 8th, Moyer was taken out of the game and the Mets took advantage, scoring 2 runs off the recently solid Scott Eyre. At this point, the crowd got pretty loud for a 6-2 ball game. There was plenty of energy. But when Delgado struck out, the balloon was deflated.

There were more Phillies fans in the afternoon affair than I'd ever seen at Shea. And they still chanted Eagles! Enough already. But a friend of mine heard chants such as 'Just like last year', referring to the 07 collapse. Of course they'd go on to do nothing in the post season but that's a whole different story. Good job by the Phillie fans. They finally did yesterday what Mets fans do all the time, which is make the road trip to see the game.

I had a whole list of concerns after Murphy grounded into the double play to end the game. When the Jurassic Park theme song was played (apparently the Mets lose theme song) I was pretty upset. First off, Pedro. I love him. As I alluded to earlier, I get excited watching him pitch, but there have been one too many outings like this where he gives the team nothing. I know he got no run support, which I'll get to in a minute. I know Tatis misplayed the ball and Evans should have caught the Rollins bloop, but you have to get guys like Ruiz out. You have to give the team more than four innings of work! Mets fans love him but they just don't trust him anymore. And by looking at his facial expressions, he looks like he doesn't trust himself. I still have faith he could give solid outings against teams like the Nats, Braves and Marlins which is basically the rest of the schedule. But what about the Cubs? What about the Brewers if they meet them in the post season?

Next concern: the offense. Where the hell was it? Everyone praised Myers' outing of Friday. You could excuse that, but after Saturday afternoon, you got the sense and the fear that the bats may be falling into another slump. They made things respectable in the 8th. But Wright in particular continues to slump. He should have well more than 105 RBIs, which sounds crazy because that's a superb number. Is the Tatis magic over? Is Reyes in a slump? Ramon Martinez is pinch hitting? Are the September demons back? Will I get a bobble head tonight? What the hell am I going to do in between games? Why are Phillies fans so stupid? These are all the questions I asked myself afterward.

One more question. How come I got no reception on my cell phone at Shea? You would think I was in a cave somewhere. I kept trying to make calls and send texts and they wouldn't send. ANd it's not just me. Friends with T Mobile have similar problems. Unreal. But I did get a text after the first game that said "Wagner out for year". Just great. At this point, this looks like a bad day.

I only took one picture on my cell during the afternoon affair, and that's the newly installed Citi Field sign on the right side of the building. I have a feeling we're going to be seeing that logo a lot! They may stamp it on us as we enter the games next year. That is, if we could get tickets. So here that is.



And here's the scorecard for that game. Forgive me if there are a couple of errors. I started keeping score since early July and I've been pretty addicted ever since. Some fans label it as an annoyance or homework or a distraction. I was one of those fans but I must say, I never knew numbers could be that fun. It really keeps you involved in the game. I make sure it's always secondary with the game and atmosphere kept at the forefront.




Now it's time for My Shea Memories. I wanted to mention another double-header since it's relevant to yesterday's theme. You don't usually see traditional doubleheaders at Shea anymore. There was one earlier this year with the Rangers. But the one I want to talk about is a douple dip in September of 2006. It was against the Braves. I was down because classes had resumed, summer was over and this one class in particular was stressing me out (Creative Writing). So I went to my 9 am class and it ended like at 11ish or something. And I thought to myself how great it would be to ditch this dreaded class and go to the double header which started at 1. Then I realized I had time to take the 2 train, switch to the 7 and make it for first pitch. Initially, I said no. I'm a nerd. I never do that. But what the hell? I only live once. So I ran to the Flatbush stop and I felt spontaneous. It was such an awesome feeling. On the 7 train, this old man approaches me and asks if I need a ticket. I said yeah, just one and he offered to give me a loge ticket for half the price. So i gave him the cash and I had a loge ticket for the price of an upper reserved AND I had two games to look forward to. The elderly man was pretty great too. He knew a lot about the team and I believe he was a season ticket holder. At the beginning, I sat next to him which was a bit odd. I had made friends with a man triple my age, but he was probably one of the cooler dudes I met at Shea. I know I have an old soul but that was pushing it. He met his other friend and moved next to him in the middle of the game. So I was ditched by an old guy. Great. I was relieved a bit though. The Mets won the first game. During the second one, Jeff Franceour fouled a ball back to where I was sitting. It was a few rows in front of me but the place was pretty empty like many second games of double headers. So I ran along with like 4 others. Somehow I got my hand on the ball before anyone else did. Of course some asshole scratched my hand in the process. But I got the ball! And I'm looking at it right now. AND the Mets won the second game of the double header as well. So I'm pretty glad I went to that one.

Okay. Game 14 was a tough loss but there was another game in three hours. And because there's nothing to do in the immediate vicinity, it was time to go to Manhattan before game 13...

13

September 7th, 2008
(Game 2)
Phillies- 3
Mets- 6

Finally! A 'Happy Recap''. We needed this win in the worst way. As I said late last night.

There was a lot of angst going into the second game, at least for myself and the fans. However, this year's team seems to have a short memory, which is a wonderful thing. They can brush off rough loses or lackluster outings and come out looking like a different team. We were all hoping this would be the case for the second game, but you just never know in September.

I splurged a little for the night cap. I really wanted a good seat for this one. So I got a loge seat near the third base/left field side. Over 90 percent of the games I've been to were spent in the upper reserved section. A red seat has been my second home but this was a welcome change. What a view I had of the three mammoth home runs. I'll get to that in a moment. Here's the view.



Anyway, the energy for the night game was what I expected the entire weekend to be like. The fans were loud and understood the importance of the game. They drowned out the few Phillies fans that had stayed for the second game. This was basically a sell out. I'm looking at the attendance now. It says 54,980 and it certainly seemed like that. There were few empty seats. And that's the way it should be for a game of this matter. I think everyone went to this game in order to avoid staying at home and being forced to listen to Jon Miller and Joe Morgan's subpar play by play skills.

I get to the night cap after having a quick meal in Manhattan. So that meant two extra trips on the 7 train. Always packed. Always a drag. But I love it. I also love night games. I know afternoon ones are great too and traditional but primetime ball is awesome. And you just get the sense that at night, a game in September means that much more. It's odd and I can't explain it but the atmosphere is turned up a few notches and that's always been the case. But here's my first issue. No bobblehead. Mets brass, I know you had a bobblehead day for everyone last month (Wagner; you jinxed him!) but come on! You have the third best attendance in baseball. Take care of your fans and offer a few thousand more bobbleheads for everyone! Will it really kill you?! Obsessed fans and overgrown children (myself) look forward to days like those. They get a promotion, save it, collect, etc. But you can't give me or another dedicated fan who plans his summer around this team a plastic toy?! My friend told me he saw a kid rip of the head! WTF! Please! Do something nice for the fans! Give us a break and stop being so cheap. After 07, we earned a little break. I'll never understand it. I went to Seattle this year, and they gave out Felix Hernandez bobbleheads to everyone. I have one here. They do the same in most ballparks, and they don't have the funds the Mets do, like a network, a bank paying them millions for naming rights, etc. Anyway that hurt passing the box of bobbleheads. The diehard fan knows exactly what I'm talking about.

Now to the recap. Crowd was pumped. Santana came out to Santana Forget About It. Here we go! Rollins hits a grounder to Reyes. 1 out. Then I quickly got sick because Utley gets a single. Then Werth is walked, then Howard gets an RBI single. They're hitting our ace! They have a lead already! And Burrell the original Mets killer is up. This can't be happening! What am I doing?! I started to think all the above. Luckily Santana struck out Burrell and had Victorino fly out to left. That was huge! I let out a sigh of relief. Though the Mets were already trailing and we had to face their ace, Cole Hamels, Johan limited the damage, something that Pedro failed to do.

The bottom of the first was the turning point of the game. The Mets needed to make a statement early, and they did. After Reyes pops up, Church, who I love batting second, hits a single to left. Wright then reached on catcher interference. Charlie Manuel argued the play for no reason. It's quite obvious that he interfered. Coste didn't even argue. Naturally, Manuel does and gets ejected. That fired up the crowd because we love a good fight. Beltran comes up big with an RBI single. The game is already tied at 1. I knew things were going to be different that night after that hit. Talk about coming up big?! Delgado hits a ball that goes up the middle and drives in two. 3-1! He hits into luck AND he hits the ball hard. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Because the Phils drew closer after Johan gave up his second and final run of the night. Howard hit a bomb which he seems to be doing on a nightly basis. Thankfully it was a solo shot.

The Mets would get that run right back in the bottom of the 3rd with a mammoth shot of their own from their own first baseman. Delgado hit a shot of the right field scoreboard. Man did he crush that Hamels curve ball. 4-2 Mets. They would extend that lead in the 5th inning with an even longer solo home run by... MVP...MVP. Delgado crushes another one. This time a change up that nearly reached the Mezzanine seats! 5-2. Delgado comes out for the curtain call. His second one of the year. A year that started off with fans booing him and calling for his release. I always wanted to keep him. i don't want to sound smarter than anyone because I'm not smart at all. But I think if he could give you a little more than he did offensively in 07, it was worth keeping him one more year. I didn't like the replacements that were being mentioned. That was an even bigger factor in my mind. Mike Carp was everyone's favorite name. Sexson, crazy enough was mentioned a swell. One wasn't ready. The other, past his prime. But not in a million years did I expect this! He's been the team's most clutch hitter BY FAR. And it seems when he goes, so does the team, a claim commonly used for Jose Reyes.

Santana was solid. 2 runs in 7 1/3. He got out of trouble when he needed to (the 1st inning) with 6 strikeouts, 3 of them coming in one inning! Yes! Then the bullpen came in...No! But like I said in game 14, the bullpen has been solid. Never thought I'd use those two words in the same sentence ever again. But with Heilman buried in there because of roster expansion, it's been much better. Felicianao came in to get Howard to ground out to Deli. Then Stokes was called to face Burrell who grounded out. End of the 8th!

I love how Jerry is pushing his starters. I almost got a heart attack when I saw Santana pitch the 8th. But he's getting every last ounce out of guys like Pelfrey, Ollie and Johan, as it should be! I also love his selection in the bullpen. Using one guy to get one out. We've seen it fail this year, but perhaps with more options it can work.

But don't tune out yet. There was an inning of baseball left, and as Mets fans have learned this season, it's never over until you hear that Takin Care of Business victory tune. Luckily they got that valuable insurance run. Easley hit a lead off triple. Thank you Jerry again. This time for playing Easley in BOTH games yesterday. I think he's the only guy in Mets organization that understands he can't keep trotting out Castillo just because he has a 4 year deal. Schneider drove him in with a sac fly. 6-2.

Bottom of the ninth was scary time. Ayala came into a non save situation. Victorino had to find a way to piss me off. So he gets on base with an infield single. Schneider, for some reason, tries to throw him out when he had NO chance to. So he rushes the throw and the ball goes into the stands. E2. Victorino at second. GREAT!! Cardiac arrest time. Ayala got Feliz to fly out to center, although the ball seemed to be hit hard. Stairs comes in and gets a BS infield single as well. So now I'm real worried. Especially when I hear a bench player comes in the game to pinch hit. You know how these types of guys love to kill us. And he nearly did, when he hit a bomb to left field. Guess what? Manuel's annual defensive switch was in place so at left was no other than Endy Chavez who leaped near the wall (the same infamous AIG ad) and caught it. Thank you Lord! A run scores on the play but that's okay. So the last out?! A strikeout for "J-Roll". Mets win. Mets avoid the sweep. The Phillies fans that asked us to get the broom ready can now shove that same broom up there...

Here's a victory shot from shitty cell phone camera:



Great win. Important win to keep the lead at 2. The Phils just beat the slumping Fish. I hate scoreboard watching! Now I have to invest that same passion for two games?! Ay!

Here's the scorecards of the night game. I've never done two scorecards in one game. Pretty crazy. Not as crazy as keeping one during a 14 inning affair against the Cardinals earlier. And then they lose!




Great W. Must take care of business after the off day against the always tough Nats.

My Shea Memories time. This game against the Phils really gave me playoff fever. There's not much better in sports than having your favorite baseball team in the playoffs. Only 8 teams in the entire league make it so you really have to earn that spot. My first taste of playoff baseball came at Shea of course. 1999 was the year against the Arizona Diamondbacks. No, it wasn't the Todd Pratt game winning homer in game 4. It would've been awesome to be there though. It was game 3.

I remember how hard we tried to get tickets. My mother and I kept calling ticket master. We just got the internet and wasn't reliable as it is today. So we did it the old fashion way. Call and get a busy signal. Repeat 1000x. We finally got through and got a couple of mezzanine seats for HOME GAME 1, which later turned out to be game 3 of the nlds. I really thought we were going to be unable to use the tix as the Mets were about to choke and give up their wildcard spot, being down two games with three to play! BUt the amazing happened and they win a one game playoff against Cincinatti. When they did that, I grabbed my tickets and held them up in the air. It was finally going to happen. I was going to see my Mets in the playoffs. I went with my brother Ray and we got there super early to see batting practice. We were behind the visitors dugout when I held a sign. It was stupid but what can I say? I was young and excited. It used that Visa card Priceless theme. It was new back then! So after BP, I begged for a ball, and Lenny Harris, former Met GREAT pinch hitter, threw a ball in my direction which I caught. This was my first baseball ever received at the ballpark. It was great. So many things have changed since then, technology wise, personal growth. But the joy you get during those times, they don't change. And thank goodness for that. The Mets blew out the Diamondbacks. The crowd was packed and absolutely crazy! I'd never seen Shea like that. It was a long time coming though. Beautiful stuff. Hershiser got the W believe it or not. I wish I still had the stub for that one. That was the last post season game I had gone to that year and overall I've been to about 6 Mets playoff games. But this first one was very memorable.

Well now it's onto a two game series against the Nats. Value dates meaning 5 bucks a ticket! YES!!! I'll be back with better pictures. Ollie Perez takes the hill. See you tomorrow night.

12





September 9th, 2008
Nationals- 8
Mets- 10

Wow! What a game. If you enjoy offense, then you loved this one. Personally I love offense as long as it's coming from our side only. I enjoy nice 10-1 wins. But as Mets fans know, easy victories have been a rarity this season. It doesn't matter that this Nationals team has the second worst road record in baseball. It doesn't matter that they have Anderson Hernandez leading off. It's going to be a dog fight.

So this morning, the prospects of a game being played were questionable after a thunderstorm hit the city. It was a loud one too. I think I almost pissed my pants at one point. I went on both the Nats and Mets sites to see when they'd be able to make it up in case of a rain out. They both had off the 11th so I was prepared to not goto Shea tonight. But 5pm rolls around and it's dry outside. Gloomy but dry. I get to the stadium around 6:45 and NO ONE is there, which I expected and was fine with because the line for tickets was empty. If you've waited on those lines on any kind of regular basis, you know how much of a pain in the ass it is. Some people are so damn selective, they end up spending 10 minutes before they buy a freaking ticket! Buy a couple and let's go! But I waited for no one tonight. And it's 5 dollar night! I think the cotton candy is more expensive than the actual ticket tonight. That's wild. For some odd reason, all the regular Upper Reserved seats were sold...Right...Are we talking about the same game? That place was a ghost town tonight and they only have non alcohol section tix? Odd but fine because once I got in, I had my choice of seat and sat next to a friend in section 2.

They did this interesting tribute today to breast cancer before first pitch. Much better than the weird internet safety day. Hundreds of fans wearing pink shirts formed the breast cancer ribbon on the field. It was a really cool touch. Here's what it looked like. (I brought the camera)



Following the tribute, the game starts! And here we go...Perez looked relatively strong through the first two innings, only giving up a single to Zimmerman and a walk to Aaron Boone. Why anyone would walk Boone is beyond me but Perez looked decently solid. On the offensive side, the bats had it going on in the 2nd against John Lannan. (No Beatles jokes please.) Delgado started it all with a lead off single. Yes folks, he can now do it all! Soon you'll see him steal bases. Tatis then comes up and hits a double! Second and third no out. I was a little nervous with the bottom of the order coming up that this would be another one of those wasted opportunities moments. Silly me, because Manuel has realized Castillo can't hit. Easley comes up and hits a two run double! 2 nothing. This gonna be an easy one...

Then Perez gives up the lead quickly. I'm talking Tom Glavine giving up the lead quick! First problem. Hernandez, the former Met, the same one that couldn't hit a lick, hits a single. Are you kidding me!? Why should I be surprised though Guzman then hits a towering fly ball deep to left that I prayed to go foul. Like most of my prayers, this one was unanswered. 2 run home run. Game tied! Great...Perez playing down to his competition. We haven't seen this one before...Seriously, I thought he got over this stupid part of his game. These are the Nationals. As my friend Matt texted me during the game, these hitters are 'no names'. Get the job done!

Thankfully the Mets quickly regained the lead with a solo shot by Ryan Church who seems to finally be getting his swing back. What a big lift that is. Manuel, keep batting him second when you can. 3-2 and it was only the beginning! Wright hits a single. Then Beltran comes up big with a double which Wright tried to score on but was thrown out at the plate! Ugh! Here we go again. More missed scoring opportunities. Wrong! Mr. Delgado hits an absolute bomb that hits the scoreboard! This guy is a beast! 5-2 Mets.

Then the wheels come off for Ollie in the fourth. he walks Boone and then the Nats hit single after single after single after single after single. I'm not exaggerating or trying to be funny. 5 straight singles off Perez. Manuel then pulls the plug on Perez who couldn't even get out of the 4th. Very disappointing and scary outing. Nelson Figueroa comes in the game, who has some history against the Nats, calling these a a female softball team earlier in the year. But Milledge gets an rbi single. Then he walks Dukes...You know for a female softball team, they're really giving you some trouble there, Nelson. Luckily Aaron Boone grounds into a 6-4-3 double play. But the damage had been done. 5 runs in one inning. 7-5 Nats. It's happening all over again!

Not these resilient Mets! They tie it right back up in the 4th. Lannan was taken out for Estrada because Acta loves to manage these games against the Mets like it's game 6 of the World Series! Schneider hits a lead off single. Later, Reyes hits a double. Yes, his bat is coming alive again! Church grounds out but gets the job done as a run scores. Mock comes in and Wright gets an RBI single. Now his bat is coming alive! Clutch hit. Game tied at 7.

The Nats would score again in the 5th, where Brandon Knight initially struggled. But he limited the damage to just 1 one. 8-7 Nats. Yikes again!

The score would remain this way until the 6th. Church got it started with a single. Then came Beltran. Acta of course made another pitching change, because remember, this is a World Series game. He puts in Manning and Beltran says ADIOS! A two run shot into the picnic area. Beltran goes deep at Shea! Always a great thing to see. But as the 06 slogan stated, Buy one Carlos, get one free.' Delgado hits another BOMB that flies into the Mets bullpen. Maybe it's Delgado who thinks the Nats are a female softball team. 10-8 Mets! The fans were DYING for a curtain call but Delgado didn't give one tonight. No biggie though. He's given a couple recently. I could understand him not feeling too comfortable doing it regularly. THis was his 7th multi homer game which leads the majors! What a turnaround! And I predicted it!

That would be the final score. The Mets would need solid outings from Smith, Show, Stokes and Ayala but they all chipped in and shut out the Nats like they should've been the entire game! Mets win!



Here's the scorecard scans. I used this new book that I'm not too fond of plus the pencil got dull. So it's a big incomplete but you get the idea...



And the Phillies lose! That was another stressful situation because the Marlins took a huge early lead that the Phillies nearly erased...but failed!

As far as the scene around the ballpark goes, 50,000 tickets were sold. Probably about half of those holders showed up, the die hards. I met the craziest man I may ever encounter. Anyone that goes to Shea on a regular basis and sits in the Upper Reserved section behind home plate, will often hear a strange yell from an unknown spot after a strikeout. It goes a little like this: Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee....STRUCK HIM OUT!

Yes. My friend and I sat next to the He struck him out guy. The bearded diehard was like a walking scoreboard, holding a custom made scoreboard in one hand and an XM satellite radio in the other, to update us on the Phillies game...and the Red Sox game, and the Yankees game. It got very confusing at one point when he'd shout out scores. My friend asks him how many games he's attended, thinking he'd beat or at least tie his number. He uttered 205 or something to that effect, THIS YEAR. This man travels the northeast, sometimes the country going to every and any game. Minor league, Phillie games, Nats, games, single A games. It was the most bizarre thing I've ever heard. He then says he's been to over 200 games a season since 1985!!! WTF!!!! And has been to over 6,000 games at Shea Stadium lifte time. This man was immortal. To many, he's a nut. To me, a legend. He handed us his notebook which lists all the stadiums he's been to, how many times. I kid you not. I couldn't make this up. And one of the stadiums on the list had been torn down for nearly 50 years, the Polo grounds! Ahh! And he was making plans with a friend to see a Nationals-Padres at DC game over the weekend!? He says,"hey it's baseball. it counts' when the friend scoffs at the idea. Then they plan to go to Philly on Thursday, a Mets off day, to see our rivals play the Brewers. Wow! Suddenly, I don't feel so crazy. But I couldn't help but wonder if I was taking a gander at what my future held. Ha. He had Mets and Yankees season tickets. Don't ask how or why! I couldn't tell you. They should build a statue for this dude.

And that was My Shea Memory for tonight. Very current, I know but I can't top it or share something better with you for now!

Tomorrow's another 5 dollar day! Woo! And big Pelf will go more than 4! I guarantee it. Let's sweep the two game series and get to win 82!

And here's the video of the night! It's Ron Darling counting down the remaining games at Shea with Mr. Met! I won't talk anymore in these videos. Promise.



11




September 10th, 2008
Nationals- 10
Mets- 13

If I had told you on Monday morning that the Nationals would come into Shea this week and score 18 runs in two games with Oliver Perez pitching one game and Pelfrey the other, you likely would have laughed in my face and asked what I was smoking. That's exactly what happened. How the Mets were able to win both games after such a rare occurrence is both impressive and refreshing. Impressive because it meant our offense would score 23 runs! Amazin'. And refreshing because I don't need to remind anyone of how the Nats fared last year against the Mets...But since I have my 2008 media guide, I will anyway.

In the month of September of 07, the Mets played six against the Nats and won only one. To realize just how bad this collapse was, this team walked into our building, and swept us! Incredible. Now 4 games remain against them this month, all of them at Washington next week. Although they could still break our hearts, we're off to a 2-0 start. Excellent! (By the way, they were 82-61 this time last year, having just beat the Atlanta Braves. Even though I want to get excited, it puts in perspective how much longer we have to go.)

I keep saying this along with all the fans, but here's ANOTHER example of a game they would have lost a year ago. Adam Rubin just wrote about how this 3.5 game lead feels safer than the 7 game lead they nursed at this point in 07.

So true. It's not just about numbers all the time. It's about energy and toughness and depth and as Mr. Fran Healy says, 'Confidencccccce.' They have all those things this year. More importantly, they have a red hot Delgado and a manager the players respect.

I got to Shea a little late tonight, at around 6:55. ANd of course the one night I need to rush in and buy my ticket is the same night that the purchase lines are gigantic! Never fails. You see, when I buy my ticket online and pay what seems to be dozens of extra dollars in fees, to avoid lines, there are no lines. Or they're small. But when I say, 'screw it. I'll buy my ticket at Shea', everyone and their grandmothers decide to do the same. I get impatient and in serious panic mode when it's 7:09, I hear Matchbox 20's How Far We've Come and the PA announcer getting ready to introduce the 2008 Mets and where am I? I'm in the middle of a slow line because some 50 year old wants to plan out his seating arrangement as if it were physics! And another thing, I finally get to the front, they don't have anymore 5 dollar tickets! Are you kidding me? You're really gonna do this. The cheapest at that point was 20 and for upper box. So I just say forget it and buy a loge seat. It was pretty cheap considering I almost pay that amount for row T in the upper during a gold game.

Amazing seat. One of the best of the year. Row A right behind first base. Here's the view.




But of course I sit down, and there are hundreds of empty upper reserved seats. Who's running the show here!? Geez.
I missed the top of the first inning (hate that) but that's all. I observed a few things. People spend too much time walking and not watching the game. And some of these ushers are very nasty individuals.

GAME TIME!

The Mets scored yet another first inning run. Wright doubled. Beltran followed with a single that fell right in front of Milledge who was playing a very deep CF. 1-0 Mets. Okay easy win. Let's just relax.

Pelfrey gives up a long home run from the moron Elijah Dukes. I'll explain shortly.

The 3rd inning would be another huge one for the Mets, which was started with a Reyes liner to center. He would then steal second, giving him sole possession of the Mets stolen base record, originally held by Mookie Wilson. Congratulations Jose!

It took a while for the crowd to read the graphic on the screen which acknowledged the achievement. Once they did, basically everyone stood up and clapped. Once he held his helmet up, the fans were excited and chanted...you guessed it. "Joseee...jose, jose joseeeeeeeee' It was a great moment since we've seen him grown into a dominant player. Believe it or not, he's been a Met longer than anyone else on that team. Hard to believe. He's so young.

Church walked, Reyes stole third and set up David Wright to drive him in on a single to CF. But the inning was far from over. Beltran also hits a single, driving in Church. Then the MVP! Where would he hit the ball this time? Citi Field? Nowhere, because he was intentionally walked to load the bases. The fans weren't too pleased. But I knew that loading the bases with 1 one was a bonehead move. Because Superman was up! Tatis the righty hits a laser to left field. 2 RBI double! Move backfired. Still not over! Because TOO EASLEY hits a single that gets beyond the reach of the shortstop and drives in both Deli and Tatis. Finally the inning would come to an end after a Schneider fly out and a Pelfrey strikeout. A 6 run easy! I'm thinking this is definitely going to be an easy one. Pelf is pitching. He doesn't lose his focus like Ollie tends to do at times. 7-1. That may even be the final score.

Then something bizarre happened and it started in the fourth when Pelfrey threw inside to Dukes, who didn't take a liking to it. What a cry baby this guy is. Be a man and stop whining about a pitch that went a little inside. That's what pitching should be! The ball didn't even hit you! Shut the hell up and hit! Once both teams were warned, Dukes hit a double and would later score to cut the lead to 7-2. Nothing to worry about yet.

BUT in the fifth inning, the Nats would score 3 runs! The big blow came with 2 outs when Kory Casto hits a 2 rbi single to right field. 7-5! Where is our starting pitching!? It's MIA! This is why we need Maine to be healthy, though he probably won't pitch again this year.

I guaranteed yesterday that Pelf would go longer than Ollie did and he accomplished that feat, but not by much at all! 5 innings! It's okay Pelf, you'll get em next time in DC. I'm not secretly concerned that you resembled the April version of yourself.

Heilman comes into the game in the 7th...I don't even need to write anymore. You knew what was coming. That's why I went to get my over priced but pretty good foot long hot dog. So I come back and he already walks the leadoff man. Wow. There are just some certainties in life. You will be born, pay taxes, die, and watch Aaron Heilman will give up a home run whenever he's put into a game. So Christian Guzman was the latest beneficiary of this terrible pitcher. A two run shot. Game tied at 7! I wanted to puke out my hot dog. I've heard some loud boos directed at Mets. Benitez, Bonilla, Delgado at the beginning of the year, but never anything as loud as this. I don't boo Mets but I have said I wanted him off the team a number of times! It all started at a game in DC this past April. He gave up a grand slam to Felipe Lopez and I yelled like I never yelled before.

OUT OF THIS TEAM! I WANTED HIM OUT THEN AND I WANT HIM GONE NOW! I DON'T CARE IF WE TRADE HIM FOR NOTHING AND HE TURNS OUT TO BE NOLAN RYAN! HE NEEDS TO BE OUT OF A MET UNIFORM NOW! THEY SHOULD'VE TRADED HIM FOR FUENTES WHEN THEY HAD THE CHANCE. I HEARD JERRY LOOKED UPSET AFTER THE HOME RUN. WELL, HE CERTAINLY SHOULD'VE BEEN SURPRISED. THIS ORGANIZATION IS UNDER THE ILLUSION THAT HE IS A DIFFERENCE MAKER AND WE NEED HIM TO BE EFFECTIVE IF WE ARE TO WIN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE PENNANT. SO THEY FORCE THIS GUY OUT AND HE JUST THROWS JUNK. HE WANTS TO BE A STARTER SOMEWHERE ELSE. WE WANT HIM SOMEWHERE ELSE. MAKE IT HAPPEN! PLEASE! I STOOD UP FOR HIM AFTER THE MOLINA HOME RUN IN GAME 7. I STOOD UP FOR HIM AFTER HE BLEW A HUGE GAME IN FLORIDA LAST SEPTEMBER! NO MORE! I'VE LOST ANY TYPE OF PATIENCE AND LOYALTY MONTHS AGO.

So we're tied at 7 but not for long. (By the way, nice performance by Joe Smith to get some key outs in the 6th and 7th)
Bottom of the 7th, it's time to stop screwing around! Wright started the big inning again with a single. Beltran hit one as well. So it's Delgado up, ready to save the night. He flies out to right on a hard hit ball. It was deep enough to drive in a run. What?! No HOME RUN!? Superman, Tatis hits a single! A run later scored on a wild pitch by Saul Rivera. But the big blow came off the bat of Brian Schneider! A two RBI single (He was thrown out at 2nd) 11-7.

Not over. Brian Stokes, who has been so solid for us in the bullpen with the exception of giving up a two run homer in Pittsburgh, faltered tonight. He gives up a three run shot to Cristian Guzman! This team keeps doing it. They keep giving us heart attacks. The crowd was very much on edge.

11-10 going into the bottom of the 8th. But don't be nervous, because this was David Wright's breakout night. He added insurance in a big way, hitting a ball into the picnic area after a Church walk (Keep batting him 2nd) 13-10 Mets!!

Ayala, who my Shea Faithful partner Matt, suggested he come out to Enter Sandman now that Billy's gone, finally made quick work of the Nats in the ninth! Game finally over at around 10:30! Mets win! Phillies lost! 3.5 lead. Yes! It's all coming together.



No scorecard today unfortunately. Took a break from it tonight. Fear not. It'll be back Friday. I know how upsetting it is.

Tonight's My Shea Memories takes place in May of this year. I had just finished my graduation ceremony and although I finished back in the winter, it was very satisfying to do the whole traditional cap and gown thing. Some people hate it, but I'm not one of those people so back off! After spending time with family, I quickly changed and went to the Mets game with the entire Shea Faithful crew. It was a game against the Marlins who were hot at the time. Willie was on the hot seat. Things weren't looking good. Thankfully, that feels like a whole different season. But this game was a keeper. All hope seemed to be lost. We were down one run in the ninth and all hope seemed to be lost. I know that sounds cliche but really, we didn't think we were gonna win the damn thing. Chavez was up with their closer Gregg pitching. Guess what?! Endy hits a pinch hit home run to tie the game! Sanchez gave up a run in the 12th and it looked bad again! But Tatis in the bottom of the inning hit a game winning 2 rbi double! Mets win a classic. I was so ecstatic that I accidently stomped on the free pudding that I placed on the floor. So the bottom of my jeans were filled with chocolate and I couldn't have been happier. It was a great day.

Video of the night: This was taken last night but it's still awesome and played everyday. It's the introduction video they play on diamond vision. Enjoy.



Great win. Well deserved day off for the team and it's on to take on the Braves on Friday. In the meantime, root for the Brewers to beat da Phils. Later.

10 (Postponed)

September 12th 2008
Braves- NA
Mets- NA



Ay! This video really just says it all. I think I could save the typing for tonight.




I don't know. Maybe I'm just a disgruntled fan who made the trip to a game that I knew probably wasn't going to be played. I know nobody forced me to go and I chose to take the chance. But it reaaallly sucks when rain outs happen the way they usually do. I've avoided this doom all season. I picked my spots and knew when they were going to get rained out...Not tonight. But if you know that there's no window for the game to be played, please call it early! Why not? Save your loyal fans the hassle and money that they so willingly spend on you. And of course once the game was called, the rain stopped. Thank you. No fear. Single admission double header, the way it should be. Hope to sweep it. BTW the Mets have to play 17 games in 16 days...Great. This team needs days off.

I'll see you tomorrow with a double recap. Or maybe a triple recap Sunday afternoon. Wow...

In the meantime, enjoy these photos. They are photos capturing a baseball fan's worst nightmare! No, not blowing a 7 game lead with 17 games to play. I mean, a rain out.






September 13, 2008
(Game 1)
Braves- 3
Mets- 2




It always sucks to lose to the Braves. It doesn't matter that the rivalry has recently died down due to their decline. It fact, it makes me angrier because even though their season was over long ago, you know they're just dying to play spoiler! And they did today, in heartbreaking fashion.

After the disappointing rain out, a single admission doubleheader on Saturday! Sounds great. There have been so many double headers this season. This one, Phillies, Rangers back in June, Reds in May, Yankees, etc. The weather this season hasn't been the best or the kindest. The rain out forced the Mets hand and now they have to play 17 games in 16 days. Tall order with a banged up rotation and bullpen. Okay, the bullpen isn't banged up. They're just bad.

So the Shea Faithful crew and I get to the game relatively early. We pick up our tickets at Stubhub and make it into the stadium in time to get the promotion giveaway, a Mets Military cap sponsered by JEEP! I hate those sponsors! No more! Give us a hat or a tin without it being an advertisement. I still love them and try to collect as many as I can, especially since all of these giveaways have the final season at Shea logo. Exclusive!

So we had pretty good upper deck tickets. Section 24, Row A, which is always a good thing.



And here they are, your 2008 New York Mets!

So the game starts, which is a beautiful thing after going to a rain out the night before. It just gets you extra pumped. Everyone is already pumped that Johan is pitching! But he wasn't sharp today. He didn't have his ace stuff. But you want to know why he's an ace? Because he can take an outing like this, where he doesn't have a lot going for him, and STILL get the big outs and shut down the opposition. This is why he's one of the best pitchers I've ever seen in a Mets uniform. Check that. I'm ready to say he is the best starter I've seen in a Mets uniform. Too young for Seavor, obviously along with Gooden. My only comparisons I suppose are guys like Hampton, Leiter,Reed, Armando Reynoso, Masato Yohsii, etc.

In the first, Santana allows two base hits. One to the always pesky Kelly Johnson. I would laugh and say he has a girl's name but I don't have a leg to stand on with that one. The other was to McCann, but got the three outs. Two of them on hard hit balls into the outfield. And no Chipper this game! Yes!

The game would stay scoreless until the bottom of the fourth. Beltran started it with an infield single (how many of those has he gotten this year? As long as you get on base) Delgado, MVP, hits a single and the Mets are in business! Bobby "I'll never retire" Cox decided to intentionally walk Tatis, to pitch to Easley. He makes them pay with an RBI single! But then Scheinder grounded into a 6-4-3 double play. A run did score, but it really killed the momentum. Santana grounded out. So a decent inning that could've been a lot better. Looks like the Cox move sort of paid off. I know Tatis would've done something against Hampton in that spot. 2-0 Mets.

It would stay this way for a very long time. But let's discuss the missed scoring opportunity the Mets had in the 6th because although we all felt very comfortable with a two run lead most of the game, I knew this was a crucial and rough turning point. Beltran started the promising inning again. This time with a walk. Domi ama gato Mr. Delgado, then hits a double. Second and third and no outs. No way we're going to blow this chance. Hampton intentionally walks Tatis AGAIN. But don't worry. Too Easley was up. He came through in the 4th so he'll surely do it again. Nope. Like Scheider did in the 4th to kill the big inning, Damion hits into a double pay. Santana strikes out. No ones! What?! What is this, the Willie Randolph days!? Shit!

I felt the balloon just deflate. How many times have we seen this? Sure, we're cruising with a small lead and nice pitching performance but then the missed chances rear its ugly head! We always pay for those! I mean, with the bullpen we have, you know that it's imperative that the offense gets every run they possibly can.They didn't do it today, which is why they failed.

Going into the 8th, Santana had allowed 7 hits while striking out 4. Not the most dominant line but where it mattered most, he produced a giant goose egg. 0 runs. Manuel is a smart man. He knows he can't trust that pen and if he could get anything more out of starters late in games, he's shown that he will try and get it. That's why everyone was happy with Manuel's decision to let Johan start the 8th. But he gave up back to back singles and that was it. That was when everyone understood that we may not win this one. Then the Scho, Stokes offer little relief as the Braves hit two more singles, and tie the game at 2.
Feliciano came in and got Infante to fly out to left. Unfortunately the ball was hit deep enough to drive in Kotchman on a sac fly. 3-2. He limited to damage by striking out Kelly. It's 3-2.

Here's my problem with the 8th inning of that game. Granted Santana did not look sharp all afternoon. Granted he threw 115 pitches and granted Jerry let Santana start the 8th and he gave up two singles. But when it's runners on 1st and 2nd with no one out, have the guts to leave the guy in for AT LEAST one more hitter. Maybe he gets Kotchman to hit into a double play. Maybe he at least gets one out. You know how hideous this bullpen has been. And why put in Schowenweis?! Leave Johan in. I'm sick of seeing this pen allow hits after hits! Some of them are slow and up the middle. Some are bombs. Either way, I'm sick of it.

Anyway, after Felicano limited the damage, we all thought it'd be okay. That we had two innings to make something happen offensively against a spotty Braves bullpen. Bottom of the 8th, Delgado leads off! Alright! Ohman, lefty specialist, came in to face him. If you remember, Delgado hit a game winning double off him back in August. No such luck this time. Deli hits it hard to left but just got under it. And that was basically all she wrote. The next three Mets batters, in the 8th and 9th struck out followed by ground outs and the Mets lose a very winnable game!

I guess everyone deserves some blame for this lose. The offense didn't put the hammer down when they had the chance, twice. Johan didn't get the big out in the 8th (although he gets the least amount of blame) and the bullpen couldn't save him, shocker! I hate this bullpen. I've never seen a pen operate this way, especially on a good Mets team. Whenever the Mets had success and made the playoffs, bullpen was always a strong point! Wendell, Cook, Bradford, 06 version of Duaner, hell, where's Armando Benitez when you need him!?!

And the Phillies beat the lifeless Brewers so we lose a game. Great! You should have seen the Braves. They revel in the spoiler role because with all the success they had in the regular season for over a decade, they rarely got the job done! So screw you Atlanta Braves.





I'm tired of repeating myself, but there's no other way to say it. You can't afford to lose these winnable home games against bad teams! I didn't feel very confident after this lose with Niese who I think is going to be great one day, going the second game. Luckily there's another game in a half hour.

My Shea Memories- This game reminded me that it's September and that the final game at Shea (regular season) is right around the corner. Sad. I just remembered that as much as going to opening day has become a tradition for myself, so has going to closing day. I've gone to 4 straight last games, beginning in 2004, which brings me to this memory. It was the very last game the Expos played as the Montreal Expos. They were making the move to DC the following year. Matt and I had seats in the picnic area. His sister sometimes got tickets to the area and they catered food on these particular days. This food was awesome. It made Shea food look like dog food. I'm talking great burgers, pasta, desserts, chicken, etc. It was all there and all you can eat. I loved those games. Unfortunately, I didn't go to one of those picnics this year. I don't think I will unless I go the final weekend somehow. Anyway, the game always marked the last game Todd Zeile would play (he was getting ready to retire) and the last game Brooklyn favorite John Franco would pitch in a Mets uniform.

I was sad about that one. Franco was the first baseball autograph I received. He was always very courteous to the fans. I even got a picture with him at his infamous John Franco's Place in Sunset Park this one day where the Mets were there to sign. Good times. That day I got autographs from Mike Piazza, Bobby V, Rick Reed, Al Leiter. Bobby Bonilla was supposed to attend but for some reason was MIA. This was the winter of 1999. I was thrilled to be there.

Back to the game, Todd Zeile hits a home run that game. We almost missed it because we were downstairs trying to win some memorabilia that was being raffled off. We didn't win shit like always and they had some awesome items. Last games are always sad just because you know you won't be back in that stadium for months and that the cold weather is coming.

Here's the video of the day. There were a lot of birds flying around the same spot. Not too exciting sounding but it looked like armageddon, especially with the weather turning dicey.



On to game 2, hoping for some relief and a split.

9

September 13th, 2008
(Game 2)
Braves- 0
Mets- 5



We've come down to single digits! It seems like a long, but in other aspects, short time since I saw the countdown number at 81. Now it's at 9!!

Check it out.



They should've had Todd Hundley put the number down to 9.

Well the first game was a tough one. But the fellas and I took advantage of a packed stadium becoming empty, as lots of fans left before the first pitch of game 2. So we moved down to loge. These seats were great. Gotta love double headers. The seat was similar to the one I had Wednesday.




We needed to cheer up a bit, so rather than shelling 8 bucks for a one dollar beer, Matt and I went old school and bought some Carvel ice cream with sprinkles. I got full rather quickly. But for some brief moments, we were kids again, having ice cream for dinner. It took our minds off the hideous bullpen.

Jon Niese was going game two and I was nervous about it but sort of excited at the same time. I saw this guy pitch all the way back in March 1st when my father and I made the dream trip to spring training. He looked dominant and we were raving about his stuff. My father predicted he'd be an ace what day. I was pumped when they called him up to pitch against the Brewers but he looked so nervous. It was actually reassuring to see a professional ballplayer get as nervous as much as I usually do.

We needed this game bad. It was a must win and it's always dicey when you put a guy that has only one major league start under his belt, in there and tell him he needs to come out with a win. He's never done it. It's very similar to last season when the Mets put Philip Humber in there last September against the Nats. He didn't pitch well that game. Niese didn't pitch welll his first start as well so history was not really on our side.

But here we go! First inning is key for these rookies. Niese gave up a home run in just his 2nd pitch last start, so a quick 1st inning was important for his confidence. And he got it. Despite giving up a two out double to Johnson, he gets out of it unscathed.

With Jojo Reyes pitching, the Mets had to do damage against this subpar pitcher early to give Niese some breathing room. And they did just that. After a Church single, Wright hits a towering home run to right field. 2-0. They didn't stop there. Beltran would hit a single and steal a base and Superman Tatis drives him in with a sing. 3-0.

Then in the 2nd, Reyes gave Niese even more run support with a two out solo shot. Always nice to see Reyes go deep. 4-0

Niese was magnificent. He only needed 1 run it turned out. He even out pitched Johan. He went 8 very strong innings (another example of Manuel not trying to fix something that doesn't need fixing) struck out 7 and only gave up 6 hits. Great job Niese!
Here's video of his last out of the night.




I understand Chipper and Mccann were out of the lineup but he proved that he could beat the bad team easily. And that's something the Mets are going to need to do to make the post season. The Mets added insurance in the 7th with a Carlos Beltran solo home runs (lots of dingers tonight) 5-0 and it stayed like that.

Ayala came in, gave up two hits but got Franceour to ground into a double play. FINALLY! An easy victory that doesn't require Tums, a drink or prozak. Awesome. We needed it and the fact it was a breather made it even sweeter.

But we couldn't help but wish we had swept the DH. We really should've! Oh well. What's done is done. Sunday is a new day and winning the series is imperative to have a successful home stand.




My Shea Memories: In tribute to David Wright's home run, I take you to 2004, David Wright's first ever game as a Met. Yes, I had the good fortunate of attending that one. I saved the stub but have no idea where it was. It was against the Expos and I should remember a lot more about the game than I do but I don't. I remember having tickets with my ex in advance so it was just perfect timing when they called him up. Never in a million years could I imagine Wright would become the poster boy for the Mets and the bona-fide star New Yorkers love. He got a hit or two if memory serves me WRIGHT. Ha get it? No? It's great to have gone to that one, for it was the beginning of an era. An era of winning. An era that even now, has just begun. Thank you David, for helping a 70 win team be a contender since then. And all I told my ex was, watch out for this kid. He could be pretty good. Understatement of the century!



Off to game 8 in a few. Magic number down to lucky 13 btw.

A couple more images from 9...





8 (and SOS)

September 14th, 2008
Braves- 7
Mets- 4



I'm writing this entry on Wednesday, (9/17) 4 days after this game. I didn't want to get to this one as late as I have, but 3 games in less than 24 hours will do that to you. I didn't want to cut this one short, as I found it to be a crippling and important loss and one I wanted to think deeply about before writing it. Or maybe it was just procrastination.

So let me start from the beginning of Sunday's experience. It was really a good thing that I purchased tickets the night before on stubhub. I've been buying lots of games on that site. They have that instant option where you print them right at home. We get to the stadium at about 12:30 and I see no one on the ticket lines. Then I see the windows closed. The only time they do that is during a sell out. I thought surely this game couldn't be sold out. But it was. And what a bummer it would have been if we showed up without any tickets.

Sunday's promotion was sort of weak: a stadium tin. Now, normally I would think this was a cool giveaway. But it's a repeat! They gave a very similar product away I believe in 2004 (their anniversary) I really wish they would have given away the Shea replica. A mini statue they gave away in April, during a rainout game. Obviously, only a few hundred people received them.So why not give the rest away some point?!

I had decent seats for this one. Upper box for 18 bucks a ticket. (35 face value) Here's the view...



This is also an image of the pre-game festivities. The Mets organization was giving awards to prominent minor league players for the 2008 season. Some notable players given awards included Mike Carp (the guy everyone wanted to replace Delgado with back in May) Brian Stokes, Nick Evans and Dan Murphy. Congrats to everyone, especially Murphy, who already looks like a solid, patient major league hitter.

After the festivities, It was game time. Oliver Perez was on the hill. It's interesting with him because he's had a solid year. I really hope he resigns and stays a Met for a while. But for some reason, each start he takes the mound, I don't feel as confident as I should. Maybe I still have memories of him laying an egg against the Marlins in late September last year or maybe it's his control issues. After all, he was pretty poor his previous outing against the Nats. He does play down to his competition and the Braves are bad, so it was a cause for concern. He had a rough first inning as he labored to get the first 3 outs. He allowed a 1 out walk to Martin Prado, then a single by Chipper Jones, who's been killing us since I was in 8th grade! I just started going through puberty during that time! I'm in my mid twenties now and here he is, getting hit after hit. Infante drove in Jones, but thankfully got Franceour to fly out to right to end the inning.

The Mets bounced back quickly in the first with a solo home run by Wright. His new home run, "It's All Right Now", blasted from the old, subpar speaker system. Check out the screen.



The braves regained the lead in the third. Of course, Chipper was in the middle of the it, hitting an RBI double. Damn you LARRY. I hear he wants to buy several Shea seats. Is he obsessed with us or what? First he names his daughter after our park then he reveals that he's going to shell out thousands to purchase seats for his basement. Jealous much? Anyway, after 2 and a half, the Braves led 2-1.

This was the last run Ollie gave up that afternoon in what was a great outing. i love it when he proves me wrong. In the bottom of the 3rd, Murphy got on base with a lead off single. Then all WRIGHT now does it again. A two run home run! 3-2 Mets. They would extend that lead the next inning in the most unlikeliest ways. Oliver Perez hit a 1 out single. Look out Ted Williams, there's a new hit king! He would later score on an error by the first baseman.

4-2.

Now this was supposed to be the final score. This was supposed to be an easy, but close victory. But it wasn't. Because in the ninth inning...Ya know what? This makes me too sick to recap. Just read the scorecards.



A couple of the top hitters in the 9th weren't filled in. i was too weak to do so. One was out, one got a hit. It doesn't matter. This isn't the Daily News. It's a fanatic's blog and one that's dedicated to the last month of games played at Shea. Bottom line, Feliciano and Ayala ruined us! And Kotchman, who started the inning, also ended the inning.

Let's put this into perspective.

Oliver Perez- 7 innings; 4 hits; 2 runs
Mets bullpen- 2 innings; 7 hits; 5 runs





This bullpen will be the death of me! I can't take it anymore! How many times do I have to sit there in the ninth inning with a lead and still feel like we're losing! How many!? Wagner against Arizona in June?! The entire bullpen against Pittsburgh in August?! The 5-2 lead in the ninth against the Phillies?! Schowenweis against the Padres?! The night before against Atlanta! Now this! This bullpen is no longer a weak spot. It is a plague! This will kill any momentum we try to create. We got a lift for a while with newcomers like Stokes and Ayala, but the problem with these guys is that sooner or later, they'll realize that they aren't all that great. That their career eras are sky high! That their stuff isn't really effective! And why do we have to rely on these types of guys besides the fact that Wagner is out forever!? It's because guys like Heilman and Sanchez couldn't step up! It's because Feliciano will give you one decent outing and 5 terrible ones! STOP! I understand that the offense had chances to tack onto their lead. The bases loaded in the 7th being one of those chances. But Mets bullpen, can you give the starters a break? Can you save the offense the way they've tried to save you. It's ridiculous. I've never seen such a bad bullpen in my life. Every single one of them, you can't trust. A pinch hit 3 run homer to Borton, a no name! Give me a God damn break! I've never been so disgusted all year! It was also on a day that the Phillies swept the double dip against the Brewers! You can't make this shit up! I can go in there and be just as effective as these bums and I can't top 39 MPH. Smith was great on Sunday and people wanted to leave him in. That's in retrospect of course. But truth of the matter is that Ayala got exposed and he will continue to be exposed in the remaining games! Why automatically give him the closer role!? Because he was a hair away from blowing another one against the Marlins! Cody Ross missing a home run by inches?! This marked the 7th time the Mets blew a lead in the ninth. How are we even tied for first with that kind of stat? I love Omar, but how come he gets a free pass this year regardless of whether or not the team makes the playoffs but Manuel doesn't!? All Jerry has done since becocming interim manager is WIN! WIN! And handle his interviews with wit, insight and humor. Omar's the one who decided to put all his eggs in the Duaner Sanchez basket, a guy who hadn't pitched in nearly two years coming into this season! Omar's the one who tried to fix the bullpen by getting Matt Wise! This was his solution?! The bullpen was horrible the second half of last year! Make some changes! Oh, and not to mention it took him forever to get rid of guys like Mota and Sosa. God! That is totally unfair. Manuel deserves to be the Mets manager next year. It's not his fault this bullpen is a disgrace! I'm sure he would'nt have gotten Wise! I'm sure he wouldn't overrate Heilman. I never get this angry at players on my team, but enough is enough! Save the games! This offseason, I want every single Mets reliever OUT! Heilman, gone! Showenweis see ya! Feliciano,goodbye! Sanchez, adios! All of them off the team! They literally make me sick to my stomach. I was going out to eat after the game and after that pitiful excuse of an outing, I literally lost my appetite. I didn't want to eat. I know, I'm sick. But this bullpen is even sicker. They'rr a horror show, scarier that any thiller movie I've ever seen. Norman Bates has nothing on this bullpen! Nothing Freddy Kruger looks like an assclown compared to the fear that I get when Heilman enters a game! How do you sleep at night, knowing that you get paid millions of dollars, good money, to stink it up night after night! OUT! You can't get out Norton! Leave! Retire! Because I can't take these types of heartbreaking loses anymore. I'm losing years off my life because of a hideous bullpen!
How does Santana feel about this or the hitters? What garbage! I'd seriously rather see Matt Franco come out of that bullpen to close games! No not John, Matt!

My Shea Memories: All the games I mentioned above in regards to blown saves and leads late in games this. I've been to all of them and this one was the worst. And did you see how the Braves celebrated!? They LOVED it! It was their World Series. And now we have to play them later in the week at the Haunted House! Ughh! To be a fan!

Here's the video of the day. It was taken Saturday but it's of some jerk flaunting his Phillies shirt and fans going nuts.



Well, we've come down to the final 7 games. The Final 15 becomes The Final 7! God knows if there will be more home games after that. I hope we get to use these playoff tickets we bought yesterday. But with a Phillies team that can't lose and a nervous bunch of hitters and just untalented relievers, I just don't know. And it makes me hurt.

I'll see you Monday night. Hopefully with some kind of lead in the standings.

7

September 22, 2008
Cubs- 9
Mets- 5





As I just told my friend, this is supposed to be fun. Pennant race baseball is supposed to riveting. This is just sickening.

Jason Marquis (THE PITCHER!!!!!!) hit a grand slam off rookie Jonathon Niese in the fourth. That was the game. Sure the Mets score 3 more runs after that, 2 of them off the bat of a David Wright home run. But the Cubs scored 4 more after that freak grand slam. It was just an all around deflating game. My heart came up to my throat. It's happening all over again it seems. Niese is this year's version of Humber. They put a highly touted prospect in a huge September game and couldn't come through. It's all too familiar. I don't know if we're going to be able to use those playoff tickets. And it's terrible. I can't write much more. I did the rant last time. I'll just give a short synopsis of last night's experience. As you can imagine, I'm very frustrated

-got a mezzanine seat for cheap on stubhub;



hated the people i sat around. After a heartbreaking home run, they decide they want to do the wave. how??; I was disappointed in the crowd in general, size wise.

the cubs didn't look like they were resting last night;

the bottom of the mets order is killing me (CASTILLO);

Heilman didn't give up a run?!;

Parnell looked good; the give away was a really bad looking towel;

I thought Beltran was out for the season when he collapsed on the field. Luckily he was fine.

citi field sign has been put at the left side of the stadium, as it overlooks shea; odd to stare at it given the recent struggles of the economy;

The infamous The Strength To Be There slogan was taken off the AIG ad. I guess after having to be bailed out or something to that effect, they really don't have the strength to be there.

There's another game tomorrow. Let's hope Johan can do it. Here's the scorecards that I somehow managed to finish during that heartbreaking game. I don't think I'll do another one this year. These games have me too nervous.





I don't have words today, so I'll show you some photos and vids taken yesterday. See ya after game 6.






Video of guy putting up the big lineup cards



So here's the deal...



As always, things aren't going exactly as planned over in Flushing. I've been to all the games this month, and as promised, I've recapped most of them. Unfortunately, I haven't had the stamina after a few of the games this week to write these entries. Hey, it's September. I'm a Mets fan. Put the two together and give me a break. The last thing I want to do after getting off the local N train after a loss at midnight, and walking through the smelly, dirty streets is recap a lackluster performance. No. I want to go home say hello to the pets, eat something, watch a movie, preferably one I've seen dozens of times already and sleep.

I will keep my promise of recapping all of these games, along with My Shea Memories but I've decided to wait until Monday to do so in order to do these recaps justice. I've jotted down lots of different subjects, memories, etc. I've also taken dozens of photos and videos, though the good and the bad. So I will resume Monday after the storm subsides.

But wow. What's a Mets fan to do in this scenario. Just stand and take it. That's all a fan can do. It's like a bad marriage. Another disappointing ending is looming. I will root hard, as always but in the back of my mind, of course I'm preparing myself for the doom that may be to come.

I love Shea. And it's surreal to call this the final weekend. I don't know exactly how to react at the moment, especially at the heels of another missed playoff birth. Let's just pray for a Mets win, a Brewers loss and take it from there, as destiny is no longer in the Amazins hands. It really is amazing. Sunday afternoon's farewell will be unforgettable either way.

So this will all likely be posted Tuesday, meaning recaps from 6-1 and one final farewell entry.

That's all for now. Talk to you soon.

6

September 23, 2008
Cubs- 2
Mets- 6



86 wins. That's what our team had at the beginning of this day. Coming off a two game losing streak, it was time for a win already. The Brewers were beginning a 3-game series with the lowly Pirates at home. It was imperative to come up huge and there's no one you'd rather have on the mound than Johan. So we had that going for us. However, Sean Marshal was on the hill for the Cubbies, and young starters have always been a thorn on the Mets side.

So when I got to the stadium, I was lucky enough to get a free ticket from a friend. It was section 41, which in case you don't know, is one of the worst areas in the house to watch a game. Since there were more than a few empty seats again, I sat behind home plate yet again. What can I say? It's my favorite section.



The place was once again filled with Cubs fans. These people are relentless and annoying. Now I know I say that about all the fans from other teams that come to Shea, like Phillies fans, Yankees fans, or Cardinals fans. But the Cubbies clinched the division days before this series, yet there they are, with their matching vintage-style caps and shirts. Seriously, they all look the same. You have to witness it to understand. The previous game, a couple waved a giant 'W' banner outside the stadium as they walked to the station. I wanted to smack them! They won the division. This game is meaningless to you.

Anyway, onto the all important game. Johan looked dominant through the first two batters. He struck out the free swinging Soriano and Ronny Cedeno, who does NOT look like me. Derrek Lee who played (give the guys some rest LOU!) hit a double, but the threat was brief as Reed Johnson flew out.

It was important for the offense to score early and often. That of course didn't happen. In the first Reyes got a lead-off single. He had to score because when he scores in the first, the Mets win. Castillo The Terrible did nothing productive. Grounded out on an FC. But Wright hits a single to left field so maybe we're still in business. Runners at first and second, 1 out. But the 4 and 5 hitters didn't come through and the two runners were stranded. Ughh, not again was the thought.

'Just don't let the Cubs score the first runs'. They scored the first two runs of the game, one in the second on back to back doubles by McGehee and Fukudome. Yes I know how his name sounds if you break it up. Don't need to really hear it 1,000 times throughout the course of the game. The second run came in the third on a double by Cedeno and a Reed single. So now the scrubs are hitting our ace and we get runners to score! Amazin'.

The Mets would finally get on board in the 5th. Church struck out. Big f'ing shocker. But we finally got a break. Marshall hits Evans, who likely wouldn't have gotten a hit anyway. Then the amazing Johan does it all. He even gets an infield hit. Reyes couldn't drive in the any of the runs. He struck out. So at this point, there were two outs, runners at first and second and guess who's up? Castillo The Terrible!! But wait. With no intention to swing the bat, and much to his delight, he draws a walk! I almost dropped to the ground in shock. But remember, there are still two outs. The bases were loaded and Wright, who had performed poorly with the bases drunk all season, was up. But he singled to left! Two runs scored. The game was tied at 2. Yes!

Johan held 'em down in the 5th. In the bottom of the frame, the Cubs had replaced Marshall with reliever Chad Gaudin. It was time to feast on the bullpen. Delgado led off with a double, which looked very catchable from my vantage point. Soriano isn't exactly Willie Mays in the outfield. I don't know how they could win so many games with that kind of defense. Another miracle occured. Even more miraculous than the productive Castillo The Terrible at bat. Ramon Castro got an infield single! Guadin must have thought Castro was Ricky Henderson running the bases because he rushed his throw and it was a poor one that wasn't caught by Lee. This allowed Deli to advance to 3rd. No...wait! He tried to score on the error. And successfully reached home plate without sliding. Excellent awareness and aggressiveness by Carlos. Luck was on our side that night. The Mets capitalized this entire inning, something that we hadn't seen the entire month. Church hit a single as did super rookie Dan Murphy. Bases loaded again. During this at bat I believe, a fool ran out to the field and just run and flared his arms. Man, if you're going to do something like that, do something a little more creative, like a dance or a slide or mock the other team. None of that occurred. It took a while for him to get off the field. I feared this would ruin the momentum the Mets had tried so hard to acquire.

After they dragged out the drunken fan, Santana grounded out on a FC. That's alright. No double play and still just one out with the bases loaded. Hart came in to face Jose Reyes. Jose then hit a HUGE bases clearing, 3 RBI triple. It marked the 200th triple of his career and it came at a huge moment. 6-2 Mets. That would be the final score.



Johan Santana pitched 8 innings, struck out 10, and gave up 2 runs on 7 hits. It was a clutch performance from a clutch pitcher. This guy deserves the Cy Young Award this year. And I'm so glad he's on our team.

However, the Brewers won a tight one against the stupid Pirates in dramatic fashion, 7-5. So the wild card lead remained at 1. Kinda sucked because it took away the good feelings of the win, at least on my side.

My Shea Memories: I'm thinking about the 2000 NLCS, game 4. I was so lucky I got to go to that game. I wasn't supposed to. I was playing softball or something like that and my mom informed me that Ray's friend was selling two tickets for the game that night. I forgot how we ended up getting our hands on them. I think my brother picked them up. Bottom line is I ended up going with my mom. I've never seen that place so insane. There was a totally different atmosphere than anything I've ever witnessed in sports. 56,000 fans that knew they were two wins away from the World Series. It was so electric. My most vivid memories included Pin Man, and this really large man who had his face painted orange and blue. Then it hit me. This was a rare moment for Mets fans. These were no longer the Bobby Bonilla days and the fans were savoring every second of it.
They played the Cardinals and led 2-1 at the time. Bobby jones pitched and gave up two runs the first inning. Then the Mets score 4 runs in the bottom of the frame with a record amount of doubles! TIMO, FONZIE, PIAZZA, VENTURA, ZEILE, AGBAYANI all hit doubles in the game. Mike also went deep. They ended up winning the game 10-6. God do I miss that team. I used to love the middle of that lineup so much. So although it wasn't the pennant clincher which would happen the very next night, this was an amazing night and I was happy to share it with the moms. It was probably the second most exciting game I've ever been to.

5

September 24, 2008
Cubs- 9
Mets- 6

Ouch! This definitely is going into the top 5 painful/worst loses of the year. I don't know what to say...It's games like this that make me wonder why I decided to write about every September home game. It even makes me wonder why I care so damn much about something I can't control. We had this win in the bag and as my friend said, 'we shit the bed'. This was terrible. What else do I have to say?!

Fine. I'll try. A lot of people went to this game, meaning friends and friends of friends. On our way to the game, Matt told me he felt confident going into this one. Perez made me nervous like he usually does. What made matters worse in my head was that Zambrano was facing our lineup. Even though he

So we all go there in time for first pitch. It was one of our friend's birthday, Sunil. Great place to celebrate your life. His name was even put on the scoreboard in the middle of the game. Yes, I was jealous. The Mets haven't played a home game on my birthday since 2005 and they won't during the 09 season either. Oh well.

Perez looked strong early, but gave up a solo home run to Mark Derosa in the 2nd.
The Mets would come back in a huge way in the third inning. Although Zambrano looked dominated early, getting the first seven batters he faced to record outs. He struggled with his control that inning. Argenis Reyes started it off with a 1 out single. Perez bunts him over to second. With two outs, the Mets ended up scoring 5 runs! It was a freaking miracle. Jose walked, as did Dan Murphy. With the bases loaded, David Wright produced an excellent, patient at bat. He was walked and just like that, the Mets tied it up. Then came Delgado, the best clutch hitter we've seen all season. It was a full count. Delgado hits a blast! It was an opposite field grand slam that just went over the left field wall. We went nuts. There's nothing more exciting in baseball, in my opinion, than to see your team hit a grand slam. What a feeling. Suddenly, it was 5-1 Mets. We thought it was going to be a breeze and we had a laugher on our hands. Oh...how naive.

The fifth inning came. It started so innocently. Soriano struck out, again. But Theriot singled. Then Lee walked. Then Ramirez walked. I thought these guys were supposed to rest for the playoffs! Stop trying so hard. Derosa, who hit the home run earlier, killed us again with a double to left! 2 runs score. Now it's 5-3. All of a sudden, none of us feel safe or confident. Ollie had one of those vintage Ollie innings. It's like everything is going well for the guy then there's one inning, one instance where the bottom falls out! Sound familiar? He sort of represents the team.
So Jerry took him out at this point and puts in Duaner Sanchez, who hasn't been good at all this season. Listen, we'd all love to pretend like he's 2006 Duaner. But he's not! He may never be. If he will, it won't be this year so stop bringing the guy in. What does he do? He gives up a 2 rbi single to Reed Johnson. Game tied! What happened?! One thing I know. There's no way we can lose this game and still expect to play in October. Both teams were quiet offensively until the 7th.

It was a matter of time until the mighty bullpen gave up a run. This time it was Stokes, who gave up a couple of singles and a double to Sori. At the middle of the 8th, it was 6-5 Cubbies.

Of course the Mets offense was no where to be found. Zambrano settled down and the bullpen was effective. I wonder what it feels like to have an effective bullpen. Hmmm...

Delgado hit a lead off double in the 8th. Beltran followed with a singe. Runners at the corners and no outs. No way we mess this one up. But ultimately, it was the Cubs who messed up the inning. We gave them chances to get out of it. Like Church striking out. With Ramon Castro grounding out. Two outs. Then something happened. Piniella, the world's greatest manager decides to intentionally walk Endy Chavez to load the bases. Why he would do that, I don't know. Maybe for a second, he looked like Albert Pujols. Loading the bases intentionally never works anyway. Ramon Martinez then drew a walk! Already better than Castillo The Terrible. But the Mets didn't put the nail in the coffin as Reyes grounded out to 2nd baseman. We were glad it was tied but very well knew this might come back to bite us, especially with our pen.

But Ayala pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning! This could be it, we thought. This has to be ours. Dan Murphy led off the inning with a triple. It was so exciting. The dude just kept running his ass off and was aggressive as a man can be. The slide! All we need was a fly ball or something to that effect and we win a huge game and keep our 1 game lead over the Brewers.

Ughh. Do I have to continue? Can't I just end it here? Afraid not. Because David was up. The count was 3-0 to Wright and he swings and fouls it off. He was obviously pressing. What does he do shortly after that bonehead move?! He strikes out on ball 4. The ball wasn't even close to being a strike! How outside was that pitch! At this point, I knew Murphy wasn't going to score. The Cubs walk Beltran and Delgado intentionally to get to Church who's stunk it up ever since coming back from the DL. He grounded into a force out. Now two are gone and the possibly of a sac fly is gone too. Castro came up and had a horrendous at bat where he looked totally overmatched. K'ed. Inning over. The game was over.

Cubs scored 3 in the 10th because the bullpen couldn't give the team a chance in the 10th with just a 1 run deficit. THINK BIG is the bullpen's motto. And that they did. Ramirez hit a two run homer off Ayala to make it 9-6. There's the ballgame.

As terrible a loss as you can see. It's games like this that make you say, 'I can't do this anymore.' Happy birthday! Unreal.

No scorecards this game and thank God. I seriously wouldn't have been able to physically write down what just transpired in front of me. how I'm doing it now just shows how sick I am. Let's get to Shea Memories.

My Shea Memories: It was June of this year. I went with a friend from school to see the Mets-D'backs game. She's very unique. She's a die hard Diamondbacks fan. I can't explain why and won't try. This one was memorable for three reasons. One was because we had upper reserved seats, as I normally do. But this girl, the daring fanatic that she is, wanted to see batting practice so she could hold up a sign for her favorite player, Mark Reynolds. WE were late for BP but the guy let us in the field level seating anyway to see the field. Game time starts and we sit literally the second row of the visiting dugout. These were the best seats I've ever sat in at Shea. And they weren't even our seats! How fitting. No one came to sit in them, meaning someone out there decided to waste two amazingly expensive ticket. Man, don't you just hate rich people sometimes? This is why! But I was thrilled. I got to see Santana pitch from the closest vantage point a fan can have, besides the bat boy. I will say this. I love the nose bleeds but by sitting this close, you really start to appreciate the game more. You realize how difficult it truly is and how much effort it takes to play a good ball game. You sort of take it for granted.
Second reason it's memorable is because Wagner blew another freaking game! This time a 4-0 going into the 9th. Johan pitched amazing and didn't get the win. Mets ended up losing that one of course. It was probably the game that sealed Willie's fate and everyone at Shea knew that. Third reason is because I was on the kiss cam with my friend. This was not a date mind you. And the girl could care less about me or anyone for that matter who wasn't named Reynolds. I was pretty mortified by those 5 seconds. I always pictured this glorious and special moment if I ever got caught on the kiss cam. I planned act nuts and go crazy. And what happened? A kiss on the cheek by me. Crazy. Shortly after, the girl yelled, "I love you Reynolds!" This was one of probably 20 times I heard that all game. I wish I was kidding. I've had better moments, but it was pretty hilarious.

I have no pictures or videos. Too disgusted. Here's one though from the first game of this series. A "Mets fans' tries to start the wave

4

September 25, 2008
Cubs- 6
Mets- 7



This is why we love sports. Because it's a safe version of life, meaning that it's unpredictable. It's dramatic. It's euphoric. It's agony.

As bad a loss we witnessed the previous day, that's how good this win felt. I went into that game with zero confidence. Pedro Martinez was pitching that night and I never thought I'd witness the day where I would dread a start that he made. But that's exactly what happened. We were facing Rich Harden, a guy who's ERA was in the 2's. I was in a really foul mood on my way to the game. At this point, the monotony of the commute to Shea really irritated me. I was sick of trying to squeeze into an overcrowded 7 express. I was tired of the terrible rainy weather we were getting. I was sick of the city and the thousands of people. To make matters worse, prior to the trip I printed out four tickets to NLCS game that I was pretty sure we weren't going to play

Luckily, the line for tickets wasn't long at all. The weather did help in that regard. I ended up sitting in section 2 again with a friend. And away we go. Please don't blow it Pedro. We want to love you so much.



Pedro always gives up first inning runs, so I knew we would be behind shortly after my ass hit the seat. At the end of the top of the 1st, it was 2-0 Cubs partly due to a Micah Hoffpauir solo home run. Never heard of this guy? Well by the time this game was over, we did.

Mets got a run back in the bottom of the frame. Reyes reached on a fielding error and stole 2nd base. Then reached to third on a FC by Murphy. David Wright then drove him in on a sac fly. My friend must've said a million times, 'why couldn't you do that last night?" it was actually an excellent question. But this inning just proved how valuable Reyes can be. He single handedly scored that run. All he had to do was get on base. 2-1 Cubs.

In the third, they extended their lead on an RBI double by Hoffpauir. Ay! 3-1.

But the Mets were resilient that night, July-style. They evened the score in the 4th on a 2 rbi double by Church. He finally woke up! Yes!

Pedro settled down and threw a season high 9 strikeouts. So he sort of came through, until the 7th. Pie led off with a single, then Theriot walked. So Jerry yanked Petey for Rincon, since Martinez struggled with Hoffpauir who was due up. As Pedro walked to the dugout, he waved to the fans. It was a goodbye, since that was definitely the last regular season start and his contract expires by season's end. But the move burned Jerry and the Mets. Second pitch of the at bat, boom! A three run homer by this freaking guy again. WTF! I swear I never heard of this guy and I'm pretty sure the 45000 other fans didn't as well. Meanwhile, he was single handedly killing us, driving in 5 of the 6 Cubs runs. So even though Piniella gave the entire regular lineup a rest, this one man took over the game.

I was so depressed at this point. It was 6-3 in the 7th. I had no faith in us winning that game. None. I'm not afraid to admit that.

The Mets proved they had some guts left. This would actually be the last time the team fought. After this game, the offense disappeard. In the 7th, Robinson Cancel hit a lead off double. He was eventually driven in on a groundout by Reyes. It was a good start but I didn't think much of it at the time. Then in the 8th, with two outs ended up tying the game with singles by Beltran, Church, Martinez, and Cancel. But the way Church scored off the Cancel hit was incredible. He was dead meat at home, with an excellent throw by Fukedome. Church somehow ran around the catcher, avoided the tag, and hit home plate. It seemed like an eternity for that amazing play to unfold. When he was called safe, I went ape shit. Game tied at 6. This was a game we had to win suddenly. ANd they did.

In the 9th, with two outs and Reyes at second (reached on single and stolen base), Carlos Beltran singled on a line drive that was JUST beyond the reach of the first basemen. Reyes scores and the Mets win it! I turned around and took a bow to a couple of Cubs fans sitting a few rows back. This is how crazy I get during these games. 7-6! We're right back in it. The brewers ended up winning in 10 with a Braun grand slam which sucked but fans started to feel confident again. Things felt good. We split the series with the Cubs, stayed tied with the Brewers for the final playoff spot and it was on to the Marlins where we would seek vindication...

My Shea Memories: It's not the best one, but it's sort of relevant because it was against the Cubs. It was opening day, 2003, freezing cold day. I believe it was March 31st, the earliest opening day. My last class that day was early and I met this Mets fan in my class that was also attending the game so I was able to get a ride to the stadium.

Tom Glavine took the mound for the first time in his Mets tenure and absolutely bombed. He got killed. I'm sitting there, freezing my balls off to see errors by Cliff Floyd and meatballs thrown by our newly acquired ace. The final score was like 7-1. Wow. It turned out to be a terrible season so this game was definitely a sign of things to come for not only the 03 season but the entire Art Howe regime.

3

September 26, 2008
Marlins- 6
Mets- 1



This game was pretty much a disaster. It actually reminded me a little of the final game of the 2007 regular season. The Marlins jumped to an early lead (granted not the abomination that was Glavine's outing) and the Mets just looked absolutely lethargic at the plate. How deflating a loss was this game when a night before, we won this nail biter and showed great resiliency! I don't know. This is the final weekend of the season. You're tied for a playoff spot! Let's go!

I got a great deal at stubhub this time around. 56 dollar Mezzanine box tickets for just 20, which was the same price at Upper Reserved seats. Nice. I had to print them out and of course I don't prefer to do that, but whatever.



I got to the game a little late, but it wasn't my fault. I was actually there on time but my friend, who I had to wait for was tardy. You know who you are, and you cost me the promotion of the night, which was actually one of the cooler items. It was pennant night, which featured photos of some of the best Shea moments. It was a little small, but still nice.

So I will admit that I missed the top of the first. You can imagine the feeling I received when saw the 2-0 score. I haven't sat down. The Mets aren't up and here we go.

Pelfrey started the game and although he was one of our best starters for the better part of the season, I didn't trust this matchup. I don't have the stats in front of me, but he hadn't fared well against the fish all year. That stupid, pesky team hits him well. Ramirez and Baker each hit singles followed by a Cantu double.

I feel the turning point came as early as the bottom of the first. With one out, after back to back singles by Murphy and Wright, Delgado struck out. Then Beltran walks. Then Church flies out to center, once again being unproductive. This became a trend of an inability to score any runs.

Pelfrey held the team scoreless until the 6th when Willingham hit a solo homer to left, which I could have sworn went foul. Maybe I was just seeing what I wanted to see. Pretty soon, I'll start seeing David Wright holding up the World Series trophy. I'm becoming delusional over this team.

The Mets got one back in the bottom of the inning. Church led off with a walk. Then the emerging Ramon Martinez hit a double. He's the most clutch guy on the damn team. A run scored on a Schieder FC. Then Jerry puts in Marlon Anderson who hadn't hit a lick all season long. He struck out. Inning over. Parnell, Feliciano, and Heilman all chip in to give up 2 runs in the 7th. You should have heard the boos for Aaron after he walked in a run. I haven't heard such loud boos since the John Rocker days.

Stokes gave up an RBI single to Hanley in the 8th, who reached base four times that game. And that was the game.

To make matters worse, the Brewers and Phillies each had big leads, which meant our playoff hopes were again in serious jeopardy since, for the second straight year going into the second to last game, the Mets didn't control their own destiny after giving up chance after chance after chance. So sickening.

I just sat there for a few moments, knowing very well that my time at Shea was dwindling at a rapid pace. Lots of fans just stayed to take pictures since it was going to be their last chance to say goodbye to their stadium. It was sad. It finally started to hit me that it was going to be over very soon. I held back the tears...

I took a few pictures of my own. The ceiling of the dugouts were re-painted and it read SHEA GOODBYE in cursive.






My Shea Memories: This loss made me realize how special a moment that 2006 clinching game truly was. I remember the fans actually rooting for the Mets to lose in Pittsburgh and get swept so they could see the team celebrate live and in person. After class, I bought Matt and I two tickets in Mezzanine. He did the same thing at the same time and bought 3 tickets, but in Upper. So we had extra seats that a bunch of people couldn't go to. I can't imagine what else they'd rather be doing. Anyway, the crowd was pumped and the game day ticket sales were through the roof. There were two unlikely heroes in the game. Jose Valentin (who had an EXCELLENT year, much like Tatis did this year) and Steve Trachsel who was pretty solid. We get to the final out, which was a fly out caught by Cliff Floyd. Game over! Mets THE TEAM THE TEAM THE 2006 NL EAST DIVISION CHAMPS'
was displayed on the scoreboards. Matt and I hugged as its a moment we thought we'd never see, with Atlanta dominating for so long. It was truly a magical moment, even though we were so good that year and clinching was inevitable. We even had bough champagne four days earlier in preparation to celebrate back then. But it worked out beautifully. They let fans run down to the field level where the players came out to celebrate with us. Lo Duca sprayed fans with a hose. Reyes and Wright were close to us. I remember them taking a fan's sign to hold up. Man...Those were the days. Now I had this: Another loss for an overachieving Marlins team that just loves to beat us. Oh well. That's what makes moments like those special. The rarity of it.

2

September 27th, 2008
Marlins- 0
Mets- 2



JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN! JO-HAN!

This game was all Johan. It was probably the greatest pitching performance I've ever seen live by a Met, right up there with last year's 1 hitter by John Maine, which had some stark similarities in regards to the positioning, timing and emotions. The team was dead and Johan was asked to put his money where his mouth was and did so in a huge way. He proved his worth and then some. Santana deserves the Cy Young. I don't want to hear Webb and his 3.33 ERA or whatever it is or Sabathia who pitched half a season in the NL. No. He deserved better from the bullpen and shouldn't be penalized due to the likes of Schowenweis, Heilman, Sanchez, even Wagner.

The weather was relatively shitty. It looked like rain was coming the whole morning/afternoon. Luckily for us, it held off. Matt and I went into the game confident. We heard Johan was going on short rest as this game was categorized as a must win. It sounded desperate but that's what the times called for. We were certain that the Brews would at least lose one of the next two games. We just needed them to lose that Saturday afternoon.

The place was pretty electric. Of course there were some empty seats and you want it to be as packed as possible, but the excitement was definitely there.

Besides giving up a single in the first, Johan coasted through the inning. So we're feeling good about the game at this point from a pitching standpoint. Offensively, it was a different story.

In the bottom of the first, the Mets hit Nolasco. Reyes hit a lead off single and stole his 56th base. Then Beltran singled yet it only advanced Jose to 3rd. Delgado got a productive fly out which scored Reyes. 1-0! They should've scored more than inning, especially since Wright also singled. But back to back outs by Murphy and Martinez ended any hopes of a huge inning.

Luckily, that 1 measly run was all that Santana needed. The Marlins would only muster up two more hits after the first. The Mets, only 3.

Ramon Martinez drove in the second and final run of the game with a 1 out double that drove in Murphy, another huge hit by him. Unbelievable that a guy that no one thought of for the majority of the season contributed big hits down the stretch. 2-0. And that was the final score.

We were really disappointed with the offense, as stated earlier. I mean they scored 1 run the previous night. 3 runs in two games doesn't really cut it. I could understand if we were facing Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux in the mid 90's. These are the Marlins. They have talented, young pitching but come on. This is supposed to be a prolific offense. The lineup is filled with stars. Too many missed opportunities. Not enough small ball. Bad execution. And Johan can't pitch everyday, although cloning might be a great alternative.

Here's the line of Santana. I don't need to elaborate more than I already have.
Santana- 9.0 IP/ 3H/ 0R/ 3BB/ 9K

Wow. Thank you. With the crowd chanting Jo-han during the final outs, and seeing the Cubs jump to an early 2-0 lead against the Brewers, (it started at 4PM) the crowd was rejuvenated. Hope was restored. We were ready for a chance on Sunday to play past the regular season schedule. It was so stressful, that ride home on the 7 train wondering if Chicago maintained their lead. We ran into the guy who's famous for catching well over 3,000 foul/home run balls. He kept us updated on his iphone.

Long story short, Cubs win a nail biter. Like last year, it would all come down to one final game against the same team that loves to kill us. I got no sleep that night. I had dreams and nightmares about what could happen the next day. What Perez would we get since he's on short rest? Will we hit Scott Olsen like we have all year?

My Shea Memories: This one is the most exciting baseball game I've ever seen. Mets vs. Giants- Game 3 2000 NLDS. Wow. My father and I scored back row tickets in the loge section. I don't need to explain to the Met fans how difficult those seats are. Last row. There's a lot of maneuvering involved to see fly balls. Man. That game lasted 13 grueling innings. IT was the series. It was tied at 1 and the winner of that game was going to win the series. In the bottom of the 8th, down 2-1 (Rick Reed pitched a solid game) the Mets scored a run off Rob Nen, their 'unhittable' closer thanks to Timo Perez and Edgardo Alfonzo, wto very clutch hitters that postseason. The game kept going and going. The frustration grew on him. I was 16 and was going insane, hitting my hat against the pole after missed scoring opportnities. Then in the 13, Benny Agbayani hit a walk off home run to left field, right over Bonds. How sweet it was. The place went ape shit. It was incredible. You often hear that during a huge game, you could feel Shea shake and move. This was one of those instances. I feared the place would collapse. The Mets won the following game thanks to a Bobby Jones masterpiece. They had defeated a 100+ win team and advanced to the Championship Series. But it was all because of this game, that they won their first pennant since 1986.
















1

September 28th, 2008
Marlins- 4
Mets- 2



Everything came down to this Sunday afternoon. Win and play game 163 and possibly more. Lose and watch our final game ever at Shea and let another golden opportunity go to waste. We knew Sabathia, who seemed to pitch everyday down the stretch, wasn't going to lose that game.

I've seen big games at Shea, but none that I was more nervous to watch. I knew how much this game meant to the franchise and losing it would be disastrous.

These tickets were very difficult to acquire. All season, I hit myself for not pulling the trigger on purchasing the shea goodbye pack which included this game. I waited too long, hoping a better deal would come along. I was looking at being forced to buy tickets on stubhub well above face value. But I kept trying the mets site after constant checking, they released a few scattered seats to the public. I nabbed two for face value, and away we go. There was an empty seat next to my friend so I just sat there most of the game.

The weather was pretty brutal. Or at least it started that way. The rainfall kept getting heavier and heavier. We got there real early (like 12:15) picked up the tickets, received our final promotion (ticket and lanyard). I've never seen the game so packed so early. It was weird, but exciting. Everyone was in the concourse areas to protect themselves from the rain. People were chanting Let's Go Mets. We tried to find things to do before the game, but it is Shea. There's nothing but the game. We waited on line seemingly forever to get inside the team store but got impatient and left. Then we had the final Shea meal. We called it the last supper. What was it? Two hot dogs of course. It wasn't very hot. So my final dog at Shea was sort of cold. Fitting.

They delayed the game until 2 which gave us more time to think and walk around. We tried to get a picture of the spot Tommie Agie hit his monster home run. Apparently everyone else had that idea. When we arrived at the spot, the line was huge. Kept going and going...So we just found our seats and waited it out.

Marc Anthony sang the National Anthem. I felt bad that my mom, an avid fan, wasn't there to hear it. The place really was sold out this time around. No empty seats whatsoever. Yes!

Now to the game. It was imperative that Ollie, which the crowd really got behind early and often, blow away the fish in the first. That means no runs, no momentum, no anything.

We were pleased to find out that Hanley wasn't going to play but were still cautious.
Maybin took his spot and Matt had told me he was on a tear. Great.

But Ollie did just what the doctor ordered. He retired the side in order. Last year, uring the same situation, Glavine couldn't get one out because he lost the feel of his changeup. SO we all felt this year, this game would be different. We had a pitcher that was getting people out.

However, some things never change. The offense, as it had all weekend, struggled mightily to get anything done off Scott Olsen, who we've hit very well the last three outings against him. We went down quickly that inning and many of the innings to come.

The 6th inning is when all the offensive action started. Chicago had a 1 0 lead and it even looked for a few moments that the Mets could clinch a playoff spot that afternoon. What a day that could be, we thought. To celebrate the wild card birth along with old Mets greats. It could've been amazing.

But Oliver got in trouble. Mayben led off with a double. Never a good sign. Then Baker hits a single and drives in a run. Then Cantu hits a single. After BOTH runners advanced on a fly out to Evans, Jerry had Ollie intentionally walk Uggla to load the bases. I can't explain to you how much I loathe that play. I hate, hate, hate it. Why Jerry? And to put in the bullpen after that? He's been a great manager all year and it's not his fault the pen is trash but I really disagreed with this play, not just in hindsight either. So Joe Smith, the best reliever in the bullpen (although that title doesn't say much.) comes in and walks Josh Willingham! A run comes in! SHIT! 2-0 Marlins. Luckily, Joe got out of the jam and got two outs we so desperately needed. It could've been worse but with the way our offense was going, it didn't seem good enough.

But the Mets showed one final sign of life. Robinson Cancel drew a walk and with two out, Beltran came up clutch and hit the home run Mets fans have been dying to see hit hit. It was hit in the picnic area and tied the game at 2 and our confidence was finally restored.

Unfortunately that would be the final Mets home run (and run) at Shea.

In the 8th, Schowenweis replaced Stokes and I don't even need to finish this thought for you to know what's going to happen. He gave up a solo home run to Wes Helms, about the second pitch of his outing. Ughhh! 3-2. It's amazing how a guy can get paid so much for not only doing his job so poorly but doing so little. Most people work over 40 hours a week. Showenweis? 5 minutes. Here's your millions.

That was the beginning of the end. Of course, the bullpen had to do even more to put this game away. Ayala came in and gave up a bomb to Dan Uggla (the last homer at Shea)
4-2 Marlins

The Mets gave us two more glimmers of hope after that. In the bottom of the 8th, with two outs, Reyes hita ground rule double. Bad luck because he could've easily gone to third. Beltran then walked. Arthur Rhodes, the lefty, was put in the game to face Delgado. He hit the ball very well to left. I thought for a split second that Deli had come through again. THe crowd would go nuts and we'd regain the lead. My heart rose up to my throat, but it wasn't hit well enough. When the left fielder caught it, I threw up the heart.

Around this time, we found out the Brewers took the lead, like 3 or 4-1. So we had just 3 outs to come back and try to live another day.

But it wasn't meant to be. In the 9th, Lindstrom, former Met retired the first two batters. Easley then walked with two outs. Flashes went off all over the place as everyone wanted to capture the very last play at Shea. It would be off the bat at Church, who seemed to hit it hard. It looked again for split second that we had gone deep. But after the outfielder made the play, it was all over. Just like that. 162 games. All that time and energy and emotion placed in this team...Gone.

And every fan was expected to put on a happy face for the post game ceremony. Only as a Mets fan...

Words cannot express how surreal a feeling it was knowing that this was going to be it. After that evening, they were going to take this thing apart, slowly, piece by piece. There would be no more Mets baseball in 2008. Our worst nightmares came true. Groundhog Day...
I cried after that game and during the ceremony. I've never shed tears at Shea before that. I guess there's a first and last time for everything. I don't know what hurt more, the bitter end of the season or the end of an era at Shea. I believe it was all of the above. I was overwhelmed.

The actua ceremony was beautifully done, much to my surprise. Seeing my favorite Mets from the 90s was a thrill, especially guys like Piazza, Ventura, and Alfonzo. It didn't take the sting away, but it was very therapeutic. It helped me come to terms with the stadium closing down. Here are some vids/pictures.

























What can you say? Changes needs to be made. I'm sure there will be. We'll have months to discuss that though. Right now, the pain and anguish is fresh in the brain. I don't know what else to say for now. I'm sure my wrap up will attempt to add some closure...

My Goodbye



I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's read and kept up with my journey of recapping my final 15 trips to Shea. It ended in such disappointing fashion. This team has always been notorious for testing their fans' loyalty. One thing is for certain though. We're not going anywhere, for better or worse. I understand it's been for worse of late. But that's life. There are no guarantees. Let's see how many cliches I can throw in here. You can't always get what you want.

Seriously, if you could get beyond the wins and losses for a few moments, and just ponder why you care so much in the first place... Why does this team affect your moods? It's a love. That's why. It's more than just hits and runs and it goes deeper than watching a solid bullpen (although it would be nice to see one of those again someday). It's about the memories that you have that probably stems from childhood.

I think non sports fans can understand why we get so emotionally attached if they understand how it's a passion. It's that simple and complicated.

Believe me, no one wants to see this team win more than me. But right now, I'm thinking about Shea. I'm not focusing on the 40 man roster that couldn't get the job done in the final month again. I've done that enough on this site. I'm thinking about the demolition of a second home to many, including myself. The sadness burns because I don't know what the future holds. Will my friends, family and I be able to get into a ballpark that has shaved 10,000 seats off its capacity? I sure hope so, but you just never know.

I'm just glad that I cherished and embraced each moment I spent in that so-called dump. I loved going there with my parents, with my best friend, with my brother, my girlfriends, my dates that sometimes ended terribly, with acquaintances, and with myself. I loved waiting on that stupid long line for tickets and being welcomed by a subpar promotion giveaway and walking towards those tall escalators. And walking through the always congested, thin concourses with the walls painted red, indicating you are as high as the airplanes that fly by seemingly ever other minute. You get used to that over time. This year was a dream come true because I was able to attend more games than ever. That dream ended terribly that Sunday afternoon.

These next 6 months, I'm going to painfully miss going to these games, keeping scorecards which I just got into this past JULY, etc. I mourn because I understand that it may never be the same again. I'm cautiously excited about the new park and my adulthood. But whether I like it or not, I realize that change has arrived.

I leave you with a video that I put together. The videos are crappy quality, the vantage point way too far. But it's all from my two eyes and I found it to be touching. Thanks again. Have a great fall and winter.



Jaime DeJesus
THE FINAL 15