Shea Goodbye

I flew in from Napa Valley on Saturday; when we booked the tickets, I insisted on being back in time for this. 

The final game at Shea. 

What should have been the final regular season game at Shea, with a few postseason games tucked under our belts, some great memories more to come, and … well.  I could whine and complain and cry in frustration.  Which most Mets fans are doing right now.  But you’re here for the food, right? 

Too bad.  There’s only a little bit of food in here.  This is my farewell to Shea.  (Posts about San Francisco & Napa Valley to start after this.)

It was a rocky season, to be sure.  David Wright hadn’t been performing up to what I expect from him (admittedly, I expect a lot, as I adore the man).  Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran were doing their best to make sure we were in the running for the playoffs.  But our bullpen left a lot to be desired.

Sigh. 

I barely want to talk about it.

Marc Anthony sang the Star Spangled Banner for what would be the last time at Shea Stadium.  We just didn’t know we’d lost yet.

My final photo of David Wright’s first at bat of a Sunday home game at Shea.

My final meal at Shea Stadium; the first (and last) time I had the chicken fingers.  The honey mustard is too mustardy, not enough honey (Heinz brand); the BBQ is alright but a bit too tangy for straight dipping.  $9 for this combo with fries.  The chicken fingers were moist enough, good flavor in the coating.

Glenn Close came to sing God Bless America for the final time at Shea. 

For the closing ceremony, they had many of the Mets who have made up baseball’s greats come and do the walk around one last time… including Tom Seaver, Darryl Strawberry, Gil Hodges, Mike Piazza, Robin Ventura, Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, John Franco and many more.  Some of them were so before my time, I apologize but I don’t remember their names. 

Here’s a shot of Mike Piazza and Tom Seaver pointing into the stands as they pose for pictures.  I’m still unclear why they were singled out so much; Seaver also pitched the final pitch, with Piazza catching the final catch, of Shea Stadium’s history.

Piazza & Seaver walking off the field for the final time.

My seats for this entire past season of Sunday games.  Farewell, Section 2, Row L, Seat 13.

My section sign.

My gate…

The final out of the game, recorded very poorly on my digital camera.

Goodbye, Shea.  It won’t be the same without you.

Other baseball posts:
Mama’s of Corona, Shea Stadium
Baseball references on Feisty Foodie
Baseball references on Feisty Bento
More DW references