Mets hire Elizabeth Benn as their director of major league operations

 

From SI.com

 Billy Eppler has made his first front office hire as the general manager of the Mets- and It's a historic one.

Eppler and the Mets have hired Elizabeth Benn as their director of major league operations, per SNY's Andy Martino.

Benn will become the Mets' highest-ranking female baseball ops employee in franchise history. 

The University of Toronto and Columbia University graduate was hired by MLB in 2017. For three years, she worked for the league front office in youth programs and labor relations. In 2020, she began working on the league's baseball operations side. 

Benn became the first woman to play in the New York City Metro Baseball League, and began pitching for NYCMBL back in 2016. In addition to working for MLB and playing baseball, Benn has been an adjunct professor at Lehman University for the past six years.

Read more here. 

Welcome aboard. I wonder if we can get Elizabeth to attend a QBC.

Ya Gotta Believe tee shirt.

 

Put your New York Mets fandom on display with this Iconic Bring It T-shirt by Fanatics Branded. The soft fabric and classic fit has you reaching to wear it again and again. Plus, the distinct New York Mets graphics feature a slogan across the back that only the fan club truly understands for a sweet piece of gear.

I believe that this lockout is going to go on for a while. I don’t think the owners realize how much on the the end of the line they  are at with fans coming back to the game.

You can find this shirt at lids.com

Baseball and BBQ Episode #121: Former Major League Baseball catcher, Josh Thole

 Baseball and BBQ Episode #121: Former Major League Baseball catcher, Josh Thole and pitmaster, Matt Dallman from Live Coals Barbeque

Baseball and BBQ

• • Food

Baseball and BBQ #Episode 121 features former Major League Baseball catcher, Josh Thole and pitmaster, Matt Dallman from Live Coals Barbeque

Josh Thole is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays.  He has a special place in the heart of Mets fans as he was behind the dish for the first and, up to this point, only no-hitter in the 59-year franchise's history.  Josh has a great sense of humor and wonderful stories to share, one of which involves a garage full of people waiting for him to be selected in the MLB Draft.  Catching a knuckleball pitcher is one of the hardest things for a catcher, and Josh did it quite well as he became knuckleballer, R. A. Dickey's favorite receiver.  In 2012 Josh was part of the trade, along with Dickey and a few others that brought catcher, Travis d'Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard aka Thor from the Blue Jays to the Mets.  We finished recording and Josh brings up his love of barbeque, which, along with being a great guest, gives us yet another reason to have him back.

Matt Dallman is a Texas transplant by way of Kansas City, MO who has made an indelible mark on the region's fanatical barbecue community.  In 2015 this self-taught pitmaster opened the BBQ restaurant, 18th & Vine in Dallas, Texas.  Since then, he has sold his interest in the restaurant and in the Summer of 2018 he started the catering operation, Live Coals Barbeque.  Matt has many stories and cooking tips.  We could not pass up the opportunity to talk some baseball once we learned of his Kansas City Royals fandom.  Matt is another guest we would like to come back, but rather than wait for his next appearance, if you want to learn more, go to https://thelivecoals.com/

We recommend you go to Fifth & Cherry, https://fifthandcherry.com for wonderful cutting boards, 

http://www.baseballbbq.com for grill tools and clothing for barbecue and baseball fans, the Pandemic Baseball Book Club, https://www.pbbclub.com  to find many of the wonderful books we have featured as well as some additional swag, and https://bbqbuddha.com/ for rubs and award winning sauces.

We conclude the show with the song, "Baseball Always Brings You Home" from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky.

We truly appreciate our listeners and hope that all of you are staying safe.

If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you.

Call the show:  (516) 855-8214

Email:  baseballandbbq@gmail.com

Twitter:  @baseballandbbq

Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue

YouTube:  baseball and bbq

Website:  https://baseballandbbq.weebly.com

Facebook:  baseball and bbq

Mets pull over camo something something shirt.

 

This Digital Camo Performance Quarter-Zip Pullover Jacket is a must-have for New York Mets fans. It is naturally odor resistant and features a top zip pocket for holding your necessities. Complete with embroidered New York Mets graphics, you will be repping your team in style when you sport this jacket.

This camp def works. Can’t even see the Mets NY there. Ih wait there it is.

If you want this you could go to lids.com

Hey its the we pushed back Spring Training Cap

 

As the MLB's 2022 regular season commences, grab this Spring Training 9TWENTY adjustable hat to boast your New York Mets fandom. Along with a low crown and relaxed fit for a classic look, the mesh back allows for more breathability while the curved bill shields your eyes. On top of that, the spirited New York Mets embroidery on the front and bold applique on the side show off your undeniable pride in the squad.

Hey you can wear this while you pretend to be down on the Berm.

Available at lids.com

Robot Chicken: Mr Met and Michelin Man?

 

This is a weird one. Robot Chicken had Freddy going to kill a teen  but he found Mr Met and the Michelin Man in bed together. Very weird. Very random. 

For Sale: John Franco Autographed Game Model Glove

 For Sale. Autographed John Franco Game Model baseball glove. $200 shipped. If you are close to me and want to meet up, I can knock it down to $185. Email me at mediagoon@gmail.com or hit me up in my DMs.

Ulti-Met Collections - Episode 2: Andy Parton

 We took a tour of Andy Parton’s massive baseball collection which is filled with many one-of-a-kind pieces of Mets’ history. Take a closer look at his memorabilia and the stories behind them.

Check out http://m.mlb.com/video for our full archive of videos, and subscribe on YouTube for the best, exclusive MLB content: http://youtube.com/MLB

About MLB.com: Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced on January 19, 2000, that the 30 Major League club owners voted unanimously to centralize all of Baseball's internet operations into an independent technology company. Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) was formed and charged with developing, building and managing the most comprehensive baseball experience available on the internet. In August 2002, MLB.com streamed the first-ever live, full length MLB game when the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees faced off at Yankee Stadium. Since that time, millions of baseball fans around the world have subscribed to MLB.TV, the live video streaming product that airs every game in HD to nearly 400 different devices. MLB.com also provides an array of mobile apps for fans to choose from, including At Bat, the highest-grossing iOS sports app of all-time. MLB.com features a stable of club beat reporters and award-winning national columnists, the largest contingent of baseball reporters under one roof, who deliver over 100 original articles every day. MLB.com also offers extensive historical information and footage, online ticket sales, official baseball merchandise, authenticated memorabilia and collectibles and fantasy games. Major League Baseball consists of 30 teams split between the American and National Leagues. The American League, originally founded in 1901, consists of the following teams: Baltimore Orioles; Boston Red Sox; Chicago White Sox; Cleveland Indians; Detroit Tigers; Houston Astros; Kansas City Royals; Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim; Minnesota Twins; New York Yankees; Oakland Athletics; Seattle Mariners; Tampa Bay Rays; Texas Rangers; and Toronto Blue Jays. The National League, originally founded in 1876, consists of the following teams: Arizona Diamondbacks; Atlanta Braves; Chicago Cubs; Cincinnati Reds; Colorado Rockies; Los Angeles Dodgers; Miami Marlins; Milwaukee Brewers; New York Mets; Philadelphia Phillies; Pittsburgh Pirates; San Diego Padres; San Francisco Giants; St. Louis Cardinals; and Washington Nationals. Visit MLB.com: http://mlb.mlb.com Subscribe to MLB.TV: mlb.tv Download MLB.com At Bat: http://mlb.mlb.com/mobile/atbat Get tickets: http://mlb.mlb.com/tickets Official MLB Merchandise: http://mlb.mlb.com/shop Join the conversation! Twitter: http://twitter.com/mlb Facebook: http://facebook.com/mlb Instagram: http://instagram.com/mlb Google+: https://plus.google.com/+MLB Tumblr: http://drawntomlb.com/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/MLBAM Category Sports

Fanatics and Jay-Z buying Mitchell and Ness

From the NY POST 

 Sports merchandise giant Fanatics will acquire vintage team jersey maker Mitchell & Ness for around $250 million, a source familiar with the matter told The Post.

Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin is teaming with rappers Jay-Z, Meek Mill and Lil Baby — and Maverick Carter, a business partner of LeBron James — on the purchase. The D’Amelio family of TikTok stars also is part of the group that is purchasing Mitchell & Ness.

Read more here. 

I am so glad I have stopped collecting jerseys. I have had a lot of bad experiences with Fanatics customer service over the years and it just amazes me how they are just getting bigger and bigger. At this point they have their hands in everything. Sports cards, autographs, apparel, jerseys, collectibles, memorabilia, what's next?

Mr Met art in Greenpoint

 

Found Mr Met hanging around Greenpoint.

QBC:Question for you folks.

 

I keep seeing how much folks are missing baseball right now. The owners still have the players locked out. We have been approached about doing another smaller QBC in the coming months. Should we do it? Would you come if we could work it out. It might be something the size of our Lunch with Keith Hernandez, or maybe a little bigger than that. Just wouldn't be a full blow out QBC. We could get some lively and fun guests, maybe 2-3 panels at the most.

What do you guys think? Would you be interested in something like that to stave off not having baseball right now?

Mets offering a 60th Anniversary ticket flex pack.

 

It's funny. I got this email and clicked the pic to get some info on this Flex Pack and guess what? It didn't work for me. Now I am sure it will be fixed ASAP but I just find it funny that it didn't work now. Also is anyone buying tickets while this Lockout is still ongoing?

FAQ on the CBA negotiations

This was posted on Mets.com in December.

 Q: Why did MLB lock out the players?

A: Simply put, we believe that an offseason lockout is the best mechanism to protect the 2022 Championship Season. We hope that the lockout will jump-start the negotiations and get us to an agreement that will allow the season to start on time. This defensive lockout was necessary because the Players Association’s vision for Major League Baseball would threaten the ability of most teams to be competitive. It’s simply not a viable option. Yet, from the beginning, they have been unwilling to move from their starting position, compromise or collaborate on solutions.

To be clear: This does not necessarily mean games will be cancelled. In fact, we’re taking this step now because it accelerates the urgency for an agreement with as much runway as possible to avoid doing damage to the 2022 season. Delaying this process further would only put Spring Training, Opening Day and the rest of the season further at risk – and we cannot allow an expired agreement to again cause an in-season strike and a missed World Series, like we experienced in 1994. We all owe you, our fans, better than that.

To put things into perspective, across the last 40 years of collective bargaining negotiations, games have only been missed during seasons that began without a Basic Agreement in place. In offseasons when MLB was forced to implement a work stoppage, no games were missed.

Q: How did we end up at this point?

A: We worked tirelessly over the last several months to find compromise, offering to make the current system even better for players, and attempting to address concerns raised by the Players Association. We offered to establish a minimum payroll for all clubs to meet for the first time in baseball history; to allow the majority of players to reach free agency earlier through an age-based system that would eliminate the Players Association’s concern about alleged “service-time manipulation”; and to increase compensation for younger players, including a historic increase to the minimum salary for players with one or two years of Major League service. In an attempt to spur negotiations towards an agreement, we told the Players Association that we were willing to extend the Designated Hitter to the National League; to create a new draft lottery system, similar to those employed by other leagues; and to increase the luxury-tax threshold that affects only a small number of teams. The lockout does not affect our resolve to work with the Players Association to reach a fair agreement and provide our fans with baseball as soon as possible.

Q: Will there be a 2022 season?

A: Giving fans a full 2022 season is exactly what we will spend every day working hard to achieve.

Q: Can I still buy tickets?

A: Yes, teams will continue selling and disseminating tickets for the 2022 season as we continue to plan for a full regular season without disruption.

Q: What happens to the tickets that I already have? Can I get a refund?

A: There is currently no disruption or impact on the tickets you currently possess. Refund policies are handled on an individual team-by-team basis.

Q: How does this impact free agency and other player transactions?

A: During a work stoppage, teams are not permitted to sign free agents, offer contract extensions and renegotiations, waive/option/release players, or conduct trades. Additionally, salary arbitration and the Major League Rule 5 Draft have been put on hold pending a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Q: When will remaining free agents be able to sign contracts?

A: We are working hard to compromise and find solutions to reach an agreement. Once a new deal is signed, there will be ample time for remaining free agents to sign new contracts.

Q: Will Spring Training start on time?

A: We are still currently planning for Spring Training to start on time and for a full 2022 season without disruption and will spend every day working around the clock to achieve that goal.

Q: Can players hold their own practices and workouts?

A: Players are allowed to work out on their own and may follow a team’s workout plans that were developed prior to the work stoppage, but they are not allowed to share updates with or receive feedback from coaches or trainers about their offseason training, including strength and conditioning activities. Team personnel are also prohibited from providing instructional videos or other aids for players to use on their own.

Q: Can players still access certain resources provided by teams?

A: Yes. Teams can continue to provide players with human resources-type information, such as employment, payroll and tax information and advice with respect to COVID-19 testing, vaccines and/or treatment.

Q: Are players still getting paid?

A: Players don’t get paid during the offseason. During a work stoppage, teams are precluded from making any payments or providing anything else of value to players, with the exception of compensation earned and vested prior to the work stoppage (e.g., deferred compensation, signing bonuses, termination pay and option buyouts).

Q: Will players still make appearances on Club programming or events?

A: During a work stoppage, players are not allowed to appear at any team event or participate in any team programming across any broadcast or media channels, including social media.

Q: What does this mean for the Minor Leagues?

A: The 2022 Minor League season -- and players who are not on the 40-man roster, or signed to a Major League contract -- will be unaffected. Minor League teams will continue to hold minicamps, Minor League Spring Training, and extended spring training for these players. Teams are continuing to adhere to the terms of all Professional Development League License Agreements with their affiliates and will be operating their Minor League operations uninterrupted.

Mets bottle opener

 

This easy-to-grip Vinyl bottle opener is a great option to pop some bottles when you celebrate another New York Mets win. Perfect for tailgating or at-home use, this piece's bold team graphics allow you to spice up your kitchen with unmatched New York Mets flair.

Goon- I am really running out of stuff to post.

Tick Tock. Baseball you are on the clock.

 MLB is supposed to have their counter proposal today. I know folks are biting their nails over if spring training and the season starts on time. You know who aren’t biting their nails? The owners. You know why? They forget that they are losing fans who are getting older and not replacing them with newer generations. 

The owners in my opinion think if the season doesn’t start on time that folks will still come back to the stadiums. That might have been the fact maybe 40-50 years ago, but with all the other things that can keep folks entertained, they are really taking a gamble. And I mean a big gamble. If the season doesn’t start on time, you’ll have the diehards that will still go, but what about the casual fan? Will he or she still watch games on tv or listen to them on the radio?  Nope. They’ll get the highlights off of twitter. The fan base is not what it used to be MLB. Be careful of what you have as a proposal today. You might be killing your own sport.

Taking this team makes me drink to a new level

 This New York Mets 15oz. Personalized Double Old Fashioned Glass is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite beverage during the game. With printed New York Mets graphics to go along with your personal touch, everyone will know where your loyalty lies.

You can get it from Lids.com.

Hey does your team make you feel like you need a drink? Well then, personalize your drinking glass with your name!

Mets Old Timer's Day Press Conference at 1:30p Today

 

QBC: Help Debbie pay her medical bills.

A great friend of the baseball collecting community, anyone who has been to the QBC has seen Debbie. She was at the autograph table this year with Ronnie and Gary.

 Hello,

Hi Friends, and Friends of Friends…

My name is Dina, and I wanted to share a note about a very close friend of mine, Deborah, who has recently had news that most of us would dread. She has recently been diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. While she’s undergoing treatment and fighting as hard as she can, in addition to the challenges already going on with the pandemic, her situation is a little overwhelming. Deb is one of those truly unique and caring souls who has always extended a friendly hand to anyone who asked. Known affectionately as Deb the Celeb, she loves traveling to card shows and other conventions, such as Hall of Fame weekend to hobnob with all the baseball and other sports legends. She’s the mom of a beautiful daughter who’s working on a career in music, and that career requires a lot of travel, so it’s been very difficult for the family to balance normal life with Deborah’s treatment plans. If you’ve ever met Deb, you were met with a smile, a hug, and genuine care and concern for you and your family. Today I am asking the same for her, as she could really use some help covering her daily living expenses, as well as the increases in her medical costs. As she’s unable to work at the moment during chemotherapy with the pandemic placing increased risks to her health, she and her family are having trouble covering rent, food and utilities. If you’re able to, any donation would help her tremendously and would be genuinely appreciated.

Thank you for your support!

Click here to donate.

What does the no testing in MLB for steroids mean?

Steroid testing is out the door right now in MLB. The thing that is going to be interesting is with the CBA still in flux, will this, or is this already another sticking point in the negotiations. If testing doesn't come back into the league, does that mean Clemens and Bonds get another chance to the HOF somehow? Do the Mets look smart by not shipping of or cutting Cano? The thought that popped through my head is are the players and owners going to let this rule stay lapsed so if they do not reach an agreement soon that they might have another HR record chase that helped revive the sport that was on life supports because of the players strike?

From ESPN.com 

 The halt in testing is a casualty of the sport's lockout that started Dec. 2 and a provision in the joint drug agreement between MLB and the players' association that states "the termination date and time of the program shall be 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1, 2021."

"It should be a major concern to all those who value fair play," Travis Tygart, chief executive officer of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, said Monday.

MLB and the union declined comment on the halt.

Just last month, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were denied election to the Hall of Fame by baseball writers over suspicions of PEDs use. Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez, who both served drug suspensions, fell well short in voting.

"If it's just a simple matter of agreeing to it," Tygart said, "you would have hoped they would have been able to get that figured out, so that when the game does restart, you don't have questions hanging over individual players based on size, speed, batting percentage, home run numbers, whatever it may be, that people are going to call into question again."

Read more here. 

Toyhio 12 This Saturday in Ohio

 

OHIO’S FASTEST GROWING TOY SHOW!

TOYHIO TOY SHOW was created by Rick & Tom (RIP). Fastest growing toy show in Ohio. 
Over 15,000sq ft of toys! A show for a casual collector and serious collectors alike!

GUESTS INCLUDE: Scarlett Bordeaux, “All Ego” Ethan Page, Powerhouse Hobbs (courtesy of Ohio Fan Fest), and the return of DANHAUSEN.

Feb. 12, 2022 is our next show! TABLES ARE SOLD OUT!

Buy your admission tickets at Time Capsule Toys.

Admission available at the door as well. $10 early bird (10am) and general admission $5 (11am-4pm).

Buy your tix here.

This should be Named "Wishful Thinking" Spring Training Cap

 

This New York Mets Sunset Trucker 9FORTY hat gives you a scenic look and feel with a touch of fandom. The mesh paneling allows for a nice breezy feeling, while the curved bill keeps you shaded from the sunlight. Complete with an adjustable snapback closure for the perfect fit, this cap features a vibrant New York Mets Spring Training patch on the front panel.

Find this on lids.com

Check out the Mets New Web series, Ulti-Met Collections

 

 

 

Check out this Mets fan’s massive collection that spans decades. From David Wright’s 2015 World Series home run bat, to an extensive Ed Hearn collection, this collector has a treasure trove of Mets history. Check out http://m.mlb.com/video for our full archive of videos, and subscribe on YouTube for the best, exclusive MLB content: http://youtube.com/MLB About MLB.com: Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced on January 19, 2000, that the 30 Major League club owners voted unanimously to centralize all of Baseball's internet operations into an independent technology company. Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) was formed and charged with developing, building and managing the most comprehensive baseball experience available on the internet. In August 2002, MLB.com streamed the first-ever live, full length MLB game when the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees faced off at Yankee Stadium. Since that time, millions of baseball fans around the world have subscribed to MLB.TV, the live video streaming product that airs every game in HD to nearly 400 different devices. MLB.com also provides an array of mobile apps for fans to choose from, including At Bat, the highest-grossing iOS sports app of all-time. MLB.com features a stable of club beat reporters and award-winning national columnists, the largest contingent of baseball reporters under one roof, who deliver over 100 original articles every day. MLB.com also offers extensive historical information and footage, online ticket sales, official baseball merchandise, authenticated memorabilia and collectibles and fantasy games. Major League Baseball consists of 30 teams split between the American and National Leagues. The American League, originally founded in 1901, consists of the following teams: Baltimore Orioles; Boston Red Sox; Chicago White Sox; Cleveland Indians; Detroit Tigers; Houston Astros; Kansas City Royals; Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim; Minnesota Twins; New York Yankees; Oakland Athletics; Seattle Mariners; Tampa Bay Rays; Texas Rangers; and Toronto Blue Jays. The National League, originally founded in 1876, consists of the following teams: Arizona Diamondbacks; Atlanta Braves; Chicago Cubs; Cincinnati Reds; Colorado Rockies; Los Angeles Dodgers; Miami Marlins; Milwaukee Brewers; New York Mets; Philadelphia Phillies; Pittsburgh Pirates; San Diego Padres; San Francisco Giants; St. Louis Cardinals; and Washington Nationals. Visit MLB.com: http://mlb.mlb.com Subscribe to MLB.TV: mlb.tv Download MLB.com At Bat: http://mlb.mlb.com/mobile/atbat Get tickets: http://mlb.mlb.com/tickets Official MLB Merchandise: http://mlb.mlb.com/shop Join the conversation! Twitter: http://twitter.com/mlb Facebook: http://facebook.com/mlb Instagram: http://instagram.com/mlb Google+: https://plus.google.com/+MLB Tumblr: http://drawntomlb.com/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/MLBAM Category Sports