NEW YORK METS INTRODUCE SAMANTHA ENGELHARDT AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

 

NEW YORK METS INTRODUCE SAMANTHA ENGELHARDT AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., September 18, 2024 - The New York Mets recently announced that Samantha Engelhardt has been appointed as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer and a member of the executive leadership team. Engelhardt brings to the organization a breadth of knowledge in strategy and business operations from her previous roles at the National Basketball Association.

 

With the Mets, Engelhardt will oversee various business functions including Communications, Finance, Strategy & Analytics and Technology, and will be responsible for helping to optimize overall daily operations on the business side of the Mets organization.

 

“We’re delighted to welcome Samantha and her wealth of expertise to the executive leadership team of the New York Mets,” said Mets President of Business Operations M. Scott Havens. “Her strong character and impressive track record at the NBA in helping to drive corporate strategy, product innovation and operational execution will play a key role in the continued evolution of our business.”

 

Most recently, Engelhardt was the Senior Vice President, Head of Global Strategy & Business Operations for the NBA. She served nearly a decade with the NBA, with a focus on the strategic operations and organizational effectiveness of the league. She was a key advisor to leadership, identifying opportunities for investment and innovation, executing on strategic initiatives, and generating short- and long-term growth in international markets. Engelhardt also worked in the NBA’s Team Marketing & Business Operations department, focusing on team strategy and analytics across ticketing, partnerships, marketing and digital. 

 

“Growing up here, there are a few brands that are just quintessentially New York, and the Mets are one of them,” said Engelhardt. “The energy around this team is electric right now and as a longtime Mets fan, having this opportunity is a dream come true. I can’t wait to work across the organization as the Mets continue to evolve and grow as a sports and entertainment property.”

 

Prior to her time with the NBA, Engelhardt worked at the National Football League and Evercore Partners.

 

Engelhardt received her B.S. from NYU’s Stern School of Business, her M.B.A. from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and her M.P.A. from The Kennedy School at Harvard University. 

 

A native New Yorker, she currently resides in Westchester with her husband Jamie and four children – Alexandra, Jack, Isabel and Dana.

Are fans calling out fellow Mets fans or are they calling out the Mets organization?

 

This is something that the Nostradamus of Mets fans has been pointing out for a while. Who you might ask? Well none other than good old Shannon or Metspolice.com himself. I have chirped in about it too. I am seeing fans say it’s not right that Mets fans and the Media are jumping on each other because there were only 21000 fans in attendance on a Monday night in September during a playoff race. It’s not the fans fault for not showing up. I have been one saying this for a while. It’s the people who make the day to day decisions in the organization about the fans and how Citi Field itself is run. Overpriced tickets.”We renovated and built new clubs for fans”. Yes clubs that 90 percent of fans can’t get into. We spent a lot of money to get the biggest scoreboard and LED ribbons around the ballpark to enhance the fan experience. Oh you mean to gain more ad revenue? Parking is $40 but we’ll cut it durning these months Monday to Thursday as a fan friendly gesture to make sure they get raised again when the Mets are doing well. We have cheap concessions on Tuesday nights. Probably the worst selling ticket day.Dance Crew. Yes that will enhance my experience. DJ Friday nights. Great just what I need. More unwanted noise that doesn’t fit in with the game. I know we need WWE style light show for our closer! Nope fans aren’t into him this season. Damn! Hey can you stop folks from coming down during at bats so I can watch the game! Nope. Why would we do that? 

Now let’s into how they treated longtime season ticket holders that have had tickets since Shea Stadium. They used to get perks with the plan level purchase. Playoff strips, special events, special gifts, etc. And your tenure counted for as long as you had your tickets. Now your tenure level is tied into how much you spend plus the years you have had your seats. Basically I think the Mets hired one of the Cell Phone company VPs because they are treating their fans like phone customers. “Special deal for new customers. Get this shiny thing and money off your bill. Wait you are an existing customer and want the same thing? Hahaahhaahahahahah” 

It makes it seem like the organization doesn’t care about you. And don’t get me started on the Casino on parkland. Speaking of that. Look at all the construction that’s is going on across 126th street! There’s going to be stuff in the neighborhood to do way before they proposed casino and event space and restaurants and bars even get start being built. 

So do I think the fans not showing up is the problem? Now it’s a symptom of what the Citi Field guys think of the fans. 

NEW YORK METS CELEBRATE FAN APPRECIATION WEEKEND BY REVEALING COMMEMORATIVE PURPLE GRIMACE SEAT AT CITI FIELD

 

NEW YORK METS CELEBRATE FAN APPRECIATION WEEKEND BY REVEALING COMMEMORATIVE PURPLE GRIMACE SEAT AT CITI FIELD

 

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., September 16, 2024 – As the New York Mets enter their final homestand of the 2024 regular season, punctuated with fan appreciation weekend from Sept. 20-22, the team today announced the installation of a commemorative purple seat to honor the beloved McDonald’s character Grimace and his special connection to Mets fans at Citi Field.  Following Grimace’s iconic first pitch on June 12, the Mets went on a seven-game win streak and fans embraced Grimace from then on as a special symbol for this exciting season.  

 

“It’s been great to see how our fanbase created the Grimace phenomenon following his first pitch in June and in the months since,” said Mets SVP of Partnerships Brenden Mallette. “As we explored how to further capture the magic of this moment and celebrate our new celebrity fan, installing a commemorative seat ahead of fan appreciation weekend felt like the perfect way to give something back to the fans in a fun and unique way. This enables our fans to be a part of the Grimace fun, while enjoying a game at Citi Field.” 

 

The one-of-a-kind commemorative purple seat will be located in section 302, row 6, seat 12, and will be available for purchase for all remaining home games this season. Individual tickets for all home games at Citi Field are currently on sale and can be purchased online at Mets.com/Tickets or by calling 718-507-TIXX. 

Mets Splatter Cap

 

Description

Get ready for the next New York Mets game with this New Era Splatter 9FIFTY Snapback Hat. The 9FIFTY, New Era's classic snapback style, features an open back with an adjustable snapback closure so you can find your perfect fit. Its high crown and structured fit offer a modern look, while the six panels with eyelets provide ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable.

You can find this monstrosity on lifs.com

Mets Doodles SnapBack Cap

 

Description

Celebrate the New York Mets with this New Era Official Doodles 9FIFTY Snapback Hat. The 9FIFTY is New Era's classic snapback style, offering a structured fit and high crown for a modern look. With its embroidered doodle of the team logo across the crown and a commemorative patch along the side, this hat is a unique and stylish way to show your New York Mets pride.

You can find this on lids.com

Mets Ticket Rep Annoyed Me.

 

 I haven't heard from a Mets ticket rep in probably a year and a half. I made the mistake of wanting to find out what the Mets new flex plan actually has to really offer and not the vagueness the graphics that were presented in the email/website. I did this for the blog and maybe to dip my toes back into a plan. I got a call from the rep and you can tell he didn't have a hard script like one of those scam telemarketers that try to get your personal info but he did have bullet points. 1) Try to connect with the customer about their fandom by telling them some personal anecdotes about you fandom and then listen to them about how they became fans. 2) Try to get them down to the ballpark for a tour. 3) Tour doesn't work? Try getting them on a zoom call to try to figure out what membership is best for them. 4) Hard sell.

I have heard all this before over the ears. When I told him about what I do with

themediagoon.com

and the QBC he was confused. He didn't know if I was trying to get the Mets to advertise the plans on my site or whatever it was that he thought. I had to explain it to him that I had a few minutes on the phone to try to "sell" me what's so great about this plan so I can relay it to other Mets fans and maybe even get him some sales that way. He just didn't get it. He kept trying to insist on meeting me to show me the ballpark. I probably know it just as well as he does and don't need a tour. I just wanted information. I told him I work an average of 80 hrs a week in the film business and can't leave set. "Not even for a little bit?" Nope. I told him to email me his info and something shook loose I'd let him know and if not I'll go in and meet him the 22nd the next time I had tickets for a game.

What does he do? Calls me when I am on set with a whole bunch of folks around me and I told him I couldn't talk. He then tries to go into I'll brief. He was brief all right. I hung up on him and then sent an email to him telling him how when someone says that they can't talk that doesn't mean for you to press on with you sales pitch to try to get me to zoom or tour the ballpark. All this did was make me not want to deal with him to which I sent an email to him telling that fact and also telling him not to contact me again, which he did anyway in a response email.

More things change with the Mets, more that stays the same.

CAP: Basebrawl Fundraiser Featuring Turk Wendell

What a fun way to raise money for the Merrick Bellmore Litte League. You get to see some fun wrestling and Turk Wendell will be appearing also! TNA Superstr(buddy of mine) who is also a huuuge Mets fan is bringing in his A game CAP people for this! Seriously guys CAP puts on great shows and if we can help future generations of potential baseball fans it’s a plus plus plus!

Buy your tickets here!!!

Please join us for this exciting fundraiser to benefit the Merrick Bellmore Little League. Come out and see the Worlds most professional wrester and current TNA wrestling star, Brian Myers team up with the ECW hardcore legend, Tommy Dreamer, former WWE star, Fandango, former MLB star and Met legend, Turk Wendell, and many many, more stars from Long Islands own, Create a Pro Wrestling school. This fun night is for all ages so lets fill up the Kennedy high school gym! Any MBLL player that comes wearing a jersey will be eligible for a special opportunity as well! Coach's Collectibles will be hosting a silent sports and wrestling memorabilia auction as well! After the show, autographs, photos and memorabilia will be available for purchase as well. Let's all help make this an amazing event for MBLL to help further our dream of continuing field renovations.

Buy your tickets here!!!

See all of your favorites such as:

• Former New York Met Turk Wendell

• ECW Legend Tommy Dreamer

• Former WWE Star Dirty Dango

• TNA Star Brian Myers

• CAP Champion Aaron Rourke

• CAP TV Champion Jake Lang

• CAP Tag Team Champions Bryce Donovan and Evil Kip

• Adrenaline Express

• Nat Castle

• Bobby Orlando

• CPA

• Nick Robles

• and MORE! Card subject to change

Tickets start for under $35.

Buy your tickets here!!!

 

Mets Fan Appreciation Weekend at Citi Firld

Join us at Citi Field for Fan Appreciation Weekend as we celebrate the greatest fans in sports.

You won’t want to miss the festivities, which include:

Friday, September 20

• DJ Saige performing before and during the game
• Mets Alumni appearance

Saturday, September 21

• Mets Block Party starting at 1:10 p.m. near the Left Field Gate
• Fan Appreciation Beanie giveaway for all fans, courtesy of Guardian
• Mets Alumni appearance

Sunday, September 22

• Mets Alumni appearance

In addition, your Mets Connect points go further during Fan Appreciation Weekend! Enjoy lower point amounts for select redeemable items in the Mets Connect Rewards store all weekend long.

Plus other surprises and experiences throughout the weekend!

Concession Discounts

From the time gates open until first pitch. Available at select locations.

• $4 Nathan’s hot dog*
• $3 regular soft pretzel
• $3 popcorn box
• $3 21-ounce fountain soda
• $3 Dasani bottled water

*Kosher, gluten free and veggie options are available.

Merchandise Discounts

• All fans save 30%, Season Ticket Members save 35% on Team Store Merchandise
  • Applies to regularly priced merchandise only. Some exclusions apply.
• Save 25% at the Amazin’ Memorabilia store
  • Excludes Grab Bag purchases and Day of Game items.

In store only. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Promotions

Mets Block Party

Get to Citi Field early for the Mets Block Party!

Fan Appreciation Beanie

Presented by Guardian | All fans in attendance

All times ET. Su

“Injoy the floating feeling” Mets helmrt

 

Description

Elevate any New York Mets collection with this rotating Mini Hover Helmet. Modeled after the gear worn on the field, it features bold team graphics and an illuminated base. Whether on a desk or in a fan cave, this helmet will showcase your New York Mets fandom from all sides.

You can find this on Lids.com

I remember about 10 years ago the Mets did a giveaway of a baseball version of this and the directions ended with “Injoy the floating feeling.”

My memories of 9/11/2001

 

I wrote this a few years ago. Still rings true today and I want to share it again.

  I don't know if I really want to write anything Mets related today. September 9th has been a day I hate to see on the calendar each year. It's not a day I take lightly each year and now I am starting to see how each year the folks that were young or not born yet in 2001 don't comprehend how badly the city and country were both wounded. This came to me when I went to the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Hawaii a couple of years ago. It was somewhere that I always wanted to see. I went there and I couldn't believe the tourists who were there smiling and taking selfies in what is a graveyard. I wasn't alive at the time the attack on Pearl Harbor happened but I think because I had relatives who were alive back then and lost friends to the attack it stayed with me. This get me thinking to the folks who weren't there back when they attack happened. It doesn't connect for the most part.

9/11/01 is starting to become a distant memory and also now really history. We have kids, teenagers, and some young adults now who  know the attacks on 9/11 happened but don't remember/or have first hand knowledge of it like a lot of us do. 

I was still working on television commercials back then. I worked on Lafayette between East 4th and Astor Place. The sky was one of the nicest blues that I have ever seen and there wasn't a cloud at all. When I say at all, I really mean I didn't see one cloud for most of the morning. We all got into the studio around 7:30/7:45 am and did what we needed to do to get the stage ready for a pre light day for  the table top part of a commercial we were filming the next day. The locations side of the production company was out on Long Island getting ready to film the Live action part of it. I was waiting for one of the other Production Assistants to come back with the cargo van from a run so I could take it out to do a pick up. I was supposed to go down to a rental house on Worth Street which is on the other side of Canal Street. When Angel came into the studio he was flipping out. We were trying to figure out why when he told us a plane hit one of the Twin Towers. Right then and there he said that we were under attack. No way did that ever creep into my head because I never expected that the USA would get attacked. I felt safe here. This wasn't like any other country that had terrorists attacks like this. This had to be an accident like Corey Lidle's plane that hit an apartment building recently. I was in 100 percent disbelief. We went up to the roof and watched the smoke billow out of the hole in the side of the tower. I still couldn't believe it. We went back downstairs just in time to see the second plain hit the second tower. This is where mentally all my illusion of being safe got destroyed. This when it hit me Angel was a 100 percent right. The U.S. was being attacked. We ran back up to the roof again and all time was acting crazy to me. Time slowed down and sped up at the same time. On the roof we watched the first Tower fall. All we saw was smoke where the Tower once stood. Folks on the roof were crying and screaming and I didn't know what to do. I went back down to the studio. I had all this restless energy that I couldn't get rid of. Then I went into the room and watched the second tower fall. (I blocked out being able to see folks jumping from the buildings until a few weeks later. One of the directors had a still camera with a zoom lens on it and was taking pics of the events. I saw in his LCD screen people in mid air on their way down to the ground and that shook the hell out of me. I really did block it out until we went back to work a week later and was looking through the pics._

I went out front of the building just to collect myself and I noticed something. It was eerily quiet. No pigeons around. No cars moving. No people on the street. Then finally what looked like zombies coming out of the concrete dust. New Yorkers covered head to toe in concrete dust, crushed glass, human remains and who knew what else. We had cases of water in the basement for the stage. My production manager(and one of my good friends) Pete and I ran down to the basement and grabbed the cases of water and brought them upstairs and gave out water to folks who were coming up Lafayette Street. We also offered the bathrooms, phones, and seats. We knew folks wanted to call home and needed to clean out their eyes and clean their faces and needed to sit.

As I was helping folks out, I went back to the TV to see what news was happening. The smoke plumes coming out of the debris was all that was filling up that picture perfect blue sky without a cloud in it. The smoke looked like a scar wound cutting across it. Then I saw the military jets flying around. I couldn't believe that either. I never thought I would see our military having to be deployed in US airspace and on US soil like this. Then I started hearing about the plain that went down in Pennsylvania and the plane that hit the Pentagon(I know this isn't the real timeline of events but I was so shaken and involved with the stuff happening on the street that I didn't know what was going on). 

Hours later probably in the late afternoon after we knew that the bridges and tunnels into Manhattan were closed to traffic and that the subways were either totally shut down or on really limited service, a few of us who lived in Queens decided it was time to go see our families. I drove 5 of us out of Manhattan back to Queens. It was so crazy. Armed soldiers with assault weapons were deployed all over the streets. The military jets were flying in that blue sky all around the city and you can see the Sun glimmering off of them. The city streets were pretty much empty of cars. It took almost no time to get us back to Queens. I dropped off my co workers at their homes and at places that they could grab buses and trains to get back to the further reaches of Brooklyn and Queens that they lived in.

I got home to my parents and sister and I don't think I talked much until the next day. I am not going to rehash what went on for days after this. There are documentaries and tv shows that show all the damage that happened so you can always go find that. So let me get back to what I was writing about in the first place. The disconnect that is going to keep happening because of time and healing for future generations. The folks that lived it are always going to have raw emotions over this. Any time it is brought up we are going to have that feeling in the pits of our stomachs. Future generations are going to view this as their "Pearl Harbor". There won't be a real connection with it just like their isn't a real connection with our generation and Pearl Harbor. Is it a good thing because the country has healed over time? Or is it a bad thing because with time we forget and not because we want to but just because with time and human nature it just happens. 

"Never Forget", is a catchy slogan. It does seem though some have forgotten.

To everyone who has lost a loved one, a friend, acquaintances, first responders(and the first responders still dealing with the fallout from the search nd rescue and the cleanup), and everyone else affected by this tragedy, I remember. You all are in my thoughts and it's not just when 9/11 rolls round and me and my cousin get on the Mets about honoring the first responders by wearing the caps during the game that day. I remember anytime I pass the Freedom Tower. I remember every time I am down town. I know a lot of you do too. Let us make sure future generations Never Forget and try to make this world into a better place where we don't have to worry about future 9/11s.

$130 for a Mets polo shirt?

 

Description

Elevate your New York Mets game day look with this sharp 4K Tri-Blend Polo. Made with a blend of bamboo charcoal and Repreve fibers, this polo naturally resists odors and feels incredibly soft against your skin. The quick-dry fabric also features UPF 50+ sun protection, making it a comfortable and stylish choice for a day outside or in the sun.

You can find this at lids.com

$130 for a polo shirt? Doesn’t come with free game tickets?

Mets Legend Ed Kranepool Has Passed Away

Read about Ed Kranepool from Mets.com

 This one hit me in the gut just now. Ed had always been very good to me and the Queens Baseball Convention. He was our first former player to ever do a panel and a signing for the QBC all the way back to our first one at McFadden’s at Citi Field. He was so happy that the fans remembered him and wanted to hear his stories about on and off the field during his playing days.

I went to his house when he was selling some of his collection off to help raise money for his kidney transplant. It was great the way he would beam about the items he was selling. It wasn’t his “personal” collection but other cool stuff he collected over the years. 

Ed came back a second time to the QBC because we wanted fans that missed him the first time to get another shot at his stories and get to meet a genuinely nice guy. We also wanted him to know that the fans still care about him. He was a hit again. He was in his element being amongst the fans taking pics and signing autographs.

We at The QBC felt so strongly that he was a part of the QBC family we had a special event at Katch to help raise money for his kidney transplant. Even when he wasn’t feeling 100 percent he was still on. He was so touched that about 100 folks came out that day to help raise some money to help him out that he teared up a bit. We were all glad to be able to do what we could for him.

On a quick personal note, I don’t talk about this much but one of my uncles tried out for the Mets way back in yesteryear. He was a pitcher and he got the invite to go to spring training. At the time my grandparents and the rest of their family didn’t have the funds to send him down to go see if he had the stuff to make the team. He met Kranepool during the tryouts and they chatted a bit, they didn’t become friends or anything like that but I always was amazed by that story. I’m also amazed how the universe works in weird ways over the years. My uncle met Ed when they were basically still kids in the 60’s, I got to be around Ed Three times because of something my Mets fandom helped me create. I got to go to his home with my buddy Joe (who is also QBC family now) that I met at work and became friends with him because of the Mets, and Ed always remembered me if he saw me at Citi Field or if he was doing a signing somewhere. He always remember my name.

I know I said that was going to be a quick personal note but I misspoke it seems. Ed Kranepool also shares one other thing with my uncle The both passed away within a few weeks of each other. Both at 80(ish) and now I’m thinking these two gentlemen might be able to reconnect and throw a ball around and joke around like they did when they met each other back in the day.

Thanks for indulging my longwinded post but I really felt that Ed Kranepool deserved it.

Hooded Mets bomber jacket

 

Add a fresh new look to your New York Mets wardrobe by grabbing this Current Day Full-Zip Hooded Nylon Bomber Jacket. A collaboration between New Era and Alpha Industries, this jacket provides a stylish aesthetic while showing off game-ready New York Mets graphics. The perfect extra layer for a chilly day, this jacket is sure to be a statement piece you're proud to show off.

You could find this on lids.com if you want to buy this for $250. But why would you?

Where are the fans at Citi Field?

 

Mets are in a playoff chase. The team has energy. What’s going on?

Weather forecast? First week back at school? Apathy for the Mets and the game of baseball as a whole? 

What do you guys think?

Mets or Knicks warm up jacket

 

Description

Showcase your dedication to the New York Mets by wearing this Classic Full-Snap Warmup Jacket from Pro Standard. It features heat-sealed team patches on the front, back and sleeves, so your New York Mets fandom is seen at all angles. Rib-knit striping adds a touch of classic style.

You can find this on lids.com.

I don’t know. Is it me? Or does this look like an item for the Knicks and not the Mets?

Film and TV: New York on Location Event

 

On Sunday, September 15, 12–4pm, join us for NEW YORK ON LOCATION, a free family-friendly outdoor event that offers a behind-the-scenes look at film production in New York City. The public will have the rare opportunity to go inside working movie trailers and trucks—straight from productions shooting in New York—and speak directly with movie professionals about their work. Trucks will include star dressing rooms, electrical, grip, prop, camera, hair and makeup, wardrobe, special effects, and more. Key film craftspeople will demonstrate and explain firsthand their roles in the moviemaking process and how they got there.  

New York on Location is co-presented by MoMI, Theatrical Teamsters Local 817, Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Local 52, IATSE, and Kaufman Astoria Studios.  

We'll kick things off with welcoming remarks at noon by the Studio gate. Special guest: @madeinny Commissioner Pat Kaufman!

Location: Kaufman Astoria Studios backlot (36 Street, between 34 and 35 Ave), Museum of the Moving Image (36-01 35 Avenue), and surrounding streets (south side of 34 Ave between 35 and 36 Street, along 35 Street between 34 and 35 Ave, and north side of 35 Avenue between 35 and 37 Streets) in Astoria, NY, 11106.  

 

Admission is free to New York on Location, with a discount offered on Museum admission that day. More information at https://movingimage.org/new-york-on-location-2024. 

Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks and Mon Amour at the MoMI Café and Courtyard.

  

#nyonlocation #streetfair #nycoutdoors Photos by Thanassi Karageorgiou from the 2016 NY on Location event.