Author: Clare Lafferty
This year, the Mets are making a big push to go down Memory Lane and relive all the great moments that happened over 44 years at William A Shea Municipal Stadium. There are contests and former Mets stopping by the SNY television booth to share their stories. I think it would be great if there was a final Banner Day.
Boy, when I think about Banner Day, I just start to smile. For those of you who are too young to remember, you missed out on a one of a kind promotion.
Banner Day was a time when the fans could really show their loyalty and passion for the Mets. It was held in between games of a doubleheader each season. The center field wall would open and fans would stream in by the hundreds, all carrying banners displaying their love for their team. The slogans were great - clever, enthusiastic, and full of optimism.
There were guest judges who would sit on the field and make that most difficult decision - the winner of the best banner. The judges were celebrities and former Mets and they really enjoyed the display that the fans provided.
After all this was completed, the Mets players themselves would come out on the field with a sign of their own. It was usually 7 or 8 of the most popular Mets and each had a card. It would spell out something like “You fans are the best in the world!”
The fans really loved that part and I think it meant a lot to the players as well.
I would sit by my TV and never miss a Banner Day. It was so much fun and it got you excited for the possibility that the Mets could be winners. In the years when Banner Day was held (late 60's to late 70's), the Mets knew that the fans were behind them no matter what.
There are no plans to have a Banner Day this year - that's a shame. It would have been just one more great memory to add to the list. Our current Mets could use some encouraging banners, don't you think?
The Mets need a lot of work. Check out the article written here. http://ramble7321.com/?p=118
Posted by: ramble7321 | June 11, 2008 at 12:38 PM
ah banner day, in 1976 the highlight of my life to that point was to walk on shea grass with the banner, crossing the shores of the national league east. what fun
Posted by: mark | June 12, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I was never lucky enough to actually attend a Banner Day but was very jealous of the fans who could :)
Posted by: Clare | June 19, 2008 at 06:20 PM