That’s Why They Called Him Terrific

Elena Gustines of the NY Times passes along the following details of an impromptu sing-along conducted last night by our own Tom Seaver.

Mets fans looking for a reason, any reason, to smile these days might consider this: After a charity affair at a Manhattan restaurant Thursday night, Mets Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, having signed countless autographs during the event, encountered still more autograph-seekers outside as he prepared to head back to his hotel.

There were about 10 men in all, waiting with the usual items to be signed: baseballs, photos and caps. After playfully saying that he would not be signing anything, Seaver made the group an offer: sing a song in unison and his autograph would be theirs.

The men quickly gathered together and waited to hear Seaver’s song request. And what did he ask them to sing? Not “Meet the Mets.’’ Not “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” No, Seaver said he wanted to hear “God Bless America.”

So sing they did, with Seaver, standing on the top step of the restaurant entrance, doing some impromptu conducting.

That must have been something special to see especially on a cold winter night.

Apparently, Seaver kept his end of the bargain and after their sing-along, he signed items for each and every one of the singers.