Jun
6
2011

“Don’t Trade Reyes Day” Has Become A Growing Movement

An article by Clayton Collier

On Friday night, as many of you know, several hundred die-hards gathered on the Shea Bridge, myself included, chanting for the cause of keeping Jose Reyes as a New York Met. Many wearing The7Line’s T-shirts, it was truly an incredible experience to be part of such an event. To read my full report on Friday’s Reyes Rally you can click Here.

But anyway, I truly expected this to be a one time event, we get our point across that we want him, have a fun time, get noticed on SNY maybe? But after the 5th inning of Friday night, the signs have kept coming, the chants are continuous. The entire fan base is now getting into the movement.

I went to the game again Sunday evening and there were, in addition to me, another four or five “Keep Jose” signs. People that weren’t even at Friday’s rally or had anything to do with the original movement were commencing chants of “Keep Jose”, “Jose Must Stay”, “Don’t Trade Jose” and the classic “Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose” chant.

Getting media mentions, recognition and/or coverage from ESPN, Yahoo, SNY, Newsday, MetsBlog.com, twitter feeds and countless other news outlets, The “Don’t Trade Reyes” movement is picking up steam. Kevin Burkhardt mentioned the rally Friday, Bobby V. not only mentioned it but had some very opinionated rhetoric, supporting the fans and the idea of keeping Reyes.

I found the peak of this Reyes pride so far on Sunday’s game when The7Line.com owner Darren Meenan was booted from the game because of his sign that reads “Don’t Trade Reyes” and the name of his website underneath. The security originally had a problem with his sign having advertisements for his site on it. He was ejected from the game after giving out business cards for those who inquired about how to get in contact with him. The security asked to see his ticket, then when presented with the ticket the security guard promptly plucked it from Meenan then proceeded to inform him he was now trespassing due to the fact that he was not in possession of a ticket. To view the full story of Meenan’s Sunday night experience, click Here.

When I was a few fans over from Meenan Friday night, he had the same exact sign and the only concern security had is that we kept the entrance to the outfield terrace clear. I did not hear one complaint out of any security guards throughout the event about a single fan or sign from the rally.

Anyway, that classy move by the Mets security did not kill the chants but made them louder and more frequent. There was a more confident vibe about the fans during last night’s game. It may have something to do with the fact we were actually winning for a change, but the various Reyes chants broke out throughout the stadium.

Both Meenan and myself got on ESPN for our respective signs…and Sombreros in my case , yet nobody complained to me. In fact, I had fans, police officers, security guards and even one of the cameramen approach me and compliment me on my hat, the sign and what myself and others were doing, letting everyone know that the fans want Reyes in Flushing for life, we want a number 7 on the left field wall when it is all set and done, and we won’t rest until that happens.

What had started in the recesses of the minds of Donna Bauer, Dave Meenan and several others, has now grown into an opportunity for every fan to voice their opinion during every home game. I believe most fans want Reyes here, and most have been staying quiet about it, but now everyone is seeing what this group is doing and are joining in.

Friday, it was just the Shea Bridge chanting “Don’t Trade Reyes”, now it has resounded in the entire ballpark. This movement has grown now outside of Citi Field. Petitions, Facebook groups, Blogs, T-shirts, Mets fans will not be silenced, we want our voices heard and by-God they will be listened to.

There are signs once again, there are chants, the fan base is starting to show some spirit again, some swagger, coming together not only to cheer for our team, but so we can retain the true face of the franchise:

Shortstop, Number 7, Jose Reyes.

About the Author: Clayton Collier

Clayton, a Long Island native and die-hard Mets fan, started writing online about three years ago. He is currently a Journalism major with a minor in Broadcasting at Seton Hall University. Although very disappointed with the current state of the team, Clayton remains hopeful that the young prospects in the farm system will bring the Mets back to a respected franchise in baseball once again. Besides writing for MMO, Clayton is also a staff member at 89.5 WSOU, Seton Hall's modern active rock radio station. You can contact Clayton by following him on Twitter: @Clayton_Collier or E-mailing him at MaybeNextYearMets@yahoo.com

9 Comments + Add Comment

Jake C. June 6, 2011 at 5:18 pm

Shouldn’t the Mets try to propose trade offers like Wright to Giants for Sandoval and Bumgarder, and Beltran to Nationals for Nix. They would have enough money to sign back Reyes and they would have a pretty great lineup.

Also, I just made a new blog, it is:
http://newymets.blogspot.com/
- Clayton Collier June 6, 2011 at 5:26 pm
  
  I see where you are coming from, but the Giants are never trading any of that rotation for a long time. As for Beltran, his large contract will result in us getting next-to-nothing in return for his half of a season, not to mention the last place Nats will be sellers than buyers.
  
  I know those were just examples, but the bottom line is Wright is likely not getting traded this season due to the fact he will be out until around the All-star break or trade deadline, making his value diminshed, resulting in Alderson likely wanting to hold onto him.
  
  As for Beltran, he will probably not get a huge return.
  
  But between $60 million coming off the books and the new minority owner. One would have to think they have room to sign Reyes.
  
  Alderson stated that 2012 payroll will likely be around $100-145 Million. Including K-rod, the only guarenteed money is $91 million, more than enough room to re-sign Reyes
  - Jake C. June 6, 2011 at 6:08 pm
    
    So instead of that how about a 3-way deal…
    Wright to the Giants.
    Sandoval to the Mets.
    K-Rod to the Red Sox.
    And future closer Daniel Bard to the Mets.
    The Redsox then give cash or a player to be named later to the Giants.
    The Redsox giving that to the Giants is like a little more to the Mets because it helps the Mets get Sandoval.
    - Clayton Collier June 6, 2011 at 8:42 pm
      
      Maybe, don’t like giving up speed with Sandoval. Mets big game is speed especially in Citi
Nick June 6, 2011 at 7:33 pm

I saw this group back in about April and followed it without a second thought.. For some reason I thought it would never materialize, and be just a failed experiment, but I kept reading the emails that Donna sent out and saw the outcry on the facebook page. This was truly something else. Fans kept joining and it became larger than life. I will carry this regret with me that I couldn’t go to the game on Friday night, and it crushed me for a while to know that I would not be there. But, now it seems as though it will always be Don’t Trade Reyes night at Citi Field. Even my friend, who is a die-hard Yankees fan, chants for Reyes at the ball games and gets everyone in our section to chant it. So, hopefully I catch this movement soon enough to share the love for Reyes.
- Clayton Collier June 6, 2011 at 8:36 pm
  
  I believe they are thinking of another one on June 17th. But It was really incredible to go back Sunday and see new people starting chants and bringing signs and the works. Really a great feeling of starting something!
Jonathan June 6, 2011 at 8:02 pm

So them team hasn’t won a championship in the 7-8 yrs of Wright & Reyes on the team. So what do these marks do… Cheer for the formula of a loosing team that has two “popular” players that never EVER hit in the clutch. Good Work guys. Hint… While your Fantasy team is off the charts do to Jose’s stats. Here in Literalville we watch the real world Mets which have most of their starters on the DL, a horrible bullpen, that is wallowing in 4th place. So after 90 or so losses are accumulated by Sept. 30th I hope you’re content that at least the team lost all those games WITH Wright & Reyes.
mrmetfan June 7, 2011 at 8:58 am

Jonathan

Winnning is a team effort. Having wright and Reyes is not why the mets are where they are at. Its because of injuries, and players underperforming (BAY), And our bull penn and starters not getting the Job done. But imagine this team with everyone contributing and every one back at the same time for once. If we had a better rotation and the bull pen did there job and our closer didnt go Rogue where the mets will be? Want to go to a mets game and think back to when triples were hit? cuz there wont be any triples. tejada at short are you kidding me the kid doesnt have the cannon that reyes has nor the speed and can hit like reyes. David is in a funk and i know he can get out of it he has heart he isnt here for the cash. We can build around Reyes and Wright. Look at all the factors dont blame them why we are in this mess. Players are supposed to contribute together to get to the championship now have the weight on them to get us there.

i went to the game on memorial day game and not having wright or reyes called was eerie made you wonder who the hell is this team. your gonna miss them and wish they never left. us mets fans want to win so bad that we will get rid of our gems in hope that we will win it all….but if we dont and get worse? what then?
- alex68 June 7, 2011 at 9:01 am
  
  but if we dont and get worse? what then?”
  we still have brandon nimmo

Need Tickets To The Mets Game?

Check Out These Great MLB Links!

For wholesale prices on New York Mets gifts and equipment, check these stores out!
Mets Autograph Signings
Mets Fan Apparel
Mets Autographed Baseballs
Baseball Card Supplies
Baseball Equipment

For the best seats and lowest MLB ticket prices, go to PurchaseSeats.com. Get your Mets Tickets now and follow them on the road with Yankees Tickets, Phillies Tickets, Nationals Tickets and Braves Tickets!