Feb
2
2012

It’s Gonne Be A Banner Day On May 27

An article by John Delcos

One of the mainstays of a Mets’ summer will be returning this year, the 50th anniversary of the franchise.

Banner Day will return May 27 to give you an opportunity to express your affection for your favorite players and memories, and yes, also a chance to editorialize on the direction of the team. Undoubtedly, there will be some censorship involved.

With the way things have been going, how can there not be?

However, I like the premise. Beginning at the Polo Grounds in 1963, and from 1964-96 at Shea Stadium, Banner Day was a Mets’ staple. So too, was Old Timers’ Day,

Maybe, the thinking is to do something for a day to spike the attendance, but it is a great day. It was an event cherished by the fans and the players got a kick out of it, also. The idea is for this year, but let’s hope it takes off.

About the Author: John Delcos

I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.

9 Comments + Add Comment

Florida Met Fan Rich February 2, 2012 at 8:11 am

I went to few of these as a young kid. It brings back fond memories!

Lets give the Mets some credit for doing somrthing right for once by bringing it back!

I would like to think that bthey would still be in the running by then…but I doubt it.
- srt February 2, 2012 at 8:51 am
  
  For sure they’ll be some censorship. I’m doubting they’ll allow banners such as ‘WILPONS: JUST SELL’ parade up the field….
  - Allyoop February 2, 2012 at 9:35 am
    
    True, just like the fan in 70s who unfurled the “Welcome to Grants Tomb” and subsequently had their banner confiscated and if memory serves me were shown the gate. Ah! the good old days of social unrest at Shea!
Donal February 2, 2012 at 9:43 am

Maybe if they get a good turn out for it this year, next year they will actually schedule a double header for it.
- Petey Pete February 2, 2012 at 10:12 am
  
  I went to a banner day double-header against the Phillies in the 70′s. All the folks with banners had to go line-up outside the stadium, in the 4th inning of the first game, for the parade between games. From my seat I could see them leaning against the cyclone fence beyond the visitor’s bullpen. The first game was tied at the end of nine, and went extra innings. It went on for over five hours and lasted 18 innings. The banner wielding fans in the parking lot had their noses pressed against the chain-link fence the entire time. I think the Mets finally won on a pinch hit single by Jim Beauchamp in the bottom of the 18th. Those poor wretches had to wait in the parking lot all day and into the evening, before they could march their banners across the field. One of the potential “hazards” of a banner-day double-header. Banner-er beware!
- Kay February 3, 2012 at 7:31 am
  
  Doubtful, the owners of all MLB teams and I believe the players association are against that hence they the only time a DH happens is due to a rainout.
Alex68 February 2, 2012 at 10:23 am

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-february-1-2012/brad-pitt

More celebrities mocking the mets….
86mets February 2, 2012 at 11:11 am

When is Fred Wilpon Bobblehead Day? Now there’s a promotion idea! Every fan can have their very own Fred Wilpon Bobble Head upon entering the park……..for the low, low price of $19.95…..all proceeds going toward the Wilpon Debt Relief Fund.

As for the Mets Slogan for 2012, how about: “Brother (sister, cousin, aunt, uncle) can you spare a dime?”
- Stubby February 2, 2012 at 12:32 pm
  
  A Fred Wilpon Bobblehead Day would probably end as well as Reggie Candy Bar Day did crosstown. And, unlike the candy bars, fans tossing bobbleheads onto the field strikes me as potentially dangerous. Heck, this year, I wouldn’t give away anything heavier than frisbees.

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