Granderson Stands By His Statement That True New Yorkers Are Mets Fans

After signing his new four-year deal with the Mets, outfielder Curtis Granderson created a stir – especially in the Yankees blogosphere – when he said “true New Yorkers are Mets fans.”

Keven Kernan of the New York Post caught up with Grandy while he was visiting the children at Nathan Hale Elementary and Heritage Middle Schools in Chicago.

Granderson said he has no regrets about his statement. In fact, he feels even stronger about his words now.

“My comment wasn’t a dig at anybody, it was just some things that people said to me on a consistent basis,’’ Granderson said. “I’m excited to see the New York sports fans that are Mets fans come out in droves. I’ve heard great things about the past, and now to get a chance to be a part of it in the present and the future, I’m very optimistic about it.”

“It feels awesome to be introduced as a Met,’’ Granderson told the students. Asked about the Yankees he said, “I’m looking to beat the Yankees when we play them. We play them four times in the season and who knows, we might play them in the biggest series of them all, the World Series.’’

Mets COO Jeff Wilpon who made the trip to Chicago to support Granderson’s foundation, agreed, and said he’s excited for what Granderson brings to the Mets.

“I thought it was a great comment,” Wilpon said. “I knew it was going to be controversial, but he’s speaking from the heart, and if that’s what he feels, guess what, he’s the type of guy who can back it up. He’s a Met now. He’s turned the page. Curtis brings an outside view to the organization, and that’s a good thing. I’m very happy to get to know him.’’

Granderson recognizes the need to back up those comments on the field, and he is excited to be in a leadership role with the Mets, writes Kernan.

I’m loving this guy so much already even though he has yet to take one swing in a Mets uniform. Something about him feels right as opposed to when we signed Jason Bay. Maybe it’s the fact he missed most of last season with freak injuries and all he can do is go up from there, but I believe it’s his personality which seems to be just right for this team and this town.