Purple Power! Mets give Grimace a seat at Citi
The seat is Grimace's signature purple and features a nameplate recognizing the mascot. Credit: New York Mets
With the season on the line, the Mets are invoking the power of Grimace.
The Mets on Monday paid homage to the McDonald’s mascot who this year became their purple beacon of hope, installing a commemorative purple seat with his name in section 302, row 6, seat 12, for the final homestand. Grimace also was on hand during the game, walking around the stands and posing with fans.
He did not comment on his iconic role within the franchise, as he does not speak. He did, however, offer a Newsday reporter a high-five.
Grimace famously threw the first pitch on June 12, a day after the Mets dropped nine games under .500 and a season-high 17 1⁄2 games out of first place. They won the next seven. People began dressing as Grimace. During a rain delay against the Yankees, a Grimace was spotted on Shea Bridge chugging a beer. The Mets went on to sweep them.
“It’s been great to see how our fan base created the Grimace phenomenon following his first pitch in June and in the months since,” Mets senior vice president of partnerships Brenden Mallette said in a statement.
Kranepool honored
The Mets held a moment of silence before the game to honor 1969 world champion Ed Kranepool, who died last week of cardiac arrest at the age of 79. Kranepool’s grandson, Ethan, threw the first pitch to his father and Ed’s son, Keith.
“It’s been a really traumatic experience,” Keith Kranepool said. “The fans, the outpouring of support that has come since my dad’s passing has been amazing. Thank you for everything that [the media] has done, thank you to the Mets ownership and organization, and I wanted to get this chance to just let everyone know that we appreciate it.
“Everybody is hurting. We’re mourning. But it’s nice to know we have an extended family here in New York.”
Marte OK
Starling Marte, who was hit in the forearm with a 98-mph pitch Saturday night, grounded out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning Monday. X-rays of the arm previously came back negative . . . Kodai Senga is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday. The Mets will evaluate him further after that.
Laura Albanese is a reporter, feature writer and columnist covering local professional sports teams; she began at Newsday in 2007 as an intern.
