Fred Wilpon declines to talk about the Mets before wild-card game
Mets owner Fred Wilpon looks on during a spring training workout on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa
Mets majority owner Fred Wilpon and his son, Jeff, the team’s chief operating officer, were on the field Tuesday watching batting practice as the team prepared for the National League wild-card game against the Giants on Wednesday night at Citi Field.
Fred Wilpon was asked about his team’s success in making it to the postseason despite all the injuries this season. Wilpon, who turns 80 next month, changed the subject.
“I have made a decision — you guys don’t like, I get it — I want the face of the organization to be Sandy and Terry,’’ he said referring to general manager Sandy Alderson and manager Terry Collins.
“I don’t want Jeff to be the face. And I don’t want to be the face. I don’t want to start because I know you’ll ask me other questions. I don’t want to do it.’’
He then smiled and headed toward the dugout.
Fred Wilpon has had an ownership role with the Mets since 1980 and became the majority owner in 2002. He has largely been media shy since the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme impacted the organization’s finances, causing the team to take a loan from Major League Baseball and seek other financing, including the offering of 10 minority shares. Commissioner Rob Manfred said earlier this year that the Mets’ financial situation is stable and not an issue.
Jeff Wilpon also refused comment, saying, “Leave it for them on the field.”
