1962

In 1957, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants relocate to California, leaving the largest city in the United States without a National League franchise and leaving Abbe’s father forever heartbroken.

In 1961, the National League holds an expansion draft to stock the roster of a new expansion team, the New York Metropolitan Baseball Club. Rather than select talented young players with future potential, Mets management prefers to sign faded stars of the Dodgers and Giants to appeal to fans’ nostalgia.

Legendary Yankees manager Casey Stengel is hired out of retirement to lead the team, and baseball is welcomed back into the Eckstein household.

1979

Abbe and brother, Elliot, participated in Banner Day, a tradition (according to the Mets PR team) in which fans “used bedsheets to profess their love for the team.”

Symbolically featuring Mets’ mascot Mettle the Mule as manager Joe Torre (who was shilling for Bonds Mens Clothing at the time), this banner somehow makes it past the censors.

What censors? It was 1979!
Can’t you tell from the tube socks?

2012

After a nearly 30 year hiatus, the New York Mets brought back Banner Day!

Abbe and better half, Paul, eagerly participated, although now at Citi Field (bring back Shea, anyone?).

Mettle the Mule, the infamous mascot of our childhood, returned to great acclaim.

We were selected as ‘favorite banner’ by The Mets Police website (thanks, Shannon!).

Our banner inspired announcer Gary Cohen to devote part of the 7th inning to a discussion of Mettle and original Mets mascot, Homer.

2013

Abbe and Paul recruited friend, Lorelei, to join in their Banner Day antics.

The Mets hosted the All-Star Game at Citifield and our banner was the only one to acknowledge it.

All Aboard the NY Mets All-Star Express featured Mettle the Mule (of course!), Tom Terrific, Mookie, Keith, Doc, Ron Darling, John Franco, Mike Piazza, David Wright, and Mr. Met.

Our banner was voted second best; we won an All-Star Jersey for our efforts!