The Mets hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field.
Photo by Dean Koutouratsas
What started as a group of fans without a place to call home has become much more thanks to “The 7 Line Army.” The New York Mets fan network, founded and owned by Darren Meenan, brought fans of all ages together to tailgate Thursday at Citi Field before watching their team defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day.
The Mets hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field.Photo by Dean Koutouratsas
“This whole thing started because we made one T-shirt, not even thinking it would turn into what it has been,” Meenan told QNS. “It was a hobby in the beginning. Thankfully, all the support from fans has brought me to the next level, into a career.”
Meenan said joining their organization takes three “very simple” steps: buying a ticket, showing up and spending your afternoon with them.
“We’re trying to bring people together for our love of the team. I say united we cheer and we’re just trying to cheer on the team and do our part in the good and bad times,” he added.
Tony Correia, a passionate fan, said that this was his first year being a member of the organization after retiring from work. He felt “right at home” after meeting up with one of his close friends, who happens to also be a member.
Over at the flat top, Richie Solomon, known as “Chef Richie,” cooked bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches outside of his car for everyone. He spoke to QNS about what he loves most about Opening Day.
“Evrey year it gets better. Darren brings in more [fans]. Before Darren, honestly, we were Met fans without a group. We never had a home,” he added. “Darren created this incredible family of real fans. This is a family we never had before.”
The Queens Crew huddles together.Photo by Dean Koutouratsas
After a catastrophic end to last season, when they missed the playoffs by a game, the Mets roster needed to be reshaped. That meant moving on from franchise players Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz and Jeff McNeil in the offseason.
President of Baseball Operations David Stearns used this opportunity to construct a new-look core, including veterans Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien and others.
“I liked what the offseason additions were. [They] improved the team significantly,” Jerome McCroy of “The 7 Line Army” said. “No less than winning the [National League East] and I want to see a strong march to the playoffs. Hopefully, after 40 years of waiting, we can bring one home.”
The momentum started to kick off when Peralta took the mound to make his first start in a Mets uniform. This was a full-circle moment following a blockbuster trade Stearns made to acquire the two-time All-Star this offseason.
“I don’t know how to explain it right now, but it feels different,” Peralta said about pitching at Citi Field in front of 41,000 fans. “The energy from the first pitch to the last one. You can feel it.”
Highly coveted prospect Carson Benge, meanwhile, rose to the occasion by recording his first major league hit and home run on a sixth inning at bat.
“I kinda blacked out running around the bases,” Benge admitted after sending the ball over the fence. “Don’t remember too much. I know I got it good off the bat.”
The memorable moments came on the same afternoon as Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., Polanco and Semien combined for five RBI, helping lead the Mets to an 11-7 win over the Pirates.
With 161 games left, more is to come from this Mets team. And they’ll have the support of “The 7 Line Army” for 13 home games and 3 road trips. They are scheduled to be next in attendance for an April 25 game against the Colorado Rockies.