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Growing up as a young boy in northern New Jersey, nothing beat the feeling of knowing that after I finished my summer job for the day, there would be a Mets game waiting for me when I got home. Thoughts of the team would pre-occupy me, and nothing made me more satisfied then after working a hard day to be able to throw my feet up, crack open some peanuts, and watch my team. Now as a freshman at Seton Hall University, I see things a little bit differently.
When you start your first semester at college, baseball season is right at the late August boiling point. This made for a great conversation starter for people who had the common interest of America’s past time. Of course, as a Mets fan, I was constantly reminded that 2017 was not an ideal season for the team. I was also reminded by the gluttony of Yankee fans that it was a very successful season for them.
Keeping up with the team was not challenging at all. Thanks to apps that most people who consider themselves sports fans have, it is easy to see what is happening with your favorite team. Watching the team was the challenging part. Throughout most of the season, SNY promoted that the games were available to stream online. After entering my tv provider, I sat back and tried to enjoy a Mets game on my laptop. The lag was atrocious.
So while I battled with the streaming services, the Mets were fighting in every game that they played. I didn’t have to watch to know that they were a dysfunctional bunch. Luckily for me, the campus radio station took a trip to Citi Field to see Noah Syndergaard make a start against the Washington Nationals, so I was able to see the most important late season game for the team.
Being in college has made me a more appreciative baseball fan however. Through meeting new people from new places, it was almost as if I was meeting new baseball teams. Of course the Yankee fans were unbearable during their playoff run, but learning about the passion that other people have for their teams was terrific.
It also made me appreciate the simpler things about the game. While I was holed up in my dorm, struggling to pull up a live stream of the team that I would do anything to watch, it made me feel a stronger appreciation than ever for this team. Making them harder to watch has oddly increased how much of a fan of this team that I am. Whether it be watching Yoenis Cespedes slug a home run on my TV at home, or watching Jacob DeGrom baffle hitters on my laptop, I will always follow this team. It made me appreciative of the times when I’d come home from work and teach my mom about the Mets while watching a game. Being a Mets fan in college has without a doubt made me into a better Mets fan, and I am very appreciative for the opportunity to realize that.
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Oh to be a baseball fan in college again… and that was only 10+ years ago. SNY went live the year I graduated and I recall specifically where I was driving home from my first job when they clinched the playoffs that fall.
My suggestion, invest in a Sling Box if you can convince someone in the NY/NJ area to leave a cable box unmolested during the game. I’ve used it at work (shhh), on the road, elsewhere in the house to watch Mets games, the NFL draft and other random stuff.
#TwoCents
Thanks for being the next generation of a Mets fan. I still remember the thrill of opening a pack of Topps baseball cards in 1969 when I was 8, hoping with all of my heart to get a Tom Seaver card. Had many trips to the dentist for chewing on the gum stick. The packs were a nickel. It was a big day when you had a quarter and could get 5 packs. These are the little things that get us started for most of us who begin a life long love affair with the game.
While in college in NC, I just met a kid from New Jersey, who approached me because I was wearing my Mets hat. The Mets and Cardinals were locked in a heated race for the division and me and my new friend Bob ended up listening to a game on the radio through the static. It was a Mets win in 11 innings, 1-0. Bob and I ended up being in each other’s weddings.
Dalton, your thought of how when it’s “harder to watch has oddly increased how much of a fan of this team that I am” made me remember that great radio day.
And I know it may not be possible for a poor college student but I can’t stress highly enough how great Set TV is. For $20 month, you can get access to every single MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL game. Plus Pay Per View and premium movie channels and all of your regular cable channels, too.
Visit this link for more info — http://setvnow.com/#5a255be1232f0
What about local channels ? Is it easy to set up with a firestick ?
You need an antenna to get local channels.
You do, however, get ABC, CBS. Fox and NBC. They’re just from elsewhere. One of them is from Detroit and another is from Buffalo, although I couldn’t tell you which.
So, I can watch Sunday Night Football, which is on NBC. But I can’t watch the local news. But I don’t want to watch the local news, so it’s fine with me.
Ahh college…was thrilled to get a WS win out of it! Sadly by then I had moved to Orange County and saw a lot more of the Angels. Good times Dalton, good times.
The only TV coverage I get is ESPN and FSS when the Mets are in ATL. I have to say MLB At Bat has been phenomenal for me to follow the team. The streaming has been great (all devices I own) and I can always listen to Howie and Josh if I cant watch. Stores games all season and even provides condensed games. The thing is I guess you need to be out of market for it to work.
Hang in there. Its awesome to see the next generation keep the passion!
I started my fandom of Mets360 while in college and also struggled with streaming; I feel your pain.
I still remember Johan’s no hitter, (I was supposed to go to the game but couldn’t find anyone to grab the extra ticket), the door to my room was open and people were stopping in from my excited banter at the TV. When the game ended I ran through the halls yelling for joy.