An interview with our traveling man, David Hong

Last year we started a new series here at Mets360, one where we conducted interviews with both writers and readers of the site.  It’s something we’re going to continue this year and we kick it off with David Hong.  We brought on four new writers last year and David H. was one of them.  He’s been a great addition to the site, he participates in both the Game Chatters and writing Gut Reactions and he’s also authored some first-person articles about his experiences going to events and places that most of us don’t get the chance to experience.  One of the reasons to have multiple writers at the site is to give a broad range of opinions and experiences and David delivers those in spades.  On to the interview!

How old are you?  Under 25, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55+

42 

Do you live within an hour’s drive of Citi Field?

I live within 20 to 30 minutes’ drive of Citi Field. 

What are your memories of the first Mets game you saw in person, whether Polo Grounds, Shea Stadium or Citi Field?

My first Mets game in person, was back in 1989 vs the San Francisco Giants. I went with my father. I remember him buying me a roast beef sandwich there. Also, I remember getting upset one time when Darryl Strawberry struck out. The Mets lost to the Giants that day. 

How did you get involved with Mets360?

I popped by a post that was about writing for Mets360. Being a Mets fanatic who also loves to write, I decided to give it a try. I have written for several other Mets and sports blog sites in the past, so I feel that I’m capable of contributing to Mets360 as well 

I’m a third-generation American, with my great-grandfather coming to this country in the late 1800s.  My dad was Polish and Irish and my mom was German.  Do you know your family’s background?

My family’s background is pure Korean. I was born here in the states, so I consider myself Korean American.

Who was your first favorite Mets player?

Darryl Strawberry was my first favorite Mets player growing up. He was actually the first baseball player I’ve heard of. So, it was a no brainer that he was my favorite player back then, with his home run prowess as a player. He is still one of my top 3 all-time favorite Mets players along with Mike Piazza and David Wright. 

What do you think of the job that Steve Cohen has done since purchasing the Mets?

Overall, I know the results have been mixed in terms of the team’s winning. But I liked how when he started his regime as the owner, he immediately started spending from his riches, to help the Mets be a contender. Some of his acquisitions have worked out and some didn’t. But it definitely wasn’t because of a lack of trying. And he showed that he is trying to improve the fam system as well, by trading some of his players when the team wasn’t winning this season. Despite the disappointing season, I believe the Mets are in a better state long term because Cohen helped improve the farm system. And despite what he might’ve said during the midseason trading deadline, it would definitely be no surprise if Cohen spends again, if a desired free agent is available this offseason. 

You go to a fair number of Mets games. Do you have any routines on game day or anything you make a point of doing when you’re at Citi Field?

I always try to arrive at Citi Field at least an hour before gametime. So, during that hour before gametime, I will have plenty of time to walk around the stadium, especially since there’s many food choices at Citi. I will buy food and eat right before the game starts. This year, I’ve gotten to eat many different foods there. But I usually get the Italian sausage more than anything else. It’s still my favorite ballpark food because of its reasonable price and it fills me up more than the other foods because of the jumbo sausage along with their peppers and onions. Then during gametime, I’m usually at my seat all the time except for a bathroom break or two. I try to watch the entire game pitch by pitch. 

In addition to following the Mets, you’re also a Knicks fan.  Will you miss Obi Toppin as much as me?  How do you feel about our hoops team?

I will miss Obi Toppin a lot. I always liked him and believed in his potential with his athleticism. Unfortunately, he never got enough consistent playing time, and as long as Julius Randle is playing well, Obi would be nothing more than a bench player with limited playing time. So, for Obi’s sake, I felt the Knicks did the right thing in trading him where he can get more playing time, and the Knicks got more draft picks for him. As for the current Knicks team, I like it. I think they can at least be something similar to last season. Playoff team again, that can win a round and advance to the semifinals. Our hope is that they can move another step up. But the East is tough, especially with the Celtics and the Bucks adding more pieces, and presumably are the two favorites in the East. But the Knicks can be competitive again all season with Jalen Brunson, R.J. Barrett and Julius Randle leading the way offensively. Under Coach Thibs, they should be strong defensively again, led by Mitchell Robinson, Quentin Grimes and Josh Hart as the key pieces in that category. 

Do you think cutting ties with Buck Showalter was the right move?

It was a tough decision. Buck Showalter had a great 2022 season but not a good 2023 one. I would’ve kept Buck for at least one more year and let him finish out his contract. But when the team had such a disappointing and underachieving season, there’s always reason for a change, so it’s understandable. I would not put all the blame on Showalter for 2023, but he had some faults, like how he managed the bullpen at times, and not always managing with a sense of urgency when the team was spiraling downwards. I would’ve fired Buck after the season ended, but I guess by doing it right before the final game, the players and the fans got to give him a warm ovation in his last game managing the Mets. 

Any preference for who the next manager should be?

If Craig Counsell decides to leave Milwaukee, the Mets should definitely try to go after him. Not only because he’s familiar with David Stearns, but Counsell has had managerial success with the Brewers. Counsell may have never managed in the World Series, but he has consistently led the Brewers to the playoffs multiple times, including the NLCS in 2018. It is a testament to his motivational skills and how hard his players play for him year in and year out. I think the Mets should try to go for a younger voice with experience. Counsell would be the perfect one for that.