We grew up three miles from Shea Stadium (now Citifield). Our Dad was a huge Mets fan, and we spent many summer days and nights with him at the games. We were a Mets family, as two of my siblings were vendors who roamed the stadium selling popcorn or hot dogs.

One of Dad’s favorite moments was from the 1969 World Series. He attended the final game and when the Mets emerged victorious, he along with hundreds of others ran onto the field. He was able to grab a piece of the infield grass which he took home and promptly planted in our front yard. The neighborhood kids loved it –- rubbing their baseball gloves on it for good luck. The story even made its way into “Put it in the Book” –- NY Mets broadcaster Howie Rose’s publication which gives a “behind the scenes” look at the team from Flushing, NY.

Dad was a very early victim of Covid-19. He died on March 25, 2020 –- before we appreciated the importance of masks, before vaccines were available. We all miss him terribly, especially when watching his team –- the Amazins. During the 2020 baseball season, we were able to use a picture of Dad (in his Mets cap and jersey) to create a cardboard cutout which was placed in a seat in the stadium. The cutout is now back in my house for safekeeping, and it is a wonderful reminder of a loving father we lost too soon.