I finally got to see my beloved New York Mets play in person. And I didn't even have to drive to Queens to do it.
The Amazin's began a 3 game set with the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. I had already been to a Nats game when they played at RFK Stadium. Moving to Nats Park is the equivalent to the Jeffersons movin' on up to the East Side.
The stadium is probably the most-accessible one I've ever been to. Just take the Green Line on Metro, get out at the Navy Yard station and walk straight ahead toward the blue seats (and the big Nationals Park sign) in the horizon. The sides of the streets were boarded up with signs advertising what the stadium plaza will look like in a couple of years.
Nationals Park was clean and shiny, which is expected since its the league's newest park. It was definitely a sharp contrast to the Mets home, Shea Stadium. (I can't wait to go their new home next season, though.) Shea will always be a great place that I've been to for games because that's where the Mets won the 1986 title.
The food selection and the park was typical: Hot dogs, fries, pretzels, beer. But the only place I knew I had to go to was Ben's Chili Bowl. It is an offshoot of the famous restaurant in D.C. where people ranging from college students, neighborhood residents, and major dignitaries go to get some of THE best hot dogs, half smokes and chili fries. The stadium version of BCB was excellent. I had a half-smoke all the way (mustard, onions, chili) and a chili burger (no cheese.)
The seats were great. I was about 15 rows back along the left field foul line. Perfect veiw of everything. The high-def scoreboard/video screen was excellent. If only there was a way I could put it in my house. The fan makeup was about 50-50 in terms of Nats fans vs. Mets fans. But there was no animosity -- unlike at games at FedEx Field where the Redskins fans battle with anyone in the stands wearing team colors that are not burgundy and gold. From that standpoint, Skins games are more entertaining.
The highlight of the night -- not game-related -- is the President's Race between George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt. Four super-large-headed mascots race from behind the outfield wall to the finish line along the first-base warning track. Roosevelt has never won a race because something always happens to him, even when he's leading. This race he led until he went back to help his competors who were being attacked by a cat mascot. Abe went on to win.
Overall I had a great time. And more importantly, the Mets won 4-3.
