COVER STORY
Last year the Mets were in first place by
seven games in September but losses the
last weekend of the season caused them to
miss the playoffs.
The first event of the 2008 season was
the Fantasy Camp held in January. For
several thousand dollars, 150 grown men
wore the uniform of the Mets and took
part in drills and practice with old-timers
and coaches, including some players from
the 1969 and 1986 World Series
Champions teams. The camp culminated
with a game between the camp members
and a team comprising of former Mets
players and coaches.
A scrimmage with the University of
Michigan is set for Feb. 26 and 16 regular
spring training games will follow including
two night games. There will be 10 days
of open practices with free admission
when fans can come out and if they’re
lucky get a coveted autograph.
“Fans wait. Some players don’t want to
be bothered. It’s roped off, but tons of people
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get autographs,” Gagnon said. “It’s a
matter of luck and what kind of a mood
they are in.”
The team is in the process of signing
new players so February will reveal a
more firm roster. “You have young guys
anchoring the team such as David Wright
At top, pitchers and catchers are the first
to show up for spring training. Mets fans
hope the ptiching staff can take them to
the playoffs in 2008. Right, a close play at
second base during a spring training game
at Tradition Field with the Atlanta Braves.
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