Mets Community Insider: A Look Back At April
Players Give Back
In 2024, Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo launched special programs to connect with fans in our community. Building on the success of the inaugural year of these programs, both players have resumed their initiatives this year, looking to meet with more fans and support meaningful causes.
For the first edition of his Smile Tuesdays initiative, Lindor welcomed children from the Sunrise Association to Citi Field. A grantee partner of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation (AMF), Sunrise Association offers free summer day camps for children with cancer and their siblings. During their visit, the kids met Francisco, watched batting practice, learned about his career, took home Mets swag, and received dental hygiene tips from New York Mets team dentist Dr. Howard Livers, DDS.
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Brandon Nimmo invited individuals from Birch Family Services to the ballpark as part of his Nimmo’s 9 program. Birch Family Services, a grantee partner of AMF, empowers individuals with autism and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. Brandon spent time meeting with the participants, listening to their stories, and handing out Mets swag.
Health & Wellness
On April 21, Mr. Met joined Mets staff at P.S. 213 in Bayside, Queens for the Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s first Mets on the Move rally of 2025. These rallies are held at newly participating schools to build excitement around the launch of the Mets on the Move program, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery. The fitness program is dedicated to keeping kids active and healthy. In 2025, the Mets will work with more than 3,500 students at nine local elementary schools. The program officially kicks off on May 5 and runs throughout the month to coincide with May being National Physical Fitness and Sports month.
Also, during that week, the Mets visited the Young Women’s Leadership High School in Astoria, Queens as part of their Mindfulness with the Mets program. Supported by a grant from the Foundation to Girls Inc.’s Mind Body Matters program, we hosted an event featuring a mindfulness activity and yoga session led by Anna Haddad. Each participating student was gifted with a Mets-inspired necklace courtesy of Kendra Scott.
Youth & Education
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation supports programs that empower young people both in and out of the classroom.
On April 15, the Mets hosted New York City students participating in their Math Hits curriculum for a career panel and ballpark tour. These middle schoolers are part of ExpandEd Schools’ Exploring Futures program, an initiative that provides career development opportunities for students across New York City. Through a panel discussion with members of the Mets Baseball Analytics department, the students received a firsthand look at how the skills they’re building through the Math Hits program can be applied and lead to a job in sports.
Bayside High School students visited Citi Field on April 22 to deliver their final presentations to Mets front office staff, concluding the inaugural year of the Foundation’s CASE (Careers as Sports Executives) Study Program. This initiative introduces high school sophomores and juniors to careers in the sports industry. Before the Mets faced the Philadelphia Phillies, the Foundation recognized these future sports executives during a pregame ceremony, where each participant received a CASE certificate of completion. The Mets are one of just four MLB teams currently offering this program.
Senior Smiles
Mr. and Mrs. Met joined Mets staff at the Carter Burden Luncheon Club in Manhattan for an afternoon of painting and baseball-themed snacks as part of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s Senior Smiles program. Each participating senior from the Carter Burden Network painted a Mets-inspired tote bag and took home a Citi Field puzzle and a Foundation-branded mug.
Sandlot Stars
Together with Pitch In For Baseball and Softball, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation hosted their Sandlot Stars program, presented by Northwell Health, to distribute 65 bags of t-ball, baseball, and softball equipment to 18 little leagues across the Tri-State area. Mets alumnus Todd Zeile joined the event to help distribute the new gear to representatives from each little league organization.
Black Legacy Game
The Mets hosted their annual Black Legacy Game presented by Nike at Citi Field on Thursday, April 17 when they faced the St. Louis Cardinals. The annual Black Legacy Game celebrates the history of Black Mets players, while also paying tribute to significant historical figures, including Jackie Robinson.
50/50 Raffle Program
The Mets hosted their annual Black Legacy Game presented by Nike at Citi Field on Thursday, April 17 when they faced the St. Louis Cardinals. The annual Black Legacy Game celebrates the history of Black Mets players, while also paying tribute to significant historical figures, including Jackie Robinson.
