Mets Community Insider: A Look Back at February
Ya Gotta Read! Kicks Off
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation and Delta Air Lines are challenging local students to read for 20 minutes every school night for six weeks as part of their Ya Gotta Read! program. Created in 2017, Ya Gotta Read! aims to foster a love of reading among students. The more children read, the more they succeed in school and expand their knowledge.
This year, the Foundation is bringing the program to 41 elementary schools, reaching 25,000 students across Queens and Brooklyn. Students who read for 60 minutes hit a single and win a ‘Ya Gotta Read!’ branded bookmark. Reading for 180 minutes hits a double and earns students a Mr. Met keychain. Reading for 300 minutes counts as a triple and rewards students with a color-in wall pennant. Finally, reading 600 minutes is a home run, and students win a pair of Mets tickets. One student at each school who reads the most will win four field level tickets to a 2025 Mets game, be honored on the jumbotron at Citi Field, and receive a $100 Citi Field gift card. The class at each participating school that reads the most will win special Mr. Met lunchboxes.
In February, the Foundation brought Mr. Met to P.S. 11, P.S. 139, and P.S. 280, schools joining the Ya Gotta Read! challenge, for a rally to get students excited and ready to read and win prizes. For more information on the program, please visit Mets.com/Read.
Spring Clinic For Champions
The Mets welcomed 50 athletes from Special Olympics Florida for their annual Clinic for Champions at their Spring Training home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Since its inception in 2015, the Clinic for Champions has provided athletes of all abilities with the chance to learn from Mets players and coaches.
Athletes from St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee County Special Olympics participated in the clinic, where they practiced hitting and fielding, and created unforgettable memories alongside their favorite Mets.
Francisco Lindor Hosts Youth Baseball Clinic
As part of his ongoing commitment to giving back to the community, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor hosted a baseball clinic on February 24 at Clover Park for children from Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County, Fort Pierce Little League, and Port St. Lucie American and National Little Leagues. The clinic focused on teaching the fundamentals of the game while also emphasizing the values of teamwork, fun, and sportsmanship.
Each year, clubs nominate a player on their team who demonstrates exceptional character, community involvement, philanthropy, and contributions both on and off the field for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award that is given annually. Lindor’s commitment to making a positive impact has been recognized when he was named the Mets’ nominee in 2023 and 2024 for this Award.
Amazin’ Mets Foundation Welcomes ‘Figure Skating in Harlem’ to Citi Field
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation recently hosted girls from Figure Skating in Harlem for a special day at the ballpark. The athletes had the unique opportunity to visit the Citi Field control room and learn about the behind-the-scenes aspects of in-game productions. They also participated in a career panel with Mets front office staff, gaining valuable insight into careers in sports.
Figure Skating in Harlem helps girls transform their lives by building confidence, leadership, and academic achievement. As the only organization in the world for girls of color that combines education with access to figure skating, it empowers young women to become champions in life.
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation proudly supported Figure Skating in Harlem with a grant for their ‘Summer Dreams Figure Skating Summer Camp’ program and sponsored all uniforms and costumes for 2024.
Year of the Snake
The Mets celebrated the Lunar New Year on Sunday, February 9. Over 400 Mets fans and members of the community came out to enjoy an outstanding performance by the Korean American Youth Choir of New York and a traditional lion dance performance by Awaken Lion. There were fun activities for children and Mr. And Mrs. Met made a special appearance in Year of the Snake t-shirts.
