Mets Community Insider: A Look Back at November
Amazin’ Mets Foundation Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell
New York Mets legend John Franco, along with Mr. and Mrs. Met, joined the Amazin’ Mets Foundation to ring the NASDAQ Opening Bell on November 21. The event marked the unofficial kick off to the Foundation’s MetsGiving season – a series of programs held throughout November and December that focus on supporting the community during the holidays.
MetsGiving Turkey Giveaway, presented by your local Toyota dealers
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation distributed 8,500 turkeys to New Yorkers in need ahead of Thanksgiving as part of their tenth annual MetsGiving Turkey Giveaway, presented by your local Toyota dealers. New York Mets legend John Franco joined Mr. and Mrs. Met to help distribute the turkeys at the various community partner locations on November 22. Individuals receiving the turkeys were also given a voucher for tickets to select Mets home games in 2025 and a MetsGiving tote bag.
The Foundation partnered with a network of 20 community partners across New York City for the giveaway.
Toyota generously provided transportation to enable Front Office staff volunteers to assist with in-person distributions across all five boroughs, featuring locations such as Queens Community Justice Center, New York Common Pantry in Manhattan, Part of the Solution in the Bronx, Project Hospitality in Staten Island, and Maimonides Park in Brooklyn.
MetsGiving Food Drive
The Mets hosted their 18th annual MetsGiving Food Drive benefiting Food Bank For New York City on November 19. Individuals who donated at least 10 non-perishable items received one voucher redeemable for two tickets to select Monday – Thursday Mets home games in 2025. The Mets Team Store also offered a 20% discount to those who donated.
Mr. and Mrs. Met stopped by to help collect more than 13,000 pounds of food, which is equivalent to over 10,800 meals. Food Bank For New York City will distribute the food collected throughout the holiday season.
Food Bank For New York City aims to empower every New Yorker to achieve food security for good. They work with 800+ soup kitchens, food pantries, and campus partners to provide immediate and reliable access to food and nutrition education.
Amazin’ Mets Foundation, NYC Parks, LandTek Renovate Field #1 at Juniper Valley Park
On November 7, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and The LandTek Group, celebrated the official opening of the newly renovated Field #1 at Juniper Valley Park in Queens with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
With a contribution exceeding $430,000, the Foundation transformed Field #1, incorporating an upgraded irrigation and drainage system, a complete infield renovation, and new fencing and concrete work. This marks the Foundation’s third neighborhood field renovation, following improvements to Fields #10 and #11 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Sandlot Stars in the Dominican Republic
Earlier in November, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation hosted its Sandlot Stars equipment donation and Junior Mets baseball clinic at the Mets Dominican Academy, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery, in Boca Chica. In collaboration with Pitch In For Baseball & Softball, the Foundation provided brand-new equipment to 30 local youth baseball and softball teams in the Dominican Republic.
The two-day event began with a morning stretch session led by Hospital for Special Surgery staff, followed by an exclusive tour of the academy, where participants explored the clubhouse, classrooms, and players’ lounge. After the tour, attendees watched a Mets-Padres game from the field and later enjoyed lunch and the equipment distribution ceremony, where the youth teams received their new gear.
On the second day, the athletes had the unique opportunity to work with academy players and coaches during a Junior Mets clinic, focusing on skill development in baseball and softball.
Fun At Bat
Your school can team up with the Amazin’ Mets Foundation and USA Baseball for “Fun At Bat,” during the 2024-25 school year.
Fun At Bat is a free program designed for K-5 students, offering a unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baseball while also focusing on character development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. This program is easy to implement and provides educators with all the resources they need, including lesson plans, equipment, and training.
By the end of 2024, over 150,000 students will have been impacted by the program.
You can sign your up your school and inspire the next generation of baseball players by visiting: Mets.com/FunAtBat.
UPCOMING: METS COAT DRIVE ON DECEMBER 11, 2024
The Mets are teaming up with New York Cares for the 18th annual Mets Coat Drive, presented by your local Toyota dealers, on December 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Mets Team Store at Citi Field. Mets personnel, along with New York Cares will collect donations to keep those in need warm during the cold winter months in New York.
Fans bringing a new or gently used winter coat will receive a voucher redeemable for two tickets to a select Monday – Thursday Mets home game in 2025.
Coca-Cola will be setting up a special holiday display for photo opportunities. More details will be provided on the Amazin’ Mets Foundation Instagram page (@amazinmetsfdn) closer to the date.
Due to off-season construction at Citi Field, Seaver Way is closed to vehicles. Free parking for the Coat Drive will be available in Lot B and Lot D, which can be accessed through Gate 8 at Shea Road and Boat Basin Place.
Further details can be found at Mets.com/CoatDrive.
