R.A. Dickey Was Excellent as Mets Defeated Orioles 5-1 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards Friday

What a night to be at the ballpark as the Mets defeated the Orioles 5-1 at beautiful Oriole Park at Camden Yards behind R.A. Dickey’s excellent start. My Wife and I met a nice man and couple before the game as we enjoyed BBQ sandwiches. There were plenty of Met fans walking around town and in the stands. Dickey gave up only 1 earned run, 7 hits, with no walks and 8 strikeouts in 7.0 innings. He was throwing strikes all night. Dickey gave up first batter hits in the 4th through 7th innings but gave up his only run in the 7th. In the 4th inning Dickey gave up two singles and a walk to load the bases with no outs. He then struck out the next two batters and got the third out on a pop up to David Wright. I knew then that the Mets were going to win the game. In the 8th inning Pedro Feliciano got into trouble giving up 3 hits but got a double-play and a strikeout to keep the Orioles off the scoreboard. Francisco Rodriguez came into the game in the 9th and struck out the side to end the game, but did give up a double. It was good seeing the K-Rod of old. Jose Reyes, Wright and Chris Carter had great offensive games. Reyes got things started with a leadoff double in the 1st inning and scored on Wright’s RBI single. Reyes also singled in the 9th, stole second base but was left stranded. Wright went 3-for-4 (double) with 2 RBIs. The Mets DH Carter went 1-for-3 with a huge 3-run home run in the 4th inning. We’re going to see the USA vs. England World Cup match this afternoon somewhere in town and going to Met game tonight. I took the picture from our seats in the Terrace Box, Section 45.

Driving to Baltimore to See Mets Play Orioles Friday and Saturday Night

My Wife and I are driving to Baltimore this morning to see the New York Mets take on the Baltimore Orioles tonight and tomorrow night. Oriole Park at Camden Yards is an excellent ballpark to visit. We went last season and had a great time and this year the Mets are playing so that should make it even better. If you visit and have time I recommend taking the stadium tour. It’s amazing how the plans were scrapped for the original stadium last minute and changed to what you now see, an intimate park that is fan friendly and built around the old idea that a ballpark should be contained within the confines of one city block. Oriole Park was the first of the modern, intimate ballparks in the Major Leagues. We’re looking forward to BBQ at Boog Powell’s tent as well. I took the picture from our seats for the day game we attended. LET’S GO METS!

Mets Split Day/Night Doubleheader as Niese Pitches Brilliant One Hitter in Nightcap – Mets Lost Day Game 4-2 and Won Night Game 3-0

Johan Santana had a tough time in the day game yesterday giving up 4 earned runs, 8 hits with 4 walks and 1 strikeout in 6.2 innings as the Mets fell to the San Diego Padres 4-2. He was getting in and out of trouble but didn’t have command of his breaking ball, which was always his out pitch. Hitters are laying off the breaking ball and sitting on his fastball which is not as fast as it used to be. It didn’t help matters that the Mets’ offense got all of 2 hits in the game and they continue to not give Johan run support. The nightcap was a different story and it was all Jon Niese who pitched a phenomenal 1 hitter as the Mets won 3-0. Niese’s lone hit he gave up was a double in the 3rd inning to Chris Denorfia. Niese then got the next 21 outs of the game in order to end the game. The Mets travel to Baltimore for a 3-game series against the Orioles at beautiful Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Attend the Free Viewing Party for the USA vs. England World Cup Match at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, June 12th – Doors Open at 12:00 EDT

From the New York Red Bulls via email:

Fans are invited to the Red Bull Arena Club Lounge on Saturday, June 12 for the Group C match between the United States and England. Entrance is free and doors open at 12:00 Noon, with kick-off set for 2:30 PM. There will be drink specials, including $3 Bud/Bud Light drafts and $5 Red Bull/Vodka, and a discounted food menu. The event will run until approximately 5:30 PM. Red Bulls players Macoumba Kandji and Danleigh Borman, and assistant coach Richie Williams will also be in attendance greeting fans and watching the match! There will be raffles and giveaways throughout the match. In addition, Radio WADO and Univision will be doing live broadcasts from the Club Lounge. All fans will be directed to park in the North Lot adjacent to the Arena. There will be overflow parking in the streets surrounding the Arena as well. Fans must enter through the VIP entrance (located between Gates A & B) and take the elevators or stairs up to the Club Lounge.

Congratulations to the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions the Chicago Blackhawks Who Defeated the Philadelphia Flyers (aka Effers) Four Games to Two to Take Cup

The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers (aka Effers) last night 4-3 in overtime to win the Stanley Cup Finals four games to two. It’s the first Cup for the Blackhawks since 1961 and the Hawks did a tremendous job winning it this season. Last year they came up a little short losing to the Detroit Red Wings in the third round. In the previous ten years to last season the Blackhawks only made the Playoffs once and lost in the first round when they did. It was great seeing Chris Pronger whine to the refs as he was being escorted to the penalty box last night, twice. My Wife pointed out other times where he should have been called for penalties. The Hockey News had taken a poll of NHL players and Chris Pronger was rated the #2 whiner in the NHL, just behind Sidney (aka Cindy) Crosby.

U.S. Men National Team Plays Friendly Soccer Game Against Brazil at Meadowlands Stadium on Tuesday, August 10th – Visa Presale Goes on this Morning at 10:00 AM EDT

The U.S. Men National Team will play Brazil at the new Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Tuesday, August 10th at 8:00 PM. The game will be televised on ESPN2. Hopefully a lot of World Cup players from each team will participate. Tickets go on sale on Friday, June 11th at 12:00 PM EDT through ussoccer.com or by phone at 800-745-2000 and at all Ticketmaster outlets. A better option is to use your VISA card and purchase tickets in advance starting today at 10:00 AM EDT until tomorrow morning at ussoccer.com.

Be There for the First Jets Practice at the New Stadium on Wednesday, June 16th

The New York Jets will be holding their first open practice of the season on Wednesday, June 16th and their new Meadowlands Stadium. Click link to get your free tickets to the practice. I attended an open practice last season at their new training facility in Florham Park, NJ and had a good time. We also attended the rally at the facility before the team left for the AFC Championship in San Diego as well.

New Jersey Devils Equipment Sale at Prudential Center on Saturday, June 26th

From the New Jersey Devils via email:

Hey fans, bring your whole family to the Devils Equipment Sale at Prudential Center on Saturday June 26 from 10am – 2pm. We will have game-worn and team-issued equipment for sale, as well as many other exciting activities! You won’t want to miss this unique day of family fun!

General admission is FREE but take advantage of our VIP ticket to gain admission one hour early. $20 donation to the Devils Alumni Association! (limited to 200 tickets).

Home Sweet Home for Mets as They Win Nine in a Row

The New York Mets continue their hot play at home this season with their 2-1 win last night on the walk-off homer by rookie first baseman Ike Davis last night in the 11th inning. Their series continues tonight at rainy Citi Field where Johan Santana takes the mound in a game the Mets hope to get in. The San Diego Padres are no slouches in the National League and for the Mets to be in this game they need to score runs for their ace. Santana had two excellent outings on the road recently and the Mets could not come up with any runs for him unfortunately. On June 2nd Santana went 7 innings at San Diego and on May 28th he went 8 innings giving up no earned runs in each outing. The Mets have to find a way to get on the scoreboard early and give Johan a lead for a change. Johan’s one of the most competitive players on the team and the offense has to rally around him, starting tonight. If they can take at least 2-of-3 from San Diego and play well in the interleague series this weekend at the Baltimore Orioles that will put them in excellent shape in the National League East. LET’S GO METS!

Mets Defeated Padres 2-1 on Davis' Walk-Off Home Run in the 11th Inning

The New York Mets won their third game in a row tonight as Ike Davis hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to defeat the San Diego Padres 2-1. I will post more on this game and thoughts on the Mets’ season tomorrow.

New York Jets HoldIng First Open Practice at Meadowlands Stadium June 16th

The New York Jets are holding their first open practice of the season at their new Meadowlands Stadium on Tuesday, June 16th. I will post more information later today

Mets Comeback from 5-0 Deficit to Edge Marlins 7-6 at Citi Field for Sweep Sunday

The New York Mets showed a lot of tenacity in their 7-6 comeback over the Florida Marlins at Citi Field Sunday. The Mets were down 5-0 going into the bottom of the 6th but they knocked in 7 runs in the next three innings to win the game. I will post more on the game and impressions of the Mets season thus far tomorrow morning.

Let’s Hope Omar Minaya (aka Nomore Goodbya) Didn’t Pull a Fast One Placing Oliver Perez on the 15-Day Disabled List Saturday

The New York Mets placed Oliver Perez on the 15-day disabled list Saturday due to a sudden injury to his right knee. The move to the DL was retroactive to last Tuesday so it could free-up a roster spot for Jon Niese who pitched Saturday against the Marlins. It’s being reported that a few Major League clubs have complained and that Major League Baseball is looking into the validity of the move. Since Perez landed on the DL the Mets didn’t have to send another player back to their Buffalo Bisons farm team. If the Mets did pull a fast one they certainly would not be first to do so or the last. Having this baloney float over the team now doesn’t help so let’s hope it’s true. I can see the 60-day disabled list in the near future for Ol’ Ollie!

Red Bulls Shut Out Chivas USA 1-0 at Red Bull Arena for Second Win in a Row Saturday

The New York Red Bulls won their second game in a row as they shut out Chivas USA 1-0 at Red Bull Arena. Mike Petke sat this one out, his first in his MLS career. Petke’s had three tough games in a row where he’d gotten beaten and the opposition scored on Bouna Time. Carlos Mendes got the start and played well. Dane Richards also sat out with a hamstring injury and the great young Tony Tchani got the start. That guy’s going to be great. The Red Bulls moved the ball well and played a solid game. Unfortunately Sinisa Ubiparipovic pulled up while going for the ball in the 8th minute and left as Roy Miller was subbed into the match. Ubiparipovic has a hamstring strain and thank goodness he’ll have time to rest with the World Cup break upon us. Seth Stammler scored his 2nd goal of the season and broke the scoreless tie in the 27th minute on a rocket outside the box. He took the ball off a poor clearing attempt on a mishit Juan Pablo Angel header, turned and fired the ball into the left-corner of the net. Late in the 2nd half Joel Lindpere put a perfectly placed ball in front of Angel on a free kick and Angel scored but the goal was called back as the assistant referee confirmed that Angel was just offside. That would have sealed the deal. The Red Bulls held on for a terrific win and are in a much better position being tied for 1st place in the Eastern Conference going into the World Cup break. Chivas USA did not have defender Jonathan Bornstein as he’s playing with the U.S. Men National Team in the World Cup.

Mets Clobbered Marlins 6-1 at Citi Field Saturday

The New York Mets clobbered the Florida Marlins yesterday on national TV 6-1. Jon Niese came off the disabled list and pitched a terrific game giving up only 1 earned run, 6 hits with 1 walk and 6 big strikeouts in 7.0 innings. Mejia pitched a scoreless 8th and Nieve finished it with a scoreless 9th. Ike Davis led the Met hit parade with 4 hits, 3 runs and 1 RBI. David Wright matched his home run total from last season by hitting his 10th, a 2-run shot in the 3rd inning. It was towering shot down the left field line that just stayed fair and landed on top of the Acela Club patio. Wright had 2 hits on the day. Jeff Francoeur went 2-for-4 with 1 RBI. Ruben Tejada also contributed with a 2-run double. There’s no place like home for the New York Metropolitans.

Heading to TD Bank Ballpark as Somerset Patriots Host Newark Bears

My Wife and I will be with our friends at TD Bank Ballpark tonight as the Newark Bears continue their series against the visiting Newark Bears. LET’S GO PATRIOTS!

Oh Dickey You’re So Fine Earning Win as Mets Take Game 4-3 From Marlins at Citi Field Friday

The New York Mets defeated the visiting Florida Marlins 4-3 with a late game comeback. Starting pitcher R.A. Dickey was so fine last night giving up 3 earned runs, 7 hits, with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts in 6.1 innings to earn the win and is now 3-0 on the season. Feliciano, Dessens and Rodriguez finished the game to give New York the much needed win. There’s no place like home where the Mets are playing wining baseball. K-Rod earned his 11th save of the season but made it an adventure once again. Ike Davis continues to struggle going 0-for-4 at the plate. Ruben Tejada was recalled from Buffalo to replace the injured Luis Castillo at second base. Jeff Francoeur went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Angel Pagan made a great throw to gun down one of the best players in Major League Baseball Hanley Ramirez at the plate. The Mets went 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position as well.

“Once a Red Bull Always a Red Bull” and “Luck of the Irish” at Red Bull Arena!

As we sat in Section 132 at Red Bull Arena Wednesday enjoying the match against the Houston Dynamo the Patriarch from Ireland (visiting Granddaughter, Daughter and Son-in-law) turned and said to me “Once a Red Bull Always a Red Bull!” I loved it. Last night as my Wife and I ate dinner with them, their Son (also my soccer mentor) said “It’s the Luck of the Irish!” His Dad, the Patriarch said he’d be happy to work for the Red Bulls as their lucky charm if they’d pay his airfare from the Emerald Isle. I think it’s an excellent idea and I say yes!

Rutgers 2010 Football Tickets Begin Going on Sale

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team will begin selling tickets to the upcoming season. I will post more information tomorrow morning.

Red Bulls Defeated Dynamo 2-1 on Excellent Free Kick in Second Half Stoppage Time by Angel at Red Bull Arena Wednesday

What a game and finish last night at Red Bull Arena as the New York Red Bulls defeated the Houston Dynamo 2-1. I’d like to thank my friend for getting the tickets for us. He and his Dad have not seen the Red Bulls before so we decided to made a night of it. I wasn’t sure if I was going to move much after dinner at Fornos in Newark, which was great. We were discussing the four game losing streak and how they needed to win last night and this weekend before the World Cup break. It was one of those matches where the Red Bulls outworked the opposition but it didn’t show on the scoreboard. The Red Bulls had scoring chances but couldn’t finish on them. Mike Petke did not defend a header that sailed into the net past Bouna Time which tied the match. With 4 minutes of stoppage time in the 2nd half the Red Bulls had a free kick outside the box. Juan Pablo Angel kicked a terrific shot up over the wall and inside the left post, ricocheted and went into the net for the winning goal. It was unbelievable. There were seconds left in the match. Our friends said the supporters made the game and it was terrific seeing how the players came to the supporters after scoring and at the end of the match. Angel picked out a fan and tossed his jersey to them afterwards. I took the picture of one of the Garden State Supporters with their flag as the teams were entering the field. LET’S GO RED BULLS!

Wednesday, June 2nd Update on Carlos Beltran Saga – Craig Carton of WFAN-AM Claims He Received Text from Beltran

Craig Carton of the Boomer & Carton Show on WFAN-AM claims that he received a text message from Carlos Beltran. The text allegedly stated that Beltran is running at 80-90%, running the bases and will be playing simulated games this week. I don’t believe a word of it. The New York Mets will not confirm this information. Last week the Mets said the final word will be with the team doctors. So Beltran decides to leak this to Craig Carton? Carton is doing his best to sound like his apparent hero Howard Stern circa 1991. Why would Beltran go through Craig Carton to say this and not have the New York Mets front office issue a press release and place it on their website? Don’t you think it’s that important? Let’s see if it comes to pass.

Pelfrey’s Excellent Start Leads Mets Past Padres 4-2 at PETCO Park Tuesday

Mike Pelfrey was brilliant last night at PETCO Park to earn the win. Big Pelf gave up only 1 earned run, scattered 4 hits, with 2 walks and 8 strikeouts in 8.0 innings. He’s lowered his ERA to 2.39 and brought his record to 8-1 on the season. Francisco Rodriguez came into the game in the bottom of the 9th and earned his 10th save of the season but it was a bit of an adventure, giving up 1 earned run on 3 hits with 2 strikeouts. Johan Santana starts for the Mets tonight in the rubber game of the series. If they win today it will be the first series the Mets would win on the road this year. Ike Davis hit a 2-run homer and went 2-for-4 and Jeff Francoeur continued his hot hitting going 2-for-3. David Wright hit a home run last night. The Mets need to score some runs for Santana early.

Alternatives to Major League Baseball – Atlantic League Independent Baseball in New York and New Jersey

There are alternatives to paying top dollar at the new Major League ballparks in Queens and the Bronx. You can watch the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks, Somerset Patriots and Newark Bears. The Atlantic League is an independent league made up primarily of former Major and Minor League players. My Wife and I have attended games since 2007 and have had the Saturday Plan for the Somerset Patriots since 2008. Cost of tickets range from $10.00 to $12.50 for excellent seats. The stadiums are family and fan friendly.

The Long Island Ducks play at Suffolk County Sports Park in Central Islip, NY. The Ducks won their division last season under manager Gary (Kid) Carter but lost in the opening round. Their current manager is Dave LaPoint.

The Somerset Patriots play at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ and are managed by ex-Yankee Sparky Lyle. They won the league championship last year and are looking forward to another playoff run this year.

The Newark Bears play at the Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium and are managed by Tim (Rock) Raines.

Mets Pitching Staff Imploded as Padres Destroyed Mets 18-6 at PETCO Park Reminding Me of Gashouse Gorillas Playing Against Bugs Bunny

There’s not much to say about this game as the Mets pitching staff got shelled last night at PETCO Park by the San Diego Padres. The Padres are the best baseball in the National League and the Mets are at .500 (26-26) on the season. The Mets are 7-17 on the road and they’ve lost 3-of-4 in their last four games. Two good things to note are that Jose Reyes hit a 2-run triple in the 5th inning and Rob Barajas a 2-run home run in the 6th inning for his 11th on the season.

• Takahashi – 6 earned runs, 4.0 innings, not good
• Valdes – 4 earned runs, 0.0 innings, brutal!
• Mejia – 0 earned runs, 1.0 inning, excellent
• Igarashi – 6 earned runs, 0.1 innings, brutal!
• Perez – 2 earned runs, 2.2 innings, he completely sucks!