Mandatory Mustache

1996 Mets read Top 10 List on Letterman

2010-05-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

My NY Mets Journal

2010-05-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is pretty amazing. There's a Mets fan who is posting his illustrated Mets journal on his blog. An illustration after each game. All 162 of them. I really wish that I had this idea (or the ambition to carry it out) first.

Keith Hernandez falls asleep during broadcast

2010-05-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

This one has been making the rounds, but it's pretty funny so I thought I'd post it anyway.

Bobby, come back!

2010-01-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

via Can't Stop the Bleeding.

Fan Art: Nic Cage as Ed Hearn

2010-01-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

From the website Nic Cage as Everyone.

New spring training caps

2010-01-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

New Era just unveiled the Mets' new spring training caps. Honestly, I wasn't really aware that such a thing existed. After seeing it, I wish it didn't. It's basically just a streamlined version of the ugly black and blue hat we wear all the time, so I suppose that I really shouldn't get that worked up about it.

Video message from Wally Backman

2009-11-18T10:33:00.000-08:00

New manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones.

The Dr. K. rap

2009-11-16T17:09:00.000-08:00

Fantastic.

Doc Ellis' LSD no hitter animation

2009-11-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

This is amazing. No, there are Mets involved (Ellis would join the Mets nine years later), but it's too good not to share. And there is a mustache prominently featured.

I'd heard about this game a number of times, but I had never actually heard Ellis talk about it. Some great illustrations add to the experience.

Proposed new Mets uniform

2009-10-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Found this design for a new Mets jersey over at MetsBlog. I like it. Created by Matthew Weiler, it's clean and simple with a nod to the glory years of the 80s. Hopefully, the front office is listening.

“I will not renew my season tickets unless Bobby Valentine is back with the team in some capacity next year.”

2009-10-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

Found on Brooklyn Met Fan:

"I just called the Mets season tickets customer relations line (718-565-4360) and told them them I was a season ticket holder (which I am). I went on to say that I don’t know if you guys log these calls, but I am very disappointed with the management of the Mets (in particular with Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel). I am very disappointed in today’s news, which seems to indicate that both Omar and Jerry will be back next year. At this point, I do not intend to renew my season tickets. And I will not renew my season tickets unless Bobby Valentine is back with the team in some capacity next year.

The man on the phone responded by saying that yes, he does log these calls, and thanks very much for calling.

Anyone who feels similarly to me, I think today is a good day to call (end of season plus the news that Jerry will be back next year). It seems pretty clear that the Mets are not making any changes to management over the offseason."

This sounds like a great idea. I can't believe that after such a horrible season they're giving these guys another chance next year.

Hire Wally Backman petition

2009-10-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

We all want Wally Backman back...man...right? The Mets are thinking about hiring him as a minor league manager. We think they could use a little pushing, so go sign the Hire Wally Backman petition.

All Mets Fans Should Wear Blue to Citi Field

2009-09-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

Found this over on MetsBlog. Sounds like a great idea. Not only does it add to the stadium atmosphere, but it promotes the idea that blue (not black, as New Shea and alternate jerseys would have you believe) is our primary color. Check it out:

"Next season, I’d like to see every Mets fan who attends Citi Field wearing a blue shirt… nothing but blue… wear a blue Mets jersey, where a generic blue t-shirt, a blue jacket, this Mets jacket, whatever… but make it blue… this way, Citi Field will get the splash of blue paint it is sorely missing.

Cardinals fans wear nothing but red to games, like this, creating a powerful, cohesive sea of Cardinal Red in every corner of the building… I think it would be equally powerful if we did the same with blue in Citi Field.

Why? Well, earlier in the season, I was talking with someone high up in the Mets organization, who said, “Blue and orange are fine for the uniform, but they’re kind of tacky for the ballpark,” which would explain the buidling’s overusage of gun-metal grey.

So, if every fan in Citi Field wore blue, we could at least take some control of how the ballpark looks.

Update:

Why blue and not orange? I have a feeling more people already own blue shirts… from looking at the team store, Modells, etc., it seems like there are more shirts available in blue than orange."

At home with Keith Hernandez

2009-09-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

Newsday's Neil Best visits the Hernandez residence and gets a little peek into Mex's surprisingly quaint home life. Example:

"Hernandez removed the copy of Moby-Dick from his collection and announced one of his offseason plans: Joining [his wife] in reading the book.

Aloud."

Read the entire story here.

Financial Genius Len Dykstra unloads mementos

2009-09-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Looks like Len Dykstra's financial situation doesn't seem to be getting any better. He's currently auctioning off most of the plunder from he pre-stock trading days.

Some of the best stuff:

- Dykstra’s 10-karat World Series ring, symbolic of the Mets’ stunning defeat of the Boston Red Sox. Valued at $20,000, the ring bears the Mets logo, Dykstra’s name and No. 4, and the words “New York Mets, 1986 World Champions, 116 Wins.”

- Dykstra’s replica World Championship trophy, a foot-tall “glorious, glittering prize” inscribed with his name.

- Dykstra’s home run ball that won game three of the 1986 National League Championship Series.

- His 1990, 1994 and 1995 All-Star Game rings.

via Can't Stop The Bleeding

Keith Hernandez to make Seinfeld return?

2009-09-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

In Keith's recent interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, the subject turned to Seinfeld, as it always does. Here's what he had to say:

Malone: I read that the Seinfeld cast is going to be on an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm…

Hernandez: What’s that?

Malone: The Larry David show on HBO.

Hernandez: Oh yeah, I read something about that.

Malone: As a Seinfeld veteran, can you get yourself in on that?

Hernandez, : Oh no, no, I’m out.

Malone: No more acting?

Hernandez: I never really pursued acting as a career. I was in New York and we won the World Series and it’s amazing what things do. Things just kind of fell in my lap when I said I was retired. But I never took acting lessons and never went out and did auditions to actively pursue acting as a career. I just had fun with it and took advantage of the opportunity, and it’s been a wonderful experience.

Malone: How much longer do you figure you’ll be announcing games for SNY?

Hernandez: I don’t like to look far into the future. I’m enjoying my work. I don’t see myself retiring or not doing this in the near future. You never know how you’re going to feel 5-6-7 years down the road, or even three years down the road. But I’m enjoying what I’m doing and have no thought about packing it in.

The Peter Gammons Plan for the Mets

2009-09-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, friends...I'll explain my recent absence more later (spoiler altert: it's really not that interesting). But I thought I'd post this, cos when Peter Gammons talks, I still listen.

Gammons was asked how the Mets can improve for next season. Here's the short version of what he said:

- “Hire a really strong, competent, forceful CEO with a widespread understanding of the business, development and people.”
- “Use their market and SNY television network advantage to acquire talent through the draft and the international stage.”
- “Stop worrying about comparisons with the Yankees.”
- Acquire one quality starting pitcher.
- Acquire a young catcher, like D-Back’s C Chris Snyder, Indians C Kelly Shoppach or Rockies C Chris Ianetta.
- Acquire a power bat, either at first base or in the outfield.
- More mustaches.

I think it's going to take a little more imagination than that (new owners? new attitude?)...unless we nail down his last point, that is.

From ESPN via MetsBlog.

In The Booth

2009-07-01T10:21:00.001-07:00

In which we peer into the minds of our beloved SNY commentators with a random quote from a recent game...

Keith: Oh my goodness.
Gary: Do you think that's real or is that a wig? What do you think?

Keith: I think it's real and it looks like Bert Lahr. You've got to have C-Courage!
Gary: I think the family of Bert Lahr would be greatly insulted by that.
Keith: (laughing)
Gary: I think that if it is real, it took him a long time to cultivate that. (long pause)
Cora drew a walk at the start of the game and scored in front of Wright's home run
and now Burns behind him 2 and 0.
Keith: He's got to have a natural curl to that hair of his, too.
Gary: Yeah, I don't think you can do that with a curling iron. (long pause)
Keith: No one is sitting behind him, you'll notice. That moss is just in everybody's way.
Gary: You wouldn't be able to see over or around him.
Keith: He looks like...I can't think...what was that guy, he was just here at Citi Field? The lead singer of Mountain?
Gary: Oh...
Keith: Leslie West.
Gary: Yeah. What was that kid from the old sitcom, Room 222? Bernie?
Keith: I vaguely remember that.
Gary: Of course back in the 60's and 70's, everybody had hair. Even me.

Alex Cora on the Metropolitans

2009-06-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

“We can deal with this. We’re not as bad as people think we are. Don’t feel sorry for the Metropolitans.” -Alex Cora

The Metropolitans. I love it.

[via MetsBlog]

In The Booth

2009-06-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

In which we peer into the minds of our beloved SNY commentators with a random quote from a recent game...

Gary: The All-Star Game is in St. Louis this year, correct?
Ron: Yes
Gary: Keith, were you asked to do anything this year?
Keith: I declined.
Gary & Ron: (Laughter)
(Commercial break)

Mustache Greats #10: Wally Backman

2009-06-15T10:36:00.001-07:00

Years with Mets: 1980-1988

Look at that picture over there. That's what I'm talking about. That picture alone is enough to get you into the Mets Mustache Greats Hall of Heroes. This post should really end right here. What's that? You need some more proof? If that's the case, you should probably just stop reading this blog right now, but I'm gonna throw some facts at you anyway.
• .283 average in nine years with the Mets (that's equivalent to about .396 in 21st century averages).
• Member of Backman-Teufel Overdrive
• Accomplished orator and future Mets manager. See evidence here.

The only good thing to come from last night's game

2009-06-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

...is this blog post over at Can't Stop the Bleeding.

Music: Mets Plate Music

2009-06-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

There was a time when we wanted to do a segment that pitted the Mets against their opponents in terms of plate music. We ended up abandoning this idea for two reasons--1) we don't attend enough home games to really keep tabs on what songs the Mets players are currently using, and 2) after attending a number of Giants games, it became clear that the Mets would get their asses handed to them by a large majority of NL teams in any sort of competition involving plate music.

So we were very excited when we discovered this video from 2007 in which the Mets explain their choices of plate music. And our theory about them being on the bottom end of the league in this category still holds up.

Observations:
• Metallica has to easily be the most popular band among white baseball players.
• Jeff Conine is actually pretty funny.
• David Newhan must have the worst taste on the team. Favorites include Tupac, Dre, Alice In Chains and Pearl Jam. So basically he likes two of the worst genres in existence--bad pop-rap and grunge.
• I take that last one back. Shawn green has the worst taste on the team. His favorites--Song 2 (now I love Blur as much as the next guy, but the last thing any North American sporting event needs is another round of this clunker), Audioslave, Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, and John Mayer. This reads like a set list for my own personal hell. But Shawn does win points for being the only player who will sing a song.
• Moises Alou is a badass--no batting gloves, no plate music.
• Rickey Henderson is an "MC Hammer guy," "2 Legit 2 Quit" to be specific. This is completely awesome. He still sticking by that guy.
• HoJo still rules.

Fan Art: Rivalry Collaborative

2009-06-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

"Rivalry in 3D: X-axis, Y-axis, and Time" by Unknown Artists (2009)

I found this piece located outside the Men's Room of a well-known asbestos litigation firm in Manhattan, once again proving you never know where you're going to find great fan art.

It began approximately three months ago when our unknown artist marked the wall with the concise and debatable declaration, "Mets #1." It appeared to be a harmless piece of graffiti as it stayed untouched for a month and a half. Then, the unkown collaborator stepped in and added "suck" after "Mets" and "Yanks" in front of "#1," simultaneously insulting his foes and declaring the greatness of his own team. Simple--some might say obvious--but undeniably effective. Again, the piece sat untouched for a month and a half. Much to my surprise, on my way to the bathroom this morning, I found that unknown artist #1, after weeks of careful planning, issued his response by abandoning his original statement and turning unkown artist #2's words to his advantage: "Yanks Suck." Brilliant. Artist #1 could have played this several different ways. For example, he could have simply crossed out "Yanks" and "Suck" or inserted "^don't" and "^aren't." But let's face it--it's getting harder and harder to defend "Mets #1," but "Yanks Suck" will forever be an undeniable truth.

Expect an update on this collaborative piece of fan art in the next several weeks. Artist #2 is expected to fire his next shot in this ongoing slogan war sometime around July 23rd.

Music: Belle & Sebastian's "Piazza, New York Catcher"

2009-06-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

Scottish popsters Belle & Sebastian delve into the subject of sport more often than one might think, and the results are usually quite good. This Mets-inspired number is one of my favorite B&S sports tracks despite its association with my least favorite Belle & Sebastian album, Dear Catastrophe Waitress, and my least favorite movie of the last two decades, Juno.

I know the Mets have many great pop songs associated with them, but with the help of some great lyrics, this one has got to be up near the top. Here are a couple of the better verses:

San Francisco’s calling us, the Giants and Mets will play
Piazza, New York catcher, are you straight or are you gay?
We hung about the stadium, we’ve got no place to stay
We hung about the Tenderloin and tenderly you tell
About the saddest ending of a book you ever had to read
The statue’s crying too and well he may

The catcher hits for .318 and catches every day
The pitcher puts religion first and rests on holidays
He goes into cathedrals and lies prostrate on the floor
He knows the drink affects his speed he’s praying for
a doorway
Back into the life he wants and the confession of the bench
Life outside the diamond is a wrench

Listen to a live version of the song here.

Mets Uniform Survey

2009-06-10T11:15:00.001-07:00

We've been writing a lot about the Mets' uniform choices lately, and the topic seems to be picking up steam among fans. Even the American Cancer Society is campaigning for the traditional garb. It seems the club might be taking notice. Mets Police has written about a survey the organization sent out to fans asking their opinions on the current stable of uniform combinations, as well as some new possibilities. Read it here. It gives me hope that they may actually be listening to the fans. We'll see if anything comes of this.

ESPN Sportcenter (Crystal Method Remix)

2009-06-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

This has to be the best ESPN screenshot ever.

(thanks to Can't Stop The Bleeding)

86mets.com: a man with a mission

2009-06-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

86mets.com is in the midst of a pretty rad project. Brad, who runs the site, is attempting to get every member of the 1986 Mets' 25-man postseason roster to sign a ball for him. He's off to a good start, having nabbed Ed Hearn and Randy Niemann, among others. The site chronicles the whole process with updates on each player and the story of how he got the autograph.

Bobby V. on mustache incident

2009-06-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Our Mustache Great #8, Bobby Valentine, recounts the famous fake mustache incident from 1999. Watch the video below. This is classic Valentine. This is why he edges out Wally Backman atop our Mets Managerial Wish List.

Mets Mustache Greats #9: Frank Viola

2009-06-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

Years with Mets: 1989-91

I was pretty excited when the Mets acquired Frank Viola from the Twins in 1989. He had won the AL Cy Young the previous year, he was a local boy (not sure why that really matters, but it sounds good), and of course...the mustache.

It's not like I was obsessed with mustaches in the late 80s or anything. I mean, every boy has an autographed 8x10 of Gene Shalit on their dresser, right? It's just that in my young mind it was a trait I associated with baseball success. The 86 Mets boasted numerous mustaches. Result? World Series champions. My Benson Little League under-12 Goodrich Dairy Orioles? Zero mustaches. Zero success.

Anyway...what was I talking about? Oh yeah, Frank Viola. The point of my story was that I knew that the arrival of Frankie (people call him Frankie, right?) and his 24-win mustache would bring an unparalleled level of success to the early 90s Mets. Well, I was right about Frankie, at least. Viola went 20-12 with a 2.67 ERA in 1990 and finished 3rd in NL Cy Young voting (which he should have won). Not too shabby.

The American Cancer Society wants the Mets to wear their traditional uniforms

2009-06-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Now this is what I'm talking about. The American Cancer Society is raising funds to try to get the Mets to clean up there act and start wearing their traditional colors. This means the blue hat (both home and away, see photo) and the pinstripe shirt/pants. All white jerseys are acceptable, too. They're asking that you join their team and pledge $1 for each game the Mets wear an acceptable uniform. We here at Mandatory Mustache have been pushing for this for years, and we couldn't be more excited. Find more information here.

Why are they doing this? Well, they've got a great explanation on their site, which I've pasted below. I couldn't have said it better myself.

...

Founded in 1962 to bring National League baseball back to New York City, the Mets were named for the New York Metropolitans who played in New York in the 1880's. New York's new team was an homage to its old; they wore the blue of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the orange logo of the New York Giants. In short, the Mets were an effort to keep alive the great traditions of New York baseball.

As the Mets played their first two seasons in the Giants old home, the Polo Grounds, while waiting for the new Shea Stadium to be built, fans who saw the blue and orange knew that those colors meant something. It meant that, yes, National League baseball in New York had a long and glorious past, but now, with the Mets, it also had a future.

Fast forward to the late 1990's, when, for the last few years, the Mets hadn't been doing so well on the field, and sales of their merchandise started to suffer. According to Dave Howard, the Mets’ executive vice president of business operations, market research at the time showed that black sporting merchandise sold better. Younger generations were more likely to buy black baseball hats and jerseys, irregardless of the team that was on it. So just like that, the Mets began to sell out over 100 years of baseball history in an effort to make more merchandise sales.

As one blogger poetically put it: "The Mets, always seeking new ways to alienate their loyal fanbase," are "taking a sport steeped in tradition and taking a dump on it."

And to a certain extent, this is perfectly understandable. Alternate uniforms, particularly black ones, sell. (And many teams started to figure this out. At one point, it seemed that every single professional sports team, from the Detriot Lions to the Kansas City Royals, had alternate black uniforms.) But people can wear black Mets hats and shirts all they'd like. I'm not going to argue with you that blue and orange are easier to match with street clothes than black is...But plenty of organizations sell "alternate" colors without actually wearing them. Check out MLB.com, and you can buy a Yankees or Dodgers hat in black, or just about any color. In fact, I ran into a friend of mine today with a black Yankees cap on. "I like to wear black." he said, "but I would kill them if they ever wore this during a game."

The difference is, on the field, you respect the history and tradition of the organization. What uniforms never look dated? Uniforms like the Yankees, Giants, Dodgers, and Red Sox. They're the same (more or less) as they've always been, and they'll never go out of style. They look as good now as they did in the 1940's and as good as they will in 2040.

What uniforms are the most embarrassing? When teams follow fashion trends, only to be left with horribly outdated uniforms ten years later (see: the White Sox and Astros of the 80's). The black uniform trend of the late 90's, when it seemed like every baseball team wore black, are already starting to look dated; even the Royals have figured that out.

Much like modern architecture would in the heart of Paris, wearing trendy uniforms doesn't make us look cool, it makes us look like we don't understand the importance of the history that surrounds us.

To me, there's a big difference between teams who take their history seriously (see: Yankees, Giants, Dodgers, Cubs, Cardinals, Red Sox, Tigers) from expansion, small market, or small budgeted teams who are desperate to sell merchandise anyway they can (see: Orioles, Blue Jays, A's, Marlins, Pirates, Diamondbacks, and Rockies, all who have alternate black uniforms.)

Which do the Mets want to be?

And this seems to be representative of a larger problem within this organization. The Mets are a storied franchise with a history to be proud of, and instead we act like an expansion team who's more interested current gimmicks and trends, as if we have no traditions or history to celebrate, and are desperately vying for anyone's attention.

We don’t use our own theme song anymore (though we'll save the Sweet Caroline discussion for another website), there’s nothing in the stadium dedicated to the team or its championships, we’re, perhaps, the only team in Major League Baseball who has their pennants hidden from sight, and we can’t even wear our own uniforms or proper colors anymore. Quite frankly, its embarrassing.

Tradition is not something that’s innate; it needs to be learned and passed down from generation to generation. And right now, its falling through the cracks. It saddens me to think that we’re loosing an entire generation to marketing and trends.

(If we must wear alternates, may I suggest doing what the Phillies and Indians do, and make them "throwbacks" and a nod to history. Wear them, but as alternates, that is, one day a week. That way the Mets can sell more uniforms, but still respect tradition.)

I look back on the 47 years of Mets pinstriped history, from the first team picture in the Polo Grounds, to the '69 and '86 championship teams, and feel immense pride. The blue caps with the best logo in baseball, the orange NY, a symbol of New York's National League baseball tradition started in 1883 that we continue on today.

Then, I look at today's team in black and blue caps and black jerseys in an effort to look trendy and cool, and feel confused and saddened. I'm not an old man. In fact, I'm too young to even remember the Mets winning a World Series (I was three in 1986), but its the sense of history and tradition that makes baseball so special, and separates it from every other professional sport in America.

We as baseball fans are lucky to have it. We as New Yorkers are even luckier than most. Why deny ourselves of it?

The Mets are a first class baseball organization, both with our play on the field, and our continuation of over 125 years of National League baseball in New York City. Let's start acting, and dressing, like it.

Remember, "The fans stay true to the orange and blue!"

Fan Art: A Series of Stars

2009-06-05T11:10:00.001-07:00

In this segment, we take a look into the wonderful world of Mets fan art...

"A Series of Stars" by Rick Rush Art (2008)
In this piece, we see Derek Jeter jumping over Mike Piazza in an attempt to turn a double play. Most scholars place this painting in the "Sports Fantasy" genre (not to be confused with the more obscure "Sports Fantasy Camp" style), because of its suspension of reality. To wit: Jeter's posture and grip of the ball tell us that he's not going to be making the throw to first base. We all know that, in reality, Piazza and his steroid-fueled carcass have never gotten down to second base fast enough to break up a double play, no matter how slow the grounder.

In The Booth

2009-06-03T00:52:00.000-07:00

In which we peer into the minds of our beloved SNY commentators with a random quote from a recent game...

Jon Stewart: They have a sushi bar here.

Kevin Burkhardt: Well, they had that at Shea.

Jon Stewart: They did, but I think it was just old dead fish.

---------------------------------------

Kevin: I was looking at the ratings from your show the other day, is it true the Ron Darling show is the highest rated show ever?

Jon: Amongst a certain demographic.

Kevin: What demographic is that?

Jon: Aging ballplayers. I think Sid Fernandez watched and he counts as three. He scored very high with aging Hawaiian pitchers. So we have Sid Fernandez and, well...Sid Fernandez.

Mets Mustache Greats #8: Bobby Valentine

2009-06-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

Years with Mets: 1978. 1996-2002 (mgr).

This one should really go without saying. But since this is a blog and I'm probably expected to write something, I'll give you three reasons Bobby V. is a Mustache Great. Here they are (in order of importance):

1. Valentine claims to have invented the wrap sandwich.

2. In 2005, Valentine won the Japan Series with the Chiba Lotte Mariners. He promptly challenged the "World Champion" Chicago White Sox to a seven game series. The challenge was not met.

3. The Mustache Incident:
"Valentine is infamous for a dubious incident during a game in 1999 in which he was discovered to have sneaked back into the team dugout after being ejected, by wearing a disguise consisting of a change of clothes, sunglasses, and a "mustache" painted on his upper lip with eye black." [Wikipedia]

Any questions?

You Can Have It All: Bud Harrelson vs. Pete Rose

2009-05-31T09:31:00.001-07:00

Each week we scour Ebay to bring you the finest Mets memorabilia the internet has to offer...

Win a piece of Mets history with this photo of Pete Rose and Bud Harrelson duking it out at second base. The incident took place during the 1973 National League playoffs between the Reds and Mets, a wonderous time when fisticuffs on the basepaths was commonplace (as evidenced by the umpire (bottom-left) who couldn't care less). This photo brilliantly captures Rose just seconds after realizing that the Reds weren't going to cover the spread.

Advice: Exercise the the Buy It Now option, and then head down to Caesars Palace and get Rose to slap his signature on it.

Music: The Mets + Sweet Caroline

2009-05-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of music posts lately, but I couldn't let this one slip by. An article over at MetsBlog notes that the Mets will continue to play Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" over the PA system at every game, in a lame attempt to cultivate some sort of crowd singalong.

I have to agree with MetsBlog that this is really unfortunate. Now I've got no problem with Neil Diamond, but this the lamest, most overplayed, frat bar singalong I've ever heard (a natural fit for Red Sox Nation™, of course). Why oh why, Mets, must it be this song that you're forcing down our throats? I love a good singalong, but let's come up with something original. Even if this were Mr. Mets all-time favorite song (which there's no way it would be), it's ALREADY BEING USED BY ANOTHER TEAM FOR THE EXACT SAME PURPOSE. And not just any team, but the one team I actually may hate more than the Yankees and the Phillies.

It's strange feeling when the Mets pull things like this (which they do quite often). On the one hand, it's endlessly frustrating. On the other, I know deep down that it's things like this that make our bond so tight.

Music: Lenny Randle & The Universal Language

2009-05-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

We are currently making an effort to unearth all of the Mets-related musical endeavors, and there's a good chance we have discovered the Rosetta Stone. Known more for a few specific (and sometimes controversial) incidents, Lenny Randle is exactly the reason this blog was created. He and fellow ballplayer Thad Bosley decided to independently fund a recording session in 1983 and later release a four track 7". It had gone almost entirely unnoticed until now. All four songs have recently been released on the People's Potential record label on a 7" entitled Ballplayers EP.

I won't be responsible for a record review as it seems kind of unnecessary. There's a link below to an mp3 from the record in order for people to form their own opinions. Just keep in mind that this is the same guy who both punched his former manager in the face and got down on his knees during a game in an attempt to literally blow the ball foul.

Listen to "Universal Language" here.

Music: God Bless America

2009-05-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Found this article on the excellent True/Slant. It's about Yankee Stadium security kicking a guy out for trying to go to the bathroom during God Bless America. First of all--they still sing that song? Second--seriously? Leave it to the Yankees. Sounds like the guy was drunk, but it also sounds like the security staff did, in fact, tell him to wait till the song was over. I've never really understood why they insist on playing this song every game. I mean, I've never really understood the point of singing the actual national anthem before a game involving two American teams either, but that's for another post.

This whole thing seems really creepy and resembles something that we Americans think only happens in some other country. And it's not just the security staff. I'm pretty sure that every single time I heard "God Bless America" at Shea, some sort of shouting match erupted in a section near me in which a Real American was yelling at some (usually) younger fans for not standing and/or removing their hat during the song. Bizarre. And wasn't there some issue when Delgado was acquired because the press thought that the fans might not accept him since he refused to stand for a song that isn't even our (let alone his) national anthem? I guess that whole problem never really materialized.

Anyway, the whole "God Bless America" thing is so weird to me...and it's not even a very good song. The article claims that the Yankees are the only team that still plays it. Is this true? Do the Mets still play it during the seventh inning stretch?

Fan Art: Keith Hernandez Has a Posse 2

2009-05-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

"Keith Hernandez" by Unknown (c. 2009)
I spotted this somewhere near the Spring St. stop on the C line. Originally, I thought that it was this poster we featured a while back. But upon closer inspection, it's a completely different image. It appears that there is no limit to Keith Hernandez poster art. And that's a good thing.

Mets Mustache Greats #7: Vince Coleman

2009-05-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Years with Mets: 1991-1993

One of the fastest mustaches to ever grace the base paths at Shea Stadium, Vincent Van Go never enjoyed higher than a fifth-place finish while with the Mets. Though his playing time was limited while in Queens (72, 71, and 92 games played in three years), he was still exciting to watch when he was in the game. His 162 game average for stolen bases in 1991 was 83.25. That's pretty remarkable for a guy on the decline. Compare that with Jose Reyes best year (79.98 SB avg per 162 games), or Rickey Henderson's best Met season (49.53 SB avg per 162 games).

We all know that stolen bases equal exciting baseball, and exciting baseball equals wins...which equals...no better than 5th place in three years with Vince Coleman...wait a second...something is wrong with my math here...hmm...no supporting cast...that's it. Okay, I've got it. If Coleman would have played more games and had some support behind him, he would have 200+ stolen bases and we would have had those three early 90s World Series titles we were all expecting. Case closed.

Wally Backman needs a promotion

2009-05-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Found this audio of Wally Backman ripping his team apart after their first loss of the season. Gotta love this guy. This is the fire that won us a championship in 86. Still looking for similar audio of Jerry Manuel.

[Caution: Back when I used to work, this would have qualified as NSFW...I'm not sure how general office decorum has evolved in the last six weeks, so play at your own risk.]

[Thank you Mets Today]

The Baseball Boogie Bunch

2009-05-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

Mets in Los Angeles tonight. Remember the bitter "theme song" rivalry of '86? This one's special. Every player gets a verse and a satin jacket.

In The Booth

2009-05-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

In which we peer into the minds of our beloved SNY commentators with a random quote from a recent game...

Keith: The first time he (Livan Hernandez) visited was really not that long ago.
Gary: Yeah, He was a teenager and it was a big culture shock coming to Yankee Stadium from Cuba.
Keith: He saw new cars. Not those '57 Chevys they have in Cuba.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary: Did you just see Tom Hanks pop up on the screen?
Keith: Yup. Angels and Demons.
Gary: I started watching and I just could not keep up.
Keith: I read both of those books and Angels and Demons had the most far-fetched ending of any thriller I have seen in my entire life.
Gary: Is that good or bad?
Keith: Bad!
Gary: Maybe they changed the ending for TV.
Keith: I hope so. They can't have the Pope parachuting out of an airplane or whatever it was.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith: I have no idea what's in Red Bull.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith: Is that a word, "runnerish"?
Gary: Sure, it is now.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron: Joe Kerrigan, he's a close talker isn't he? He gets right up in your grill.

Mets Mustache Greats #6: Jose Valentin

2009-05-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Years with Mets: 2006-2007

Despite only two years with the club, the Pink Panther is a central figure in Mets mustache history for not only being a solid second baseman, but also being, to date, the last mustache the Mets fielded. His departure marks the first time in club history that the Mets have not had a mustachioed player on their roster, and thus signifies the beginning of what will surely be know by later generations as the Dark Ages.

Fan Art: The Future Has Come

2009-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

In this segment, we take a look into the wonderful world of Mets fan art...

"The Future Has Come" by Gamberg (2007)
Stunning use of photoshop filters and a Nostradamus-like ability to predict the future? Mind bending.

In The Booth: Iced Coffee

2009-05-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

In which we peer into the minds of our beloved SNY commentators with a random quote from a recent game...

Gary: You gonna get an iced coffee, Keith?
Keith: No. I do not...I do not do iced.
Gary: Ronnie and I haven't convinced you?
Keith: No. Just let it rest!
Gary: Sorry.
Ralph: I say ice is only good for drinks.
Gary: Coffee is a drink.
Ralph: COLD drinks!
Gary: (laughs) Santos hits it to right-center and Maxwell is there.
Keith: I knew there was a reason I liked Ralph so much.

Mets Mustache Greats #5:

2009-05-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Years with Mets: 1992-93

I always liked Eddie Murray when I was a kid. He seemed like some sort of distinguished elder statesman with that mustache of his. I later heard that he was kind of a dick, but what do I care? I didn't have to hang around with him in the clubhouse. He was only with the Mets for two years, but they were both quite productive. I'd say 1993 was actually a pretty great season for Eddie--100 RBI, 27 HR, .285 avg (or something like that...these are all from memory). I also believe he hit his 400th homerun as a Met, becoming the first mustachioed Met to do so. Okay, I made that last stat up, but it's probably true. Here's to you, Eddie Murray.

Ugh.

2009-05-04T09:25:00.001-07:00

Sir Keith in a new SNY commercial

2009-05-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Keith Hernandez makes an appearance in a new SNY commercial. Pretty funny. Say hi to your mom.

Music: George Thorogood on the New York Mets

2009-04-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Delaware Destroyer is probably in my top five least favorite musicians of the last forty years. Who knew he was a Mets fan? Not me. I can't figure out if this makes me like him more or the Mets less.

This is the part of the post where I put the embedded YouTube video. Well then, where is it, you ask? Embedding has been disabled for this video. God forbid someone would want to write a blog post about the Mets and/or George Thorogood. I blame Mr. Thorogood himself for this. I should probably just abandon this post, but I've already typed this much and it's really not that hard to follow this link to YouTubes to watch it for yourself. It's really worth the effort.

Just for (thoro)good measure (ha!), I'm gonna post this fine piece of musical cinema that the youtube is actually allowing me to embed. I think it's about going out and drinking with friends.

In The Booth: All-Nighter

2009-04-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

In which we peer into the minds of our beloved SNY commentators with a random quote from a recent game...

Gary: ...and it wasn't his lower leg like most guys, it was his upper leg. Just a gruesome injury.
Keith: His femur.
Gary: Your anatomy skills are fantastic.
Keith: Not to be misconstrued with the humerus; the upper arm.
Gary: Why would you confuse the humerus and the femur?
Keith: Because you're so humorous.
Gary: Wow... I think that's overstating the case.
Keith: I'm feeling kind of chirpy this morning, so bear with me.
Gary: You probably didn't sleep at all last night, did ya?
Keith: No.

In the Booth: Michelob Man

2009-04-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

In which we peer into the minds of our beloved SNY commentators with a random quote from a recent game...

Gary: This game is brought to you by Budweiser, the great American Lager.
Keith: I was always a Michelob man.
Gary: Well, same company.
Keith: Yep.
Gary: They have like 20 different Michelobs.
Keith: Back in our day, there was only one.

Mets Mustache Greats #4: Davey Johnson

2009-04-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Years with Mets: 1984-1990 (Manager)

The second Johnson in our series is an obvious choice. I guess they all are at this point, aren't they? Davey Johnson was a class act and instrumental to the great Mets teams of the 80s. He was an early proponent of computer-driven stat analysis way back in the old days (the 1980s). For some reason the Mets let him go after a poor start to the 1990 season. I still lie awake at night hoping he'll drop Team USA™ and come back to the Mets.

We have blue hats!

2009-04-24T17:16:00.001-07:00

It's Friday evening, Johan's pitches/strikes is 65/48 with 8K (in the 4th inning. Yes, this is an in-game blog post. I call it "live blogging" and it's the future), and they're wearing the blue hats, I repeat, blue hats. All I've got to say is it's about time. Now that's a good looking team out there, I tells ya. No coincidence we're winning (so far). Yes, it's the Nats, but I had no faith going into this one...until I saw the blue hats. Now if we could just get some pinstripes on those shirts. I know, I know...I should just be happy that progress is being made.

Fan Art: Wait Till Next Year

2009-04-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

In this segment, we take a look into the wonderful world of Mets fan art...

"Wait Till Next Year" by skizo39 (2008)
Here we have a touching scene of two heavily photoshopped kids learning that life is a series of disappointments and that they will never, ever witness their team holding a World Series trophy.

MetsBlog: "Where Are the Gangstas?"

2009-04-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

MetsBlog asks "Where are the gangstas?" I couldn't agree more. I know I'm not the first to say it, but this team really seems to be lacking some fire. I've always thought that "heart," "hustle," and being a "gamer" are completely overrated in American sports. Give me some talent any day. But now I'm starting to feel like we are lacking some sort of killer instinct, and it's really starting to show...well, maybe it started to show two seasons ago.

In the Booth: Taqueria

2009-04-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

In which we peer into the minds of our beloved SNY commentators with a random quote from a recent game...

Ron: Is that your taqueria, Keith?
Keith: Let me tell you, that was some kind of taco.
Ron: Did you have the chicken or the beef?
Keith: I had the chicken and they have that...that verde sauce, Ronnie, that you can put on it and it is HOT! You can make it as hot as you want it. It's like the taco I had when I was 19 years old in double-A in El Paso.

Mets Mustache Greats #3: Keith Hernandez

2009-04-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Years with Mets: 1983-1989

Let's just get this one out of the way. Hopefully Keith's enshrinement will quiet the email(s) in my inbox asking, "How have you done two Mustache Greats and not included Mex?! Blasphemy!!! You have lost any shred of credibility you may have had :("

Enough! Let me just set the record straight--Keith was far and away my favorite player when I was a young lad working my way up the ranks in the Benson Little League. There were three reasons for this:

1. He was left handed.
2. He had a cool mustache.
3. My dad bought me a Keith Hernandez signature model first base mitt (see item 1).

Yes, there were the near-MVP seasons, the first four Mets years with a .300+ average, the otherworldly defensive play, and the penchant for smoke breaks, but as a boy I thrived on trivialities.

My point is that we all know Keith was great. Now it's official. No disrespect was meant. The nasty emailer(s) can stop now. I could go on about his numbers and why he should be in the Hall of Fame, but that's for another post. Let us simply celebrate his greatness today.

You Can Have It All: 8x10 of John Maine +1

2009-04-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Each week we scour Ebay to bring you the finest Mets memorabilia the internet has to offer...

This week we've unearthed a rare gem--an 8x10 "studio" photo of John Maine with an unidentified man in a Mets uniform. I'm not really sure what the photographer's motivation was for this shot. John seems to be going for a somewhat intimidating pose, while his cohort is working the more laid back vulnerable angle. On paper, this sounds like a terrible idea, but as you can see, they really pulled it off. It's completely natural. The two conflicting approaches really play off each other.

Note from the seller--"This item is not autographed. That is your job, perfect for ballgames and trade shows." Agreed. It is the perfect photo for when you run into John Maine and unnamed Met standing together and signing autographs before the game.

Advice: Act now! There are only a few hours left on this one and it's currently at $2.99. Play it carefully, and bail out if this hits $150.

Mark Fidrych, RIP.

2009-04-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

I'm about a week behind on this, but I'm currently unemployed and thus operate outside the normal constraints of space-time to which you normal people are subject. Things like "days," "sleeping in," "laziness," "aren't you going to get off the couch today?"...these are all concepts that you people with jobs have created so you can feel better about your sad, structured, self-supporting lives. Anyway, cut me some slack. I posted it, didn't I? Jeez...

Recently, Mark "The Bird" Fidrych passed away. Yes, I know that he was neither a Met, nor did he have a mustache, but he did kinda rule. He had the kind of personality that is distinctly lacking in the current Mets squad, and in baseball in general...and he was really good before his career-ending shoulder problems.

I just wanted to celebrate a guy who brought a little something extra to the game. I wanted to celebrate him by linking to someone else's celebration of his career. This video I found (been doing a lot of that lately...like I said, no job at the moment), is from 1985 and is a little "where are they now" piece on a pretty awesome-looking show hosted by Steve Stone. Not surprisingly, Mark is a pretty entertaining guy even in retirement...and he starts talking about Magnum P.I. at about 5:30. Enjoy.

Onion: Mr. Met Having Trouble Sleeping In New Home

2009-04-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

We can always count on The Onion for at least one good Mets story per year. Funny stuff:

While Mr. Met has admitted that he is not yet accustomed to Citi Field, team members have said they are already feeling very much at home in the new ballpark after losing their first game to the Padres.

Read "Mr. Met Having Trouble Sleeping In New Home"

Music: The Nightmares' "Baseball Altamont," a Shea-inspired masterpiece

2009-04-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 1985, the unlikely combination of the New York rock underground and America's pastime found themselves at the same party. Literally. Not only were they getting along, but it seemed they were actually becoming friends.

The Nightmares, a young New York garage band, held an in-game record release party in a luxury box at Shea Stadium. The band's single, "Baseball Altamont," was released on the relatively obscure Coyote label, known mostly for being the home of The Feelies and a very young Yo La Tengo. Mets fans were undoubtedly confused when the scoreboard read, "The Mets welcome The Nightmares Baseball Altamont record release party".

The song describes a riot that broke out during a Mets home game just one year earlier. Names are named and faces are melted. This song is a barn burner. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and declare it the best song ever written about the Mets.

Between the Beatles in '65, Grand Funk in '71 and the Nightmares in '85, Shea Stadium will go down in history as the "Ball Park That Rock Built." And no, I didn't forget the Billy Joel show.

Listen to the song.

Some lyrics to whet your appetite:
Yeah well, Keith stood by and watched it for a while
And then he took off his shirt and his cap and he laid 'em in a pile
Then he bummed a cigarette from Dr. K
And then they smoked 'em in the stands as the fans tore apart Shea...Stadium!!!
It was baseball altamont!
It was baseball altamont!

Home Opener

2009-04-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Watching the Citi Field opener and the new digs look great. I'll always have a soft spot for Shea, but I can't wait to check out a game at the new stadium.

I've just got one problem with this picture (other than the first batter homerun Pelfrey just allowed)--why oh why do the Mets insist on wearing those black and blue hats? Hideous. The New York City flag is orange and blue. My team is orange and blue. I really don't see how black fits into that equation.

I've read that the starting pitcher gets to choose the hats they wear, but why is the blue/black hat even an option? I don't think we need more than one hat, but if we must have two, can't the ugly one at least be solely an away hat? The black hats (as well as the black jerseys) smack of the late 90s, and they were ugly then.

More on the Wright Stache

2009-04-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Wright Stache has a theme song. Will it work? Will David Wright hear our call? Only time will tell...

Wild Boys: 1986 Mets

2009-04-12T11:12:00.001-07:00

Q: How many videos are floating around the internet that pair footage of the 86 Mets with an awesome song from that era?
A: I don't know, but I'm gonna find out...and post them all here.

A few days ago we brought you a Glenn Frey-inspired homage to the glory years. Today we have "Wild Boys" by Duran Duran. Enjoy.

You Can Have It All: Mike Cubbage 1990 Game Worn Pants

2009-04-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

Each week we scour Ebay to bring you the finest Mets memorabilia the internet has to offer...

We're going to kick this segment off with a real winner--1990 NEW YORK METS COACH MIKE CUBBAGE GAME WORN PANTS. We here at Mandatory Mustache are pros at this sort of thing (I once almost won an autographed photo of Rodney Dangerfield in a full 1986 Mets uniform), and we can tell you without a doubt that this is a great find. The Mets went 91-71 (.562 winning pct) in 1990 and boasted such coaches as Doc Edwards, Chuck Hiller, and Greg Pavlick. This very piece of clothing was worn ~~on the field~~ in the dugout at classic National League ballparks like Riverfront Stadium, Three Rivers Stadium, and Stade Olympique (Olympic Stadium). This is baseball history.

Advice: Act now! There's only one bid on these pants and it's very low ($9.99). Keep in mind that these pants were worn when Cubbage was COACHING the Mets, not when he was manning the hot corner in the early 80s, meaning this will only appreciate in value.

1986 Mets + Glenn Frey = Pure Magic

2009-04-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

I found this little piece about the 1986 Mets (soundtracked by Glenn Frey) on a website called "Youtubes." This is really too awesome for words...

Mets fail to sweep Reds

2009-04-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Oliver Perez, for keeping it real. You wouldn't want us to start thinking that things might actually be different this year, would you?

Book Learning: As They See 'Em by Bruce Weber

2009-04-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This has nothing to do with mustaches.

I was listening to NPR this morning and heard a piece on the new book, As They See 'Em: A Fan's Travels In The Land Of Umpires by New York Times reporter Bruce Weber. Interesting stuff. Weber was an umpire for a while himself, and discusses things ranging from how umpires develop different styles of calling "strike," "out," etc. (they practice in front of a mirror), and what goes on during on-field arguments (lots of fun stuff). He also spends some time describing umpire college, which I imagine to be something like the Police Academy movies.

Listen to it here.

The Wright Stache

2009-04-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Saw this the other day. Moving. I think this may have lead to my renewed posting.

Fasten Your Seatbelts

2009-04-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure if I was going to fire up the ol' blog for 2009, but it's a new year and hope springs eternal, I suppose. I saw this clip of Johan and I figured that if he's this excited for the new season, then I should be, too.

Apparently, Santana has a different handshake for everyone on the Mets roster. I'm not exaggerating at all...

Mustache Alert: Willie Randolph

2008-06-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

As you know by now, Willie Randolph has been fired by the Mets. Honestly, I've never really been a fan of Willie. But seeing as how he was sort of the inspiration for this blog, I suppose I need to have a long think about whether Mandatory Mustache will continue. I know it will be tough for the two of you who read this blog, but just give me a little time to let it all sink in.

Mets Mustache Greats #2: Bobby Bonilla

2008-06-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Years with Mets: 1992-1995, 1999

Probably the most overpriced mustache to ever suit up for the Mets, Bobby Bonilla wasn't really all that terrible. He had 2-3 completely respectable seasons for the Metropolitans in the early 90s. The problem was that we paid approximately $3 billion (adjusted to 2008 dollars) for his services. And we brought him back for 60 games in 1999...?

Mets Mustache Greats #1: Howard Johnson

2008-06-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Years with Mets: 1985-1993, 2007-2008 (First Base Coach, Hitting Instructor)

We're not pulling any punches here with the first in our weekly series of Mets Mustache Greats. Hojo could easily be a contender for greatest Mets mustache ever, having produced some of the greatest offensive seasons the team has ever seen in the late 80s and early 90s.

Hojo still sports a stache as the Mets hitting instructor.

Live Report: Pedro's Return

2008-06-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

It was game two of my AT&T Park Mets experience and the boys almost made up for the previous night by thrashing Barry Zito for 5 runs in 4.1 innings. It was music to my ears when the boos came out as Mr. Zito left the field in the 5th. Man, am I glad we didn't pick this guy up when he was out of contract. I always knew he was overpriced, but I never thought he'd get this bad.

SIDE NOTE: Does anyone else remember when Zito was first making a name for himself with the A's and everyone was like, "He's the cool baseball player. Yeah man, he plays guitar." What?! This guy is as lame as they come. Okay, not Scott Spiezio lame, but close. [Yes, I know I've linked to that Scott Spiezio (Sandfrog) music video before, but go watch it and tell me I shouldn't find a way to link to it in every post.] I've read articles about Zito's general coolness and his excellent music taste. He talks about playing guitar on stage with Eddie Money (this would be cool if it was on "Shakin'" or "Baby, Hold on to Me" or something like that, but it was on "Two Tickets to Paradise," so...no dice, Barry) and how he knew about John Mayer before everyone else. And John Mayer ain't winning you any points over here, my friend. So yes, I'm absolutely delighted he's 1-12 or whatever it is now.

SIDE NOTE 2: Speaking of music, I'm declaring now that Ray Durham has the best at bat music in professional baseball. The man walks to the plate with Rappin' 4-Tay's "Player's Club" playing over the PA. Can anyone top that? If so, I have yet to hear it.

Back to the game...Pedro did not disappoint in his first start since early April. He wasn't dominant in any way, but there were flashes of the old Pedro--the ability to get out of jams, a fastball reaching 93mph, and a little dance on first base after knocking in a run with his second (!) hit of the game. I couldn't ask for more in his first start in 2 months. Nice to have you back, old man.

Live Report: Not fun

2008-06-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

My first live Mets game of the year, and how does Oliver Perez repay me?

0.1IP 5H 6ER 2BB 0K 2HR

That's an ERA of 162.00 on the night folks...And I'd just brought him off the bench on my fantasy team. Ugh...Hopefully, Pedro will treat me better tonight.

Valentín Misses the Mets

2008-05-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

We miss you too, buddy...

Valentín believes regular communication and informal humor among teammates can do wonders for a team’s morale, and Valentin is confident he can help the Mets in that regard, whether it’s talking to Reyes or other players.

More at NYTimes.

Pedro on the mend

2008-05-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

Man, this just keeps getting better. First, I find out that Jose Valentin is doing well in his minor league rehab. Then the Mets win three in a row. Now I just learned that Pedro is mere days away from making his first start.

The best part? His 2008 debut will be against the Giants in SF, where I will be sitting in the stands. These will be my first Mets games of the season, and this is just icing on the cake.

Return of the Stache

2008-05-30T10:49:00.001-07:00

Great news, Mets fans! Jose Valentin is continuing his minor league rehab and should be back with the big club soon.

I can't think of a better bit of news. This is music to my ears. This is what has been missing from the clubhouse this year. Great player, even greater mustache.

I'm not even sure if there's currently a mustache on the team at this point. Does Schoeneweis still have one? He does seem to be doing well, so I have to think he might still have one. Well, I guess that I'll find out in person when the Mets visit the Giants next week...

Hernandez to Manage Mets?

2008-05-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Probably not, but he did say he'd be up for it. As entertaining as this would surely be, it's probably not a good idea considering he has no coaching or managing experience. We can always dream, can't we?

Actually, its sounds like Gary Carter is interested and available. I don't really know what he's been up to, but this might not be a bad idea. He seems like a fighter to me. Sounds like there are some other 86ers that could be in the mix...I'd like to see what HoJo or backman could do, though I don't know if they're willing to gamble on Wally just yet.

More on Piazza's retirement...

2008-05-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

Fire Joe Morgan takes on Paul Lukas' article about why he hates Mike Piazza so much. Hilarious, as usual.

Read it here.

Piazza retires

2008-05-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

The man behind of one of the more memorable late-era Mets mustaches, Mike Piazza, retired from baseball and hair product endorsements yesterday, after 16 years in the majors.

The only question that remains is whether Mikey will enter the Hall of Fame as a Met or a Dodger.

UPDATE: Great Piazza article from Wall Street Journal.

Dead to Me

2008-05-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

I don't care if the stickers are still on the hat, Jerry. It's the Cubs. Disgraceful.

The Power of the Stache

2008-05-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

The guys over at MetsBlog have noticed an interesting trend involving Jose Velentin and his mustache:

Valentin has not played for the Mets in the regular season since July 20 of last season.

Prior to his injury, the Mets played eight games over .500, while playing just two games over .500 after the injury.

Similarly, Reyes hit .304 with Valentin by his side, but hit just .248 after his injury.

Don't want to say "I told you so," but if you're one of the 2.5 people that read this blog, you'll know that we've been singing the Pink Panther's praises for quite a while now.

See more over at MetsBlog.

Santana sleeve suspense subsides

2008-05-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

Looks like the mystery of Johan Santana's strange sleeves has been solved. It seems Johan likes his jersey sleeves extra loose, so he stretched out them out by hand, causing the piping to fray. New jerseys with 1" more room in the sleeves have been ordered. We can all rest a little easier now that this mystery has been solved.

Thanks to UniWatch.

"The Year of the Mustache"

2008-05-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

Don't know how this one slipped by me...I follow the Diamondbacks and Marlins so closely...

According to Diamondbacks OF Eric Byrnes, 2008 is "the year of the mustache." During a recent 14-game hitting streak, Byrnes grew a little soup strainer. Sounds good, no? Well, he shaved it the day after the streak ended. Typical. Growing the mustache isn't the hard part, fellas. It's keeping it where we separate the men from the boys. Byrnes obviously doesn't understand how this works. The mustache isn't gonna make you Ty Cobb right off the bat. You've gotta show a little dedication.

In a related story, the entire Marlins bullpen recently decided to grow mustaches. My sources tell me there were even a couple handlebars. As much as I hate to admit it, this makes me extremely jealous. Come on, Mets bullpen! Scott Schoeneweis is trying to show you the way, but you obviously aren't listening. Anyway, they allowed 9 runs in 4 innings and shaved them all off. Hmm...yeah...great idea, guys. The mustaches were surely the problem. Oh, please tell me how well you played after you shaved. What's that? You blew it again? Shocker.

As fellow NL East-ers I guess we should be happy. A bullpen of mustaches in our division would have been extremely dangerous.

Johan Santana and the Case of the Shredded Sleeves

2008-05-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Johan Santana is throwing so hard that his uniform is coming apart at the seams...or so it seemed. What first appeared as fraying piping on the ends of both sleeves of his jersey now appears to be some sort of modification (see larger image here). At press time, no one (including the Mets' "stitching and embroidery guy" ) knows what it is. Strange.

The full story at Uni Watch.

We'll be sure to keep you updated if there are any further developments in the case.

Julio Franco, we hardly knew ye

2008-05-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Julio Franco officially retired from baseball today, at the age of 87. Franco played for the Mets in 2006 and 2007. If you're not a fan of Julio, you probably shouldn't be reading this blog.

We'll miss you, old man.

Rickles signs one-game contract

2008-05-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Not to be outdone by their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets have signed insult comic Don Rickles to a one-game contract. The Queens native will DH for one at bat against the Yankees on June 28.

When asked about his new contract and the recent comedic rivalry that has developed between the two clubs, The Merchant of Venom quipped, "If [Billy] Crystal is any sort of man, he'll take an at bat in a game that actually counts."

The ball is in your court, Billy.

Mustache Alert: Scott Schoeneweis

2008-05-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

[DISCLAIMER: This is NOT an actual photo of Scott Schoeneweis' mustache, just sort of an artistic re-imagining.]

I thought I'd fire up the old blog after seeing Scotty Schoeneweis sporting a definite mustache in last Sunday's game with the Braves. Who would have thought he'd be the one to come through? Now, I haven't actually seen many games this season, but I do believe he's the only player currently sporting a mustache. He's probably gotten rid of it already, which would explain the lack of photo evidence on the interwebs (hence the doctored photo), but I'm just going to pretend he still has it.

Schoeneweis' line for last Sunday's game: 1 IP, 1H, 0 ER, 0 K. Count it.

Keith Hernandez has a posse

2007-09-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

Found on Ludlow between Houston and Stanton. I really wish I could say I was in some way responsible for this.

NL Central: The Division of Kings

2007-05-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

In what is quickly turning into a series of posts, we look at yet another NL Central club that seems to picking up on what Mandatory Mustache is laying down...the Milwaukee Brewers.

Q: How do these clowns currently have the best record in the majors?

A: Bernie Brewer's fierce handlebar stache.

Come on Mr. Met, step it up.

Keith's Mustache

2007-05-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since our last post. A lot has happened since then--Green has continued to hit, Maine has been lights out, and Delgado has been flirting with the Mendoza line. But most importantly, with Valentin's trip to the DL, the Mets are currently mustache-less. The Mandatory Mustache Ministry of Statistics is currently scouring the record books for the last time the Mets were mustache-less...I'm not sure, but my money is on sometime during the early-to-mid-90s. Yes, we've been playing well lately, but it can only last so long. At the moment, first base coach Howard Johnson is the only Met taking the field with a mustache. Now I love HoJo as much as any self-respecting Mets fan, but this just ain't gonna cut it. Who will step up and save this team?

In the meantime, we felt that we wouldn't be worth our salt as a baseball/mustache blog if we didn't at least acknowledge the existence of the SNY "Keith's Mustache" spot (pictured above). We give the ad a thumbs up, a solid B+. Good design, pretty funny, and definitely the best in this series of ads. Suggestion for next time--include Keith's fur coat and lollipop.

Mike + The Mechanics

2007-04-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

This week's installment of Mike + The Mechanics is focused on an issue that's been heavily scrutinized since its inception over 35 years ago-- the five-man rotation. It does considerably more harm than good. In an effort to keep this ball club in touch with it's roots, we here at Mandatory Mustache insist that this dead-end philosophy be put to sleep once and for all. It originated as a technique to keep pitchers healthier and limit the amount of starts, allowing teams to build more steam going into the playoff race. It sounds like a good idea and worked well for certain teams, most notably the L.A. Dodgers. The Dodgers also happened to have a rotation that consisted of Claude Osteen, Don Sutton and Bill Singer. Who were the fourth and fifth guys you ask? Al Downing and Tommy John. Pretty solid five-man rotation. Hell, why not pick up Nolan Ryan and Bob Gibson. You'd have yourself the best 7-man rotation in baseball. It's just not realistic unless you have a pitching staff equipped with absolute ringers.

The reality of this flawed concept is that you end up with a weak fifth man in the rotation and more importantly, weak starters. If you switch to the more classic four-man rotation, you will allow your more powerful starters to build up the endurance to last a full season and get closer to 40 starts. It helps win games and it makes for much more enjoyable baseball.

This is just a drop in the ocean as far as pitching staff complaints are concerned. These are a few others I will get to in due time:
-Rick Peterson and his obvious influence on the rotation's overall hairstyle choices. WTF?
-Glavine's uniform decisions. ie. Always utilizing the inferior back and blue caps.
-Current mustache count remaining at a dismal, embarrassing zero.

He's still at it...

2007-04-18T00:13:00.000-07:00

Damn you, Mr. Redlegs! Why must you taunt me so? First you exist only as a logo. Then I must cope with the fact that you inhabit three dimensions and breathe the same air as us mere mortals. And now you have your own blog? When will it end?

I still love Mr. Met with ~~all~~ most of my heart. His keen sense of humor has brought us many wonderful SNY commercials...but why do I get the feeling the Mr. Redlegs spots on Fox Sports Ohio (or whatever they call it) are about 10x funnier and 100x more dapper?

I know there are still doubters out there who don't understand the power of the mascot and/or mustache. Here's all I have to say--the Reds are in first place. We're not. You do the math.

Minor League Milledge Mustache Memorandum

2007-04-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Though I have no photographic proof (this is an old one on the left), I have it on good authority that Mr. Lastings Milledge was sporting a mustache before being sent down to the minors. Not too much of a shock, as he has been known to do this previously. This had all the makings of a brilliant move. If he'd been given more than a handful of at bats, the new mustache would have surely jump started his batting average. And there's no better way to get on Willie's good side than to grow out the ol' soup strainer...or so we thought.

I know, I know, we all knew this was coming. They needed to make room for Pelfrey, and Milledge was the obvious choice to go down to New Orleans for some much-needed plate appearances.

I just wish that Willie would have looked at the bigger picture here, and not this "five-man rotation" concept he's trying to force. Let's look at the numbers here, friends. Fifth man in the rotation? He shows up once every six days. Another mustache in the clubhouse? That's influence 24-7. Invaluable.

And speaking of the five-man rotation...what gives? This currently sits at #3 on my list of gripes with the Mets, right between (#2) their obvious lack of respect for the blue caps and home pinstripes, and (#4) the dearth of foam fingers at Shea. I've been pushing for a four-man rotation for years. If my little league team was able to run a three-man all season, I don't see why the pros can't make it with four. Laugh at me now, but whoever jumps on this idea will clean up down the stretch. How much you wanna bet the Reds are running a four-man rotation by the break?

Anyway, back to Lastings. Well done, son. We could use more like you. "A" for effort.

Red Menace

2007-04-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone's favorite communists, the Cincinnati Reds, have upped the ante this year by bringing back a certain mustachioed mascot. He goes by the name Mr. Redlegs, and Mets fans should be thankful he doesn't play in the NL East, because this bold move is worth at least 8-10 wins over the course of a season. Yes, the mustache is that powerful, folks, especially on a mascot.

As if that weren't enough, we came across this image of Adam Dunn. What gives? What did we do to deserve this? Is Reds upper management reading Mandatory Mustache?

On a side note, we're not sure if these recent developments make it more or less likely for the Mets to accept our previously proposed new-look Mr. Met.

We know we don't have to tell you twice, dear reader, but this is serious. The Reds get it and they mean business. We're about to get left behind in the mustache race by the same team that fielded this man. Hopefully, we can turn it around before it's too late.

Live Report: Opening Day 2007- Mets @ Cardinals

2007-04-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

Mandatory Mustache's Midwest correspondent, Mike, was in St. Louis for opening day 2007. Here's what he had to report...

In the middle of the 1983 season, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired two pitchers, Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey, from the New York Mets. These names mean very little, if anything, to most casual baseball fans. However, to many New Yorkers, these names represent the greatest trade in Mets history. In return for the two previously mentioned unknowns, the Mets picked up eleven-time Golden Glove Winner, 1979 National League MVP, five-time All-Star, and future Just For Men spokesman, Keith Hernandez. The most astonishing component to this story is that Cardinals manager, Whitey Herzog, continues to stand by his decision to trade Hernandez, claiming he was a “cancer” to the team.

The Great Hernandez Acquisition of 1983 seems especially relevant today, as I sit in the outfield bleachers of the new Busch Stadium, eagerly awaiting the first pitch of the season. I have no idea what washed up hometown slugger they’ve chosen to do the honor, nor do I really care. All I know is that everybody who’s anybody is here tonight. But to be honest, I’m much more concerned with teenwolfing a $9 Budweiser, and avoiding the barrage of peanuts and colorful language thrown at me.

Nine dollars and a few “F” bombs later, I return to my seat to hear the last announcement I ever thought I would hear--“Ladies and Gentlemen, from the 1982 World Series Cardinals, first baseman Keith Hernandez”.

“You have got to be shitting me,” I think (and probably say out loud). “He’s a Met!”

What’s worse is that he’s sharing the field with none other than Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog, “Whitey” for short. Un-“F”ing-believable. I can’t really blame Keith because I like him (and I’m focused on ridiculing the Cardinals), but I’m shocked to say the least. This team never ceases to aggravate me!

Tonight’s opening pitch is actually opening pitches. Each World Series pitcher from the last three Championship teams is to pitch to the manager of that team. It’s melodramatic to say the least, but it brings us to the only genuinely entertaining part of the pre-game festivities—the National Anthem.

The National Anthem is often overlooked as one of the more entertaining/unpredictable parts of a baseball game…especially when it is a special event such as this. Will it be Aerosmith frontman and Boston native Steven Tyler bebopping and scatting all over Francis Scott Key’s masterpiece? Or perhaps one of those American Idols no one has heard of. Either way, it’s always a treat. St. Louis has a pretty rich musical tradition, so who knows what’s in store. There’s Tina Turner and Chuck Berry, but this crowd has more of a frat party feel to it…so probably not. Sheryl Crow is from rural Missouri…seems reasonable, but no, she’s not coming. Well then, it has to be Scott Spiezio’s modern rocking former band, SandFrog. Nope. Unfortunately, they didn’t make the trip, either.

How about REO Speedwagon? They’re from Champaign...that’s pretty close...I bet they could free up a slot in their busy schedule to make an appearance on Opening Night. I mean, the state fair circuit doesn’t start back up for a few months. Turns out, REO Speedwagon have nothing better to do tonight! They’ll do it for 80 bucks and a free t-shirt!! And so it is...“The Star Spangled Banner” is sung a cappella by one of the most irritating rock groups of the seventies. Count it!

This brings us to the exciting part--the game. I’m not going to reenact it with a play-by-play, as you all know what happened…but I will say that certain moments reminded me of the old days…the triumphant Met teams of a more regal and elegant past. On this night, one player in particular stands out--second baseman Jose Valentin.

Jose should serve as an example to the rest of the team. He’s solid at the plate, impressive in the field, and currently sporting the only mustache in the starting lineup. We’ve seen what the mustache has done for him. It has elevated a role player to a solid starter in the most potent lineup in the league. The class his mustache brings to the clubhouse is easily good for 6 to 7 runs per week.

My opening day experience has shown me that there is a lot to look forward to this season. The team is strong, Glavine has something left in the tank, and REO Speedwagon are still a force to be reckoned with. But more that anything today, the presence of Keith Hernandez has made it startlingly clear—we are in dire need of mustache reinforcements. Valentin is our only link to this important part of our team's heritage. Who will step up next? Wright? Reyes? Come on Beltran, I know you’ve still got it in you!

Well, here’s to a great 2007 season, and to recapturing some of that '86 championship magic.

Manifesto

2007-04-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

UPDATE 2009:
This blog was originally about Willie Randolph's facial hair policy and the hope that it would inspire some Mets to grow mustaches. As we all know, that never really happened. We took some time off to mourn the passing of a great opportunity and decided to come back for the 2009 season with a new outlook. Mandatory Mustache is resigned to the fact that few, if any, current Mets will ever grow mustaches. So we'll chronicle the Mets mustaches of seasons past, and just about any other weird things that happen with this great club, mustache-related or not. The Mets have always been a strange team both on and (especially) off the field. Mandatory Mustache is here to celebrate this weirdness.

ORIGINAL MANIFESTO:
When Willie Randolph took over the New York Mets ahead of the 2005 season, he instituted a number of new clubhouse rules, the most notable of which was his “no facial hair” policy…well, almost no facial hair. Randolph-style mustaches were to be allowed. Despite having “Yankees” written all over it, we here at Mandatory Mustache thought this policy was a great move. You know, shake things up, bring a little class back into the game, get rid of the goatees and soul patches…If there’s one thing the game doesn’t need, it’s more Houston Astros.

So it was with utter disappointment that we watched this brilliant managerial maneuver fall apart over the course of the 2006 season. Our Mets sat atop the NL East, but players like Paul Lo Duca were strutting around the bases with beards. While looking ahead to the 2007 season, we saw this as the most pressing issue facing the team. Yes, more pressing than the starting rotation. A strict facial hair policy could be the thing that moves the Mets from contender to superclub.

Mandatory Mustache believes that the Randolph facial hair policy should be fully re-instated, and it should do more than allow mustaches…it should require them. The mustache has been closely tied to America’s pastime since the game’s inception, and it's about time it was given its proper respect again. From the baseball pioneers of the late 19th century to the great teams of the 1970s, success has walked hand-in-hand with the mustache. Consider the unrivaled success of George Gore and the 1880 Chicago White Stockings, or the triumph of Oakland’s Mustache Gang in 1972. The link is undeniable.

Do you, dear reader, really believe it was a mere coincidence that the Mets’ mustache-to-player ratio peaked in the second half of 1986? Even Buckner was no match for them. Was José Valentin’s exceptional 2006 season at all surprising? No, not really. Valentin has harnessed the mustache's baseballing prowess.

We’re at a tipping point here, folks. We’ve got a strong team and our first mustachioed manager since Sir Davey Johnson. There’s only one missing element--mandatory mustaches.