Fans Raising Money to Convince Wilpons to Sell Mets

In what undoubtedly is a move inspired by the #FireJohnIdzik movement with the New York Jets, Mets’ fans have started a campaign to try to convince the Wilpons to “Free the Fans” and sell the team.

The movement began on Dec. 12, when the @MetsBillboard Twitter account was created.

Step one complete, 2 billboards from Lamar on Roosevelt Ave are on hold for Opening Day 03/03/2015. Just need to raise 5k

— #FreeMetsFans (@MetsBillboard) December 12, 2014

Next, a KickStarter page was created to raise some money. As of Dec. 26, two weeks after the movement began, $1,700, or 34 percent of the organizer’s goal has already been raised.

Gary Palumbo is an avid Mets’ fan who’s just had enough of the current regime. He’s a longtime reader of both Mets Merized Online and Amazin’ Avenue.

“I love the Mets and believe the owners are not responsible stewards of the team,” Palumbo says on the KickStarter page. “Their poor decisions have placed the team into a position where they no longer invest in a manner of placing the team in contention for the playoffs. They manage the team simply to keep it as a family heirloom.”

Two donors have pledged at least $100 apiece thus far. Local businesses have even donated gifts for give aways so people are encouraged to donate.

They even got a shout-out from WFAN, the former radio home of the Mets.

From the KickStarter Page:

Two billboards on Roosevelt avenue are currently placed on hold to see if we can raise the funds over the next 30 days. The launch date for them is tentatively scheduled for 03/30/2015 (MLB opening day) and would remain in place for four weeks. Once funding is raised, I would like all of the contributors to recommend a message and we can vote on the best ones along with voting of how the design will look.

The money needed is $5000. Renting the two billboards will cost $4000 for 4 weeks. There is a $450 charge to print and install the images onto the boards. The rest of the money will go to cover the Kickstarter commission and production of thank you gifts to the contributors.

The main goal for my project is for us to come together with a collective voice and be able to represent our frustration. It’s also about having fun and not being hateful. It’s just a game, BUT I really want the Mets to be better at it with long term continued success.

For more information on the movement, click here.