For as long as I can remember, the radio has been a pivotal part of the Mets’ experience.
Pre-SNY, my father and I used to rush from Shea Stadium to wherever the car was parked (usually outside of the parking lot) so we could catch the Happy Recap, complete with highlights of the game’s biggest plays.
We were lucky enough to have two of the best in the business: Gary Cohen and Howie Rose. No disrespect to Howie, we always wanted it to be Gary who called the big homer, because his calls sent a chill down our spines.
I understand that this was AM radio we were enjoying, but as the years past, Cohen left WFAN to be the lead man on SNY for television. Howie stayed with radio, but his partners have varied from Wayne Hagin to Tom McCarthy to the punmaster Josh Lewin.
The Mets had everything working prior to last season. They had the best TV trio with Gary, Keith and Ron, and Rose and Lewin manned the radio booth. They were broadcast on 101.9 FM and the sound could not be clearer.
But then the Yankees happened. I am not sure if it had anything to do with WFAN wanting to tie the Yankees to their “Mike’s On” program with Mike Francesa, but the Mets were kicked to the curb in favor of their crosstown rivals.
Ed Coleman, who spent so many years as there- and post-game show host, stayed with WFAN as Mets beat reporter, while the Mets found themselves homeless. A marriage between the Mets and ESPN Radio seemed to make sense due to the Yankees’ leaving, but instead, the Mets ended up with WOR.
What?
I couldn’t be more dissatisfied with the disservice that’s being provided to the common fan. Where I work, in Farmingville, NY, the sound is tough to hear. Not only is it not clear, but sometimes you have no clue what is happening.
In a major market like New York, or anywhere else for that matter, this kind of product is unacceptable, and the Mets and the Wilpons should strive for more. Why not pick up the phone and call ESPN Radio? Why not pick up the phone and call Z100?
There are options, but one thing I know is that I can’t be the only person upset with the status quo. Here lies the petition. The more voices we have, the louder the message. Now, I am not going to put up a sign on Roosevelt Avenue, but I figure if we get a few thousand signatures, our message will be received.
With that in mind, click here to add your name to the cause.
I would love to come up with a feasible solution that could work for all parties. What do you think the Mets should do? Are you satisfied with the current radio situation? Let us know in the comments below.
