And a Phillies Fan Has Already Been Asked to Leave Citi Field

The following fan report comes from one of the first Phillies fans to step foot in Citi Field, the Mets new home. It also comes from the first Phillies fan to get the boot from said stadium. Seems his choice in attire was not appreciated.

Allow me preface this message by telling you how much I appreciate the service that you provide to Delaware Valley sports fans. If it were not for The700Level.com, I would not be aware of half of the goings on with my Philly teams. Thank you…

My name is Reed Frazier. I am a 22-year-old student at St. John’s University in Queens, New York.  I grew up in Deptford, New Jersey and have been a lifelong fan of Philadelphia sports teams through the good and the bad. I am very proud of my Philadelphia teams, no matter their records, and I always will be proud to be one of their fans.

In my dorm room, amongst other Philadelphia attire, I keep a Philadelphia Phillies dugout jacket. Anyone who knows me knows how attached I have become to this jacket. I wear it everyday. In fact, since I last went home, it is the only jacket I have kept in my closet.

During my free time on campus, I work as a camera operator for St. John’s University’s Office of Athletic Communications. It is a good fit for me, as I am a Television and Film Production major, as well as an avid sports fan. It is also a fairly relaxed atmosphere with no mandatory uniform.

I had initially taken the job because I was looking forward to the baseball season and the prospect of being able to attend many of the St. John’s games as part of my duties. [Sunday] was my first opportunity to do so, and before it even started, it became my last.

The first game at the New York Mets new ballpark, Citi Field, was played [Sunday] between St. John’s University and Georgetown University. I, along with the Office of Athletic Communications, was to help in broadcasting the game online via St. John’s University’s sports website.

The weather was less than desirable; mist was coming down which created a cool dampness outside. We had been advised to wear St. John’s University polo shirts, provided for us, to the game as well as rain proof jackets. Because of this, I wore my Phillies jacket to the field.

Upon arriving at the stadium, I was yelled at by a Mets fan to leave. I just smiled. I expected no less and was prepared to hear heckling to some degree. It is every sports fan’s right to jeer people who are invading on his team’s territory.

When I signed in for my press pass, I was asked, “You’re not really going to wear that here, are you?” I just laughed it off. After I reached what was our control room, co-workers advised me not to wear the jacket.  I confirmed that I will be wearing the jacket. One individual, who is a co-announcer, said to me, “You’ll never make it with that attitude.” He then suggested that they should take the jacket and burn it.

I told him, “There’s no way this jacket leaves my back.”

To which he replied, “Then, we’ll just burn it with you in it.”

I chose to ignore the comment.

I began to walk around the ballpark, which is a beautiful structure. I took pictures with my phone with the intent of sending them to The700Level.com to give Phillies “Phans” an idea of what to expect this season and the seasons to come.

I returned to the press area, four levels above home plate, where I began taping down the wires for my camera. Here I encountered a fair few Mets fans that were less than pleased with my attire; one group even suggested that I may be the first Citi Field fatality. However, upon joking with one another, we all realized that there was no malicious intent in any of our “expressions,” be it them with their remarks or me with my Phillies jacket.

I encountered a gentleman named Paul, a lifelong Mets fan and photographer. I invited him up to stand beside me on the camera platform as he was taking panoramic photos of the new ballpark. We joked around a bit and even photographed one another at the field. He was a very pleasant individual who even told other Mets fans not to worry about me, and that I was a good guy.

I was then approached by a fellow student and co-worker who brought a St. John’s University jacket from the head of the department for me to wear. I said, “Thank you, but my jacket works perfectly well for me.” I then began preparing my camera for the game.

Soon thereafter, the team introductions were announced and I thought that the worst was behind me. I was looking forward to working camera in the striking new ballpark.

It was after the ceremonial first pitch (John Franco) and the national anthem that I was approached by another co-worker who insisted that I put on the jacket. He informed me that he is a Mets fan and he understands where I am coming from, but that I have to put on the jacket. I told him that in no way did it affect how I was to do my job, therefore I could not justify doing so. I said, “If I was wearing a Mets jacket, would this even be a problem?” He told me everyone had to wear the jackets. I pointed out that two of my fellow student workers were wearing their own jackets. I even offered to compromise by wearing the St. John’s University jacket beneath my Phillies jacket. He dismissed the idea and left.

I returned my attention to my camera. Moments later, the head of the department rumbled up the platform and stood beside me. I looked to my side.

He said, “You have to take off your jacket.”

 I replied, “In no way does it affect the job I am doing. It is a nonissue.”

He responded by saying, “It is an issue with the Mets. You can either put on the jacket or leave.”

“Then, I’m leaving.”

I walked over to Paul, shook his hand and told him it was a pleasure to meet him. In doing this, the head of the department reaches from behind and yanks my press pass out of my free hand. I exited the platform and began to walk to the doors to leave. The head of the department followed me.

 “Are you really going to do this?”

I replied, “Yes.” Then, I left the building.

I was walking towards the subway, when I overhear a group of Mets fans saying, “You got to have balls to wear that here.” I chuckled and continued up the stairs to the elevated subway.

Needless to say, I was shocked by the treatment that I received today. When comparing my situation to that of the other student workers, I believe that I was singled out due to my allegiances. Had I been wearing a Flyers jacket, I am certain there would have been no issue.

Because I was not informed of the Mets organization’s disapproval of my attire firsthand, I can only speculate if there really was an issue with the Mets, or if it was St. John’s Athletic Department’s last ditch efforts in forcing me to remove my jacket. Every Mets staff member that I spoke with was very pleasant and accommodating. I appreciated their courteousness and lack of judgment.

The fact that I was removed from Citi Field for not removing my jacket is absurd to me. I was working at a NCAA baseball game, not even a Mets game. There should never have been an issue in such a setting. I highly doubt an event similar to this would occur at Citizen’s Bank Park at a Phillies, or a non-Phillies game.

I did not wear the jacket to incite people. By no means am I a confrontational individual. I am proud of my baseball team, just as the Mets fans are of theirs. I would have acted in the same way regardless of my attire. I stood my ground for what I believe in, and did so without anger or hostility.

In a perfect world, I would receive an apology from the Mets organization, as well as St. John’s University and everything broken would be easily fixed. I have always been a loyal worker and student, and anything less is an insult to me and my service. I doubt any such thing will occur. However, if it’s any consolation, I can hold my head high and say my organization is a world champion on the field and off of it.

Phaithfully Philadelphia's Son,

Reed Frazier

Comments

[CMc62480]

God bless you son, you should throw the first pitch out on Saturday's exhibition game.

[CMc62480]

And that "Let's Go Mets" sign above the center field screen has to be one of the dorkiest things I've seen in a baseball stadium.

[theKrisheim]

who has two thumbs and likes to start trouble?

this guy.............

[Erk]

That is some dedication. I applaud you.

[Bud]

That's a damn nice jacket - crybabies.

[Gerry]

and a phillie has just been asked to leave the team!

jenkins...gone.

[ahorrow]

Zo is reporting the phillies have released jenkins and are keeping stairs he also thinks they may make a run at sheffield

[Matt]

Hah, good story. Muck the Fets.

[Jim Mc]

Somebody with the Phillies or Comcast SportsNet, get this guy a job. Now. Well played, young man.

[$CD$]

yo Reed, you're in my prayers, son.

[Mr. Bryan]

Jerks! They can't handle the WFC's.

[Mike]

Citi is a shockingly ugly stadium for the amount of money put in (though it should make sense, because they are the Mets.)

It looks like Arlington and the Nat spawned.

Also: the Ebbets Field edifice is putrid, and makes it look Soldier Field. I get the nostalgia, but Ebbets was an ugly piece of shit.

[Len]

Great read! Wear it proud!

[Albert]

I would write a letter to the dean of your university. Conduct like that is absolutely unacceptable and should easily be grounds for the dismissal of your department head. Mets fans are such cry babies. I can't wait to invade that stadium and piss on it.

[Zeke]

I hereby nominate you for Phreedom Phighter of the Year.

Take no guff from those swine.

You are a patriot and a forward thinker.

You will go very far in life, son.

Continue to fight the good fight.

[will.H]

mets people often try and snub the phillies by citing 'classless' instances. How is this in any way appropriate? If you wore a shirt that was inappropriate, that might be grounds for removal, but a phillies jacket? taking it off because the gang at citi field is sensitive? thats cry baby shit.

you should tell them that Mr. Met is inappropriate because he has a baseball for a head, and everyone knows the mets have nothing to do with baseball.. only tears, diareah and failure.

[dalovin]

You should send this letter to the dean of your school and get that jerk in trouble. Definately at least you will get your job back.

[MSM]

I agree with above post: write a letter to the dean or individual above the dept head.

Plaudits to the majority of the fans and individuals who were cool about this.....poor play by the school and/or Mets of course.

[astcter]

The first game at citi field is cold and rainy? seems apropos. Even more proof that God hates the mets.

WFC.

[J.T.]

Good for you man, if I see you at The Bank I'll buy you a dollar dog and a beer. Maybe if you told them you know the heimlich maneuver they would have let you stay.

[Theawesome1@]

F new york

[chewy]

I appreciate your attitude, but respectfully must disagree. I would wear a freakin pink tutu if thats what my boss required at a job I really liked. When Reed was at the stadium he was an employee, not a fan. If the boss said change your jacket, it was time to change your jacket.

call me a traitor or a p*ssy, but at least I am gainfully employed (and plan on staying that way). providing for myself and my family will always come before fanhood.

[themajor]

I agree buy this man a beer, write a letter or two, and then buy another beer.

[Jason]

Move over The Incredible Hulk, because I have a new hero to admire for the rest of my life. His name is Reed Fraizer.

[Matt]

That was a stupid thing to make an issue of. The only mistake he made was he back talked the head of his department.

[Matt]

That was a stupid thing to make an issue of. The only mistake he made was he back talked the head of his department.

[CMc62480]

@theawesome1

The kid's in college. He wasn't getting paid to be at this game, it's part of the work he wanted to do while at St. John's. Unless there's a document stating a dress code was in place for all students, the kid got wronged and stood up to the fact.

[MasterlockJr.]

thats good sh1t. tough call though, if your boss wants you to do something thats job related I might do it. but WTF, he's still in schoool. plenty of time for that work nonsense.

[Chamomiles Davis]

From Will Leitch's column:

...the kid who knocked the first base hit at [Citi] park is ... a Deadspin reader! Yep, Tom Elliott, Georgetown shortstop, knocked a single in bottom half of the first inning... By the way; Elliott is a Phillies fan.

Citi Field: Where even the Phillies' fans get base hits.

/WFC

[Walklett]

I love that you refused to take off your jacket, but to say that this would not happen at Citizens Bank is a little naive. I could definitely see the reverse of this story happening here.

[Greg]

Sounds like the Mets are angry that a certain rival is the WFC...

[Tie Manna]

"Maybe if you told them you know the Heimlich maneuver they would have let you stay."
-Love it

More proof that the Mets want nothing to do with a WS Championship

[Coyote]

This guy broke the first tenet of sports reporting:

No Cheering In The Press Box.

If he wants to be a professional, then he leaves his allegiances outside.

This was like wearing a Pearl Jam shirt to tour Ticketmaster in 1995. He knew he would cause trouble; he knew it would be controversial; he did it anyway.

He made the choice that rooting for his team was more important than the job he was there to do. He should, therefore, be professional enough to accept the consequences.

Go ask any BBWAA member if what you did was wrong. If one of them says it was okay, I'll change my mind and apologize publicly.

I doubt it.

[Coyote]

This guy broke the first tenet of sports reporting:

No Cheering In The Press Box.

If he wants to be a professional, then he leaves his allegiances outside.

This was like wearing a Pearl Jam shirt to tour Ticketmaster in 1995. He knew he would cause trouble; he knew it would be controversial; he did it anyway.

He made the choice that rooting for his team was more important than the job he was there to do. He should, therefore, be professional enough to accept the consequences.

Go ask any BBWAA member if what you did was wrong. If one of them says it was okay, I'll change my mind and apologize publicly.

I doubt it.

[The Sports Hernia]

"Allow me preface this message by telling you how much I appreciate the service that you provide to Delaware Valley sports fans. If it were not for The700Level.com, I would not be aware of half of the goings on with my Philly teams. Thank you…"

-1,000 for kissing major ass.

[ATC]

tee hee looks like the Phillies will be playing nudie!

[Chamomiles Davis]

Coyote,

Reed was not there as a journalist covering the game. He was there to operate a camera. Furthermore, it wasn't even a Phillies-Mets game.

Seeing as how he was working a St. John's-Georgetown game, the Phillies jacket shouldn't have made one bit of difference. If Reed had been a Hoya fan and shown up wearing a Georgetown jacket, I don't think anyone for St. John's would have objected, much less noticed.

This is simply a bunch of bitter New York fans and front office types acting petty.

[sponge-worthy]

that sucks, but its only a jacket.

[Chuck]

I commend you on the way you handled yourself and definitely support what you did. Job or no job, the way they treated and judged you is tantamount to judging you based on ethnicity. I've seen a lot of opposing teams' fans at Eagles games. They all get harassed to a point, but the ones that act like you did are never asked to leave and are respected as loyal fans.
Your Mets fan coworkers and Mets fan department head should all be ashamed of themselves for their actions. Considering it wasn't an MLB event at all, Citi, the Mets and all Mets fans should be embarrassed.

[Benjamin]

Sounds like you have a valid discrimination lawsuit you can threaten the department with.

[Poster Nutbag]

you are a real american hero, my friend.

this is what it means to represent the world fucking champions!

[Ashwin]

http://philistinephan.blogspot.com/2008/07/karma-is-bitch-eh-mets-fans.html

[Felix]

Way to have allegiance to your athletic department buddy! Your friend was right, you aren't going to make it!

You went to work, FOR YOUR COLLEGE, and rejected to wear your own college's jacket over a MLB team.

I hope you do not work another day for St.John's for your ignorance and defiance of a school that is employing you.

[philadelphianut]

You are the man. I have that same jacket and wear it all the time.

[Jack]

Coyote, first of all, your a tool for saying that. Secondly, Reed, If i ever see you round of beers on me my friend. The first time I saw that stadium I gave it the finger, u did the same, but with more class than i am capable of. Good luck man, hope St. John's gives you your job back.

[Paul]

@Felix
St. John's has nothing to do with the Mets' organization, nor does it have anything to do with the Phillies. As for the gentleman having no allegiance to his University, he was following the protocol set out before the game, which said he must wear the St. Johns' polo shirt, but could choose to wear any jacket over that he wished. Other employees were not approached and asked to wear a St. Johns' jacket even though they were wearing a jacket which covered up their affiliation with the university. Therefore, Reed was correct in protesting taking off his Phillies' jacket because the supposed policies were not being uniformly applied.

[CrabApple]

That is great, but as an American you have to learn that part of being an American worker is the tradition of getting shi##ed on everyday of your life and taking a stand will not solve this problem. Unless you start your own camera pointing and filming company. Seriously though if you dont suck it up, you will be wearing a rain coat while filming porno.

[will.H]

felix from his story, wearing the college attire was not required. The specific phillies jacket is what got the head of the dept. all twisted and whiney. He then tried to mask his jealousy and call it 'policy.' Even though its one side of the story, other students did not wear the st. johns jacket like Reed was asked to do. You might call it ignorance and defiance, but that type of loyalty will get Reed more work than he'll lose. If only people stood up for things they believed in and other people supported it would we be a less sensitive generation. We're a bunch of wimps, and from Reeds account.. we dont necissarily have to sell out to our job just to adhere to sloppy rules imposed by our superiors. Most of us would have tucked our tail and said yes sir. Reed extended his mental middle finger and said 'you cant be fair so i wont extend you the courtesy.' Employers often try and bully their employees and this time it backfired. Authority doesnt bread dissent, the misuse of it does.

[fusion]

I was wearing a phillies shirt while shopping for furniture and the guy told me he would give me half off a chair I was looking at if I put on a Mets shirt. You know what I told him,

"Go get the shirt."

[fusion]

oh, but i do think it is complete crap that he had to leave because of it.

[met fan]

"The fact that I was removed from Citi Field for not removing my jacket is absurd to me. "

1) At the end of the day, he wasn't removed, he made a decision and left the stadium. Security didn't come and escort him out of Citi Field.

2) If he was there working for the SJU Ath Dept (which he said he was), you shouldn't be wearing any non SJU clothing (and yes, I'd feel that way it he was wearing a Mets jacket). Its like cheering in the press booth - it's immature and not professional.

[met fan]

"any non SJU clothing" - I meant to say any non-SJU team gear.

[Jared]

He didnt Have to leave. He chose to leave. They gave him a fairly reasonable option that would have left him equally as comfortable, warm, and safe. It may not be written, but most athletic departments, when youre working for them in any official manner, would want you representing them, so wearing a department supplied jacket is not all unheard of. I work for a Division 1 institution in operations and all of our event staff (typically student-athletes who have their own team attire) are asked/expected to wear event staff jackets that are all the same. This is to ensure that the people in restricted areas are supposed to be there and for a professional look.

If he hadn't have left,i would pretty much guarantee he wouldnt have been asked to participate in another broadcast ever again due to his attitude about such a ridiculous thing.

[chris]

You got balls kid.
You deserved to be pummeled.
Too bad you didn't open your mouth.
Too bad your boy didn't really burn the jacket - with --- in it.
None of us would waste our time with you in our new park.
Show some balls and show up on the subway like that - you wouldn't make it back to St. John's alive.

Grow up - you had balls but no brains - if I only saw your douchebag-looking face.

[it's too late]

Don't worry about the Mets:Obama will doom them.

The Mets record for the first year of a newly elected Democratic administration:

1965- LBJ -50-112
1977-CARTER-64=98
1993-CLINTON59-103

[Chamomiles Davis]

itl,

I think you're only telling half the story...

1981 (Reagan): 41-62
2001 (G.W. Bush): 82-80

Although they did win the World Series in '69, Nixon's inaugural year. Then again Nixon was evil, so it seems appropriate.

[Jay]

More proof of the pussification of America's youth. "Waaaah. I want to wear my Phillies jacket to work. Discrimination! Waaah!"

You wear what your employer wants you to wear or you take a hike. Have fun complaining in the parking lot. You're now a blog hero...with no job.

Would it have killed you to wear a St. John's jacket? Your team was playing. It was actually a pretty important game.

[David Wright]

hahaha!!!! later buddy! don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

[Jimmy Fallon]

This guy is a tool. ANY member of the press is expected to NOT root or show favoritism to ANY team. You cheer in the press box and you get booted. You wear colors and you get booted. Its the same everwhere.

[Jackson]

Ignorant little school boy. If you job asks you to wear something, then wear it. Stop hiding behind your neive 'gotta support the team" mentality.

[Pat D]

As a reporter for many years, I have to agree with the minority on this one. You cannot be a fan while on the job, despite the fact that you may be able to write the most fair and balanced game story ever. It's just unprofessional in the sports world.
I'm a die-hard PSU fan and alum, and worked for the school media and then a local (not school-owned) newspaper. Not once was I ever allowed to wear a PSU hat on a sunny day or pull out a PSU umbrella on a rainy one. It shows bias and is simply not allowed.
Ask any of the Phils beat writers who are fans of the team if they ever wear their jackets or jerseys to the game. Not a chance.
I applaud you sticking to your guns, but you've got to do what your editors (or department heads) tell you when you're out there on their dime.

[SteveS]

Well played sir, "stand tall or don't stand at all"

[JC]

what a clown. I can't believe people are supporting him

[JC]

what a clown. I can't believe people are supporting him

[Jeff Wilpon's Ego]

Harumph!

To all you dirty Phillies fans who don't "get" the concept of a "dress code," please know that if your attire isn't suitable for an Upper East Side cocktail party, then you aren't welcome in my new playhouse. Daddy didn't spend his money to build a stomping ground for a bunch of ne'er-do-wells from South Jersey!

Good Day,

Jeff Wilpon's Ego

[michael]

you were there representing the school. not the phillies. i find it hard to believe you were so SHOCKED they wanted you to take it off. what kind of education are they handing out at st johns anyway? i think they should look into their admission standards! would it be so hard to put the school jacket on? philly needs a crash course in CLASS and appropriate business behavior.

then again, the world needs ditch diggers.

[Jim]

Looks like you just got your first lesson in professionalism.

[Mitch]

I 110% agree and applaud you for walking out. That is what being a Philadelphia Sport fan is all about. 1000000% Loyalty! Nothing less. You are the man, Reed!

I think a bunch of us should head up to Citi for a game this season being as annoying as possible wearing nothing but Phillies red! We should try to get kicked out . . .

I'm sorry we are W F C! haha

[Fran]

way to stand proud. FUCK THE METS

[joe]

Listen man, you seem like a good kid who loves the Phillies, and there is nothing wrong with that. But you certainly could use a lesson in professionalism. I'll chalk it up to the fact you are still in college and the fact your team is the "WFC" (real classy Utley) and you are still excited about it. But it's the oldest rule in sports media - "no cheering in the press box."

Did you see anyone else with a Phillies jacket on that was working that day? I bet you didn't. Yes, I know it is just an exhibition and it didnt even involve the Mets, but it's just not how you do things at a professional level. Plain and simple. Next time you are at your ballpark in Philly or wherever, take a look around. No one working in the press box or working a camera will have a team jersey or jacket on.

As for the others who posted messages saying that this will help you in the future, I guarentee it will not. The last thing any media outlet will want is some sort of kid who thinks he's better than the rules.

You are certainly not owed an apology of any sort. Just take it as a lesson learned. If you want to be taken seriously as a professional you just dont do it.

[Kevin]

Hmm, at first I thought it was ridiculous for anyone to criticize your attire. But the fact that you were given a press pass makes me think that maybe they do have a right to require certain dress. For example, Gary Cohen shouldn't be allowed to wear a Phillies jersey (not that he would of course) as a representative of the Mets.

I realize they were enforcing this selectively though (other workers wore their own jackets). I tend to think that you were wronged here though.

[Phillyfan412]

Great story! Sounds like typical New York to me. I live in northern NJ and the sensitivity of the Metsies is truly hysterical! This is even more proof that the WFC are deep under their skin. Good for you. As long as there's no required dress code, you did nothing wrong. The fact that your department and/or the Mets made a big deal out of a jacket is unbelievable. Good job, and go Phils!

[Joey]

No offense but when a team issues you a press pass you shouldn't wear a rivals gear. I work for mlb.com and when I go to CBP I don't wear Mets clothes because I'm told not too. You should have just taken your jacket off, it just makes you seem immature.

[Mike H.]

Meh.

[SJ Mike]

It was an event that didn't involve the Mets, Phillies, or Major League Baseball in general. It was a NCAA college game renting the ballpark.

When I did sports casting for my college radio station, I wore my Eagles jacket.

There was no press bias to either of teams competing on that particular day. So all the Mets fans coming here and complaining are using cop out arguments. I guarantee none of you would have taken issue (nor the Mets brass for that matter) had he been wearing a Mets jacket or, say, a San Fran Giants or team that wasn't a direct rival.

[will.H]

the overall bias by the mets fans sounds more like a wimper. you guys are weak. professionalism? Two college teams playing at park that has nothign to do with the phillies and it shows bias? the press box? Its new york being sensitive and giving into their inner loser. your opinions collapse just like your beloved team. theres nothing professional about the matter, you heard the story.. like Kevin said they were selectivly enforcing a bogus rule. Its so cliche these days to call someone 'classless,' when in reality you cant think of anything interesting to say. You can critisize Reed all you want, he went against the grain and it makes new yorkers uncomfortable. It was a jacket, not a shirt that tells the truth "Everyone laughs at the new york mets."

[hitnrun]

This isn't just unfair, it's retarded. Hostility is good for the Mets and Phillies. You don't see either team selling out their games against the Washington Nationals.

[Brandon]

Dude, that's pathetic. St. John's should issue an apology and give this kid a scholarship. Completely ridiculous. I'm shocked that a university would do that. That's just unbelievable. Way to go, Reed. That showed a lot of character with your letter and the way you handled yourself.

Thanks for the post 700level. You guys need to get that up to NBC or ABC so they can put some pressure on St. John's.

[cm17]

you should have been fired for being insubordinate. you were there to work, not show your allegiance to the phillies. inexcuseable.

[bigmyc]

I can hear Harry's baseball timbered voice now..."Reed Frazier, you Arrrrre the Man!"

Nice goin. Way to fight the good fight. I agree that would not have occurred in the Bank for a Mets fan. Those Mets are so twisted up, it's laughable. The longer it stays that way, the better.

Rock on, bro.

[bigmyc]

Coyote,

It was just a freak'n jacket...albeit a handsome and winsome one...but a jacket no less.

And, oh....STFU.

[bigmyc]

Felix,

Suck a coupla of nuts for that super uptight comment. Grow a set like Reed has obviously done. It was a jacket. Just a jacket. F the Mets. F St. Johns' U. F the stink'n new Citi Park and most of all, FU.

[Joey]

Sorry but if you can't understand why this guy was asked to leave then you're an idiot. When's the last time you saw a Mets beat writer in CBP wearing a Mets jacket? Not too mention the Mets didn't even ask this guy to leave someone from St Johns did.

[bigmyc]

Walkett,

Nahhhh. You are probably wrong about that.

See, the Mets are the ones with the bug up their ass...not the Fightin's. The Mets and any of their merchandise are harmless.

[bigmyc]

Bottom line here, chief, the Mets are a joke, their fans are low brow jokes, the administration of Citi Park is a freak'n joke, and you are exhibit A of what sewer scum has to say on matters pertaining to a baseball jacket...

Wise the fuck up. It's a jacket and this is America. Of course, in New York these days, it's all about being just another chok'n ass, low brow, uptight Nancy loser.

I think that spells it out.

[Insider]

First I'd like to mention that I am neither a Mets or Phillies fan. However I do work for a professional sports team. The most accurate thing said to you during your adventure flaunting your Philly fandom was "You're never going to make it with that attitude." It's one thing to attend a Mets, or St. John's, game as a fan and display your pride for whatever team you choose. It's another situation all together when you are attending an event as a member of the staff. By wearing the jacket you where causing a disturbance and a distraction to those around you who where trying to get their jobs done. Learn a lesson from this, you lost a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field you hope to make your career over a jacket. Just be glad you didn't loose a paycheck too.

[bigmyc]

The freak'n comedy here is that it wasn't even a MLB game.

Mets anything = pathetic

[Mike]

I too was at the first game at citi field. Naturally as a Phillies fan i opted not to have a confrontation and just wore non descript clothing due to the fact it was a college baseball game and there was no reason to gain attention. The stadium itself is nice, concourses are smaller than CBP and the food is awful. But i cannot believe they made him leave due to his jacket. These mets douches are quite uber sensitive. Mets fans as a whole are quite irrational beings, once again considering themselves the team to beat even though they have choked 2 years straight. Fuck the Mets, Fuck Citi Field, it isn't that cool, trust me.

[Serena]

It's such a shame because the actual BASEBALL FANS there seemed to respect your team allegiance and appreciate your loyalty. I think this is a god example of how NOT to act or think around fans of ANY other team. Sure, I frown at Yankees and Mets fans, but I can appreciate and respect their devotion. In fact, if they were to trade in their NY jacket to "fit in" somewhere else, THEN I would lose all respect for them. You have to root for your team - it's understandable. But rooting for your team doesn't always mean bashing the other one.

[bigmyc]

With all due respect, Insider, your attitude about this situation is just another example of how we "enable" unacceptable behavior and preference in this country. I mean, it's just a jacket. Nothing more, nothing less. I would say that EVERYBODY but that kid has to grow the hell up. "..causing a distraction to everyone around.." ..please?! Are you kidd'n me? If anyone is distracted by a jacket without obscenities on it they should be sent packing in the first place. Just do your stinkin' job and keep your nose out of anyone else's business..especially that of a guy wearing a Phillies jacket.

Sheesh.

[bigmyc]

Plus, it was a one shot momment...I'm sure the novelty will wear off after his shining momment. The kid wasn't wrong but I'm sure he'll do it a little differently next time.

You people act as though he is trying desperately to make it in that business...maybe he just said to himself, "if these are the kinds of assholes I'm gonna be working with, who needs RTF?"

Ever think about that?

[JP]

As an SID, I believe your behavior was not acceptable.

It has nothing to do with what fan base you are representing, but what the best interest of your employer is.

CitiField and the Mets did St. John's a favor by letting them play at that venue. So you're co-hosting the event; and its in your best interest for SJU employees to not piss the Mets off, so the team might be welcome back again.

It's not a case of the Mets brass being fun nazis. If you worked at MSG for a college game and wore an Islanders jacket, you'd probably be asked to remove it.

Likewise, any Mets staff member probably wouldn't be able to wear a Georgetown jacket or hat to that game without being reprimanded, either. (I've not only seen a similar scenario happen; but I've ordered our rival's gear off an employee of the pro venue we were playing at).

Your refusal to swap jackets definitely shows who was in the right here. You were offered the opportunity to rectify the situation and refused (and if you had the chance to score a free Red Storm jacket, you're also extremely stupid).

You really should be grateful if your boss in Athletics Communications let you keep your job. My student workers would not be so lucky. Then again, they know enough not to pull that crap.

[Mets Fan]

I dont buy the "im innocent" card here. You're a jackass for wearing that to a game at the Mets field and you did it just to make people angry, dont come back

[bigmyc]

JP, if you actually do what you say you do, then I would say that you are indeed in league with the anti-fun Nazis. If you or others could be so easily stirred by an article of clothing then I can do nothing but shake my head at the notion.

I'm sure the St. John's jacket was a temporary loaner. Why does this have to be such a laughably big deal? I'll tell you why; because you and your lame uptight cohorts need the drama in your boring and bonded lives.

[Brian]

You sound like a stubborn prick. Ever heard of political correctness? Grow a sack man.

[Paul]

I commented earlier and I think the sticking point for me is that he was asked to change his jacket and no one else. I do agree that the way he acted was unacceptable professionally in some ways, but really it is a college job in which I'm assuming he got paid nothing or little to nothing. I might have acted in the same way. You cannot compare this working in the real world. Also, the people who are criticizing them need to stop acting like Sports Journalism is some hallowed grounds of non bias. It isn't and you sound like a prick when you pretend as thought it is, and perpetuate the myth that it should be unacceptable. That is one of the biggest reasons that newspapers are dying off, because writers come off like blowhards who are above the peon fan bases.

[KLP]

Jesus Christ man, how old are you? You're "attached" to your Phillies jacket? Did you bring your Phillies blankie with you, too?

Time to grow up. It's rough out there, especially in New York. If your boss asks you to dress a certain way, you do it. End of story. Did someone actually say this is "discrimination"?

[Andersen]

You are and idiot who has now jeopardized his career.

I have worked press in many sporting events and wearing any team's attire comes off as unprofessional. In fact, often times the actual press pass will tell you that you can not where any team's attire.

Considering the organization hosting this event told you to change and you refused only shows what lack of commitment you have for any job.

The issue wasn't that you wore your phillies jacket in the stadium, its that you were flagrantly wearing it in the press area.

Also very likely is that you probably were walking around in the general area with a press pass exposed telling everyone who would listen your story.

[6th Borough]

zzzzzz christ almighty you guys are obsessed with the mets

[T. H.]

Didn't sound like you were "removed." Anyway, good for you.