Recent Fan Memories from the Ultimate Mets Database

Memories of Mets Players

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:52:33 MST

Ed Bressoud
Witz, March 3, 2010
The best thing about this web site (and there are so many things) is when friends and family members of former Mets weigh in with their own memories, much like the one above of Ed!

Paul Gibson
Witz, March 3, 2010
My memory of Paul Gibson comes from his tenure with the Yankees. He came over near my seats before a game and started talking to some people next to me that he obviously was very close to. Some kids pushed down and started thrusting paper in his face begging for autographs. He turned to them and calmly said, "Not now son, I'm talking to my family." I don't know why I have always remembered that, but it seemed like an honest, simple (effective) response to some annoying kids. A few minutes later, he happily signed the autographs.

Not a great pitcher with the Mets, but seemed like a nice guy, who got to play with both of his hometown teams.

Dwight Gooden
Henry (metsjets) Indictor, March 3, 2010
Even though he took drugs, he is another one of my favorite Mets of all time, because before he took drugs he was an excellent strikeout pitcher. People often forget he threw a no-no with the Yankees. It's about time that Doc and the straw are in the Mets Hall of Fame.

Eric Hillman
Ed Schultz, March 3, 2010
Wow!! I met Eric while he was back in Chicago with his wife. His high school retired his jersey. The previous posts were right on: Hands down the funniest guy I have ever met! Fast and witty. He had the whole group rolling with laughter. I almost choked on my drink. We talked a little bit about baseball and he was truly humbled to play a game that he had played his whole life. I was talking about him being a professional athlete. He said, "I wasn't an athlete but I played with a bunch." He had great success in Japan but he downplayed his whole career. Baseball, and sports in general, could use more guys like him. Thanks Eric.

John Milner
Vernon jones, March 3, 2010
I grew up with John Milner. He was my brother's age, five years older than me. I graduated from Russell High in 1973 with his sister Sharon. He had a younger brother we called Funk. Very funny and always telling jokes. His mother and sister still reside here in East Point. John was an East Point HERO. Always buying Christmas toys, giving money and paying bills for people in need. That was a great burden to John. He was a good man. Loved people. A blessing to know him and be in his company. We will always miss and love John Milner. It's really sad. He was just an everyday guy like you and me.

Gene Woodling
Larry Foss, March 3, 2010
I was sitting in the dugout at the Polo Grounds in 1962, Woodling at bat and some hard thrower threw three in a row past Gene. When he returned to the dugout, Ashburn asked him if the pitcher was throwing hard. Ashburn was such a student of hitting, he honestly wanted to know. Woodling, thinking Ashburn was pimping him, went after him and a brief scuffle ensued. When we lost that many games, we all were a bit edgy. What a fun and frustrating year.

Kevin Elster
Photolita, February 25, 2010
I just have to say, I love how this dialog is still going after all these years! Someone has to get Kevin to drop by one day and leave a comment! I'm getting a new Mets jersey made up with #21 "Elster" on it. I have to because every other time I buy a player jersey they either go down for the season or get traded. I can't jinx anyone else's career so this is my only option. So if you see an Elster jersey at CitiField, you'll know it's me!

Memories of Non-Playing Mets Personnel

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:52:33 MST

M. Donald Grant
Mook, March 3, 2010
M. Donald might be an example of what happens when you stay around too long. The game changed on him and Don still thought it was 1957. Imagine if M. Donald had retired after the 1973 season (or even anytime before 1977). He would have been remembered as the architect of the Miracle Mets, two World Series teams, the man who almost brought Willie Davis and Hank Aaron to NY in 1965 (an interesting but forgotten story) and one of two board members who voted to keep Willie Mays and the Giants in NY. (He would also be fondly remembered as the man who brought the aging Willie back). The other stuff with the Jets, Whitey Herzog , Nolan Ryan, Amos Otis would have been forgivable errors. M. Donald might have even been on the fast track to the HOF.Instead, he stuck around, refused to change with the game, watched the Yankees totally outclass him in the 70's, drove Seaver out of town and oversaw the collapse of the Amazin' Mets and ushered in the second Met Dark Ages (1977-1983). Steinbrenner would have Reggie Jackson, M. Donald would have Roy Lee Jackson. Steinbrenner would sign Don Baylor, the Mets would counter with Bob Bailor...

Jane Jarvis
Mook, March 3, 2010
Does anyone know the name of that ditty Jane played just as the Mets would take the field? My friends and I used to call it "The Mets take the Field Song."

Memories of Mets Minor Leaguers

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:52:33 MST

Jimmie Johnson
Carlton Young, February 26, 2010
Jimmie is my best friend and has been for several years. There is nothing Jimmie and I can't talk to each other about. We both played a lot of ball and a lot of softball (drank a lot of the old BUDWEISER). We both set around often and talk about old times and the fun we had playing America's sport. His son worked for me several years and we also played a lot of softball together.

Jimmie is the type of guy that everyone wants as their friend. He still loves the sport and for a long time gave back to the community by coaching a baseball team in his home town.

In 1997 Jimmie was told that he has congestive heart failure. Even though it has slowed him down a little he has never given up and I have a great deal of respect for him.

I have been trying to locate a photograph of him during his early years of when he was with the Mets organization. And if there is anyone out there that has one I would appreciate it if you could let me know. Also if you remember old Jimmie I know he would be happy to hear from you. ThanksCarlton Young

Memories of Mets Games

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:52:33 MST

May 2, 2008 at Bank One Ballpark
Henry (metsjets) Indictor, February 25, 2010
Too bad Jose Reyes just missed out on the cycle. That would've been cool because he is so fast.

August 6, 2002 at Miller Park
Tony Arndt, February 25, 2010
I caught Piazza's homer. It tied Johnny Bench and I traded it to Mike for an autographed bat. Shoulda held out for more.