The Mets are looking for David Wright to get back in the swing of things this season (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Citi Field
123-01 Roosevelt Ave. at 126th St.
Monday, March 5, 10:00 am
718-507-TIXX
www.newyorkmetscom
Fifty years ago, Casey Stengel’s Mets were not quite so amazin’, famously going 40-120 in their inaugural season, still a record of futility for America’s pastime. They’re currently in the doldrums again, finishing 70-92, 79-83, and 77-85 the last three years, a lot closer to last place than to first each season. Mired in a financial crisis, they let their best player go to a division rival and brought in the fences at Citi Field, hoping to increase the power numbers of such players as David Wright, Ike Davis, and Jason Bay. But much of the 2012 season will depend on the ability of lefty ace Johan Santana to pitch at the high level he’s accustomed to — as well as his ability to take the mound at all. And even with ten of the thirty Major League teams now making the playoffs, it’s still highly unlikely that the Amazin’s will be playing past the October 3 finale against the Marlins. Single-game tickets for the Mets’ hopefully celebratory fiftieth anniversary season go on sale this morning, but don’t expect the servers to crash like Kraftwerk playing MoMA. Among this year’s giveaways and promotions are texting gloves on April 7, a Tom Seaver bobblehead on April 22, a Rusty Staub bobblehead on May 26, the return of Banner Day on May 27, a Keith Hernandez bobblehead on June 17, fireworks on July 3, a Mr. Met poster on July 8, Merengue Night on August 24, and a Mike Piazza bobblehead on August 25. In addition, the Friday-night concert series includes postgame shows by REO Speedwagon on June 15, Cheap Trick on July 20, and MercyMe on August 10