Jose Reyes will lead the Mets — without Ike Davis and David Wright — against the Yankees this weekend in the Bronx, but fans can catch all the action in Madison Square Park as well (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Madison Square Park
May 20-22, free
www.madisonsquarepark.org
www.delta.com
We miss the Mayor’s Trophy Game, the annual battle between the Mets and the Yankees that used to be held during the season but was only an exhibition match. Purists that we are, we refuse to financially support the way-overhyped Subway Series that this weekend brings the Queens-based Metropolitans, struggling to get out of last place, to the Bronx, where the Bombers are trying to fight their way into the division lead. In celebration of this overrated event, Delta Air Lines is setting up the Delta Dugout in somewhat neutral Manhattan, hosting a bevy of special programming in Madison Square Park, including a baseball memorabilia silent auction that will benefit Harlem RBI. Each day will feature a Gaming Village and the Delta Sky360 Lounge, with children’s activities, trivia contests, a photo booth, batting cages, a fast-pitch challenge, and other baseball- and airline-related things to do and see, after which Mets and Yankees fans can join together to watch the games. On Saturday at 12 noon, Joba Chamberlain will give a pitching clinic, while Josh Thole will lead a home-run derby contest; the very scary Mr. Met will pose for pictures at 3:00, followed at 5:15 by a concert by former Yankees outfielder and current jazz sensation Bernie Williams. On Sunday, the third annual Fan Flair Challenge will take place, with lots of giveaways for most spirited and best costumed fans. Even if you’re not much of a baseball person, Madison Square Park is a great place to spend an afternoon; don’t miss Jaume Plensa’s spectacular “Echo” sculpture on the lawn, and avoid the ridiculously long lines at Shake Shack and instead pick up something to eat at the cool booths at the intersection of Fifth Ave. & Broadway. Oh, and also, “Let’s go, Mets!”