The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ- With the 30th Anniversary of the 1986 World Series Championship this year, the Somerset Patriots are proud to announce that New York Mets icon Mookie Wilson will be the team’s special guest for Amazin’ Mets Night on Friday, July 29th at TD Bank Ballpark. The Somerset Patriots take on the Bridgeport Bluefish at 7:05 pm.
Wilson will be on-hand to sign autographs from the start of the game through the seventh inning.
The Somerset Patriots are also offering an exclusive Meet & Greet Diamond Club package for $86 that will allow fans to spend a little more time with Wilson, take a picture, and receive one autograph item in addition to one brought in by participants of the experience. The Meet & Greet will take place in the Diamond Club on the suite level from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm before Wilson will be brought down on the field to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. The Diamond Club event includes food and beverages and a ticket to enjoy the game from this exclusive location. To purchase on-line, choose ticket type: Mookie Wilson Meet & Greet.
Wilson had a 12-year Major League Baseball career, but will always be remembered as the Met that hit the ground ball that rolled between the legs of Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mookie to our ballpark, especially during the 30th Anniversary of the Mets incredible championship run in 1986. I don’t think there are many names that you can associate with a sports moment in time that brings such joy and excitement to a particular fan base more than Mookie’s,” said Somerset Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry.
The New York Mets Hall of Famer (1996) was a fan-favorite even before the play made him a legend. Wilson was a switch-hitting outfielder with excellent speed that complimented his hustle and positive attitude on and off the field.
He was the Mets second round draft pick in 1977, made the majors in September of 1980 and quickly became a popular fixture for a team that needed a star at the time.
During the 1986 World Championship season, Wilson hit .289 with 110 hits, 17 doubles, five triples, nine home runs, 45 RBI and 25 stolen bases.
Wilson played in New York through the 1989 season before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.
For his career, Wilson hit .274 with 1,397 hits, 227 doubles, 71 triples, 67 home runs, 438 RBI and 327 stolen bases. He was in the top ten in the National League in stolen bases each year from 1981 through 1984. In 1983, he led the National League in at bats with 638. He also was among the National League leaders in runs scored, hits, doubles and triples during the early 1980’s.
Following his playing days, Wilson joined the Mets staff as the team’s first base coach from 1996 to 2002 and again in 2011. He managed the Kingsport Mets (Rookie) in 2003 and 2004 and the Brooklyn Cyclones (Single-A) in 2005.
Wilson will sign one item per fan during the game. A ticket to the game does not guarantee a signature from Wilson so fans are encouraged to arrive early to the event. In order to accommodate as many fans as possible, Wilson will be signing autographs and not taking pictures with fans on the line.
Tickets for the game are on sale by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.
