North Merrick Woman Presents at Hofstra University Mets Conference

A Merokean got a chance to step up to the plate during a “50^th Anniversary of the New York Mets” conference held in late April at nearby Hofstra University.

Patti Rossi of North Merrick was a presenter during a panel on April 26 called “Metsmobilia and Mascots.” Rossi’s presentation was entitled “The Mascot: An Examination of Its Traditional Societal Significance and Its Evolution Into Its Modern Day Role in Major League Baseball, Specifically With Respect to the New York Mets.”

Rossi, an attorney and teacher, addressed how Mr. Met became the first known mascot in the National League when he made his debut in the first year of Shea Stadium in 1964. Rossi said her research shows Mr. Met in the 1960’s was focused on marketing toward families at a time period when the nuclear family emphasized. However, Mr. Met vanished from Shea Stadium in the 70’s and 80’s before reappearing in 1994 as a more corporate figure that appears in commercials.

Rossi said more recently Mr. Met has been utilized to address the Major League Baseball team’s financial challenges that resulted from owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon being invested with convicted Ponzi-schemer Bernie Madoff. She said that one of the perks the Mets have offered in an attempt to attract more investors is access and interaction with their beloved mascot.

“When we examine the evolution of the modern day mascot, specifically with regard to the Mets franchise and Mr. Met, we uncover at certain junctures evidence of a deliberate response to societal needs and trends,” Rossi said.

“Metsmobilia and Mascots” was one of many panels held during the three-day academic conference at Hofstra that examined all aspects of the history and culture of the Mets. Among the many prominent speakers were three members of the Mets 1969 World Series championship team including Bud Harrelson, Art Shamsky, Ed Kranepool and Ed Charles. The conference was dedicated in memory of Dr. Dana Brand, a Hofstra professor who was former chair of the Department of English and authored books called Mets Fan and The Last Days of Shea.

An exhibit looking back at the 50-year history of the Mets is displayed on the 10^th floor of the Axinn Library at Hofstra until May 31. The display features a collection of photos, books and Mets baseball memorabilia.