April 27, 2016: On a damp, chilly night in New York City, baseball seemed like it would be an afterthought in the minds of even the most diehard Mets fans. The rain was coming down in spurts, the winds were whipping, and temperatures continued to drop as the first pitch drew closer, but that didn’t stop fans of the defending National League Champions from coming out to the ballpark with their four-legged friends for North Shore Animal League America’s Bark in the Park 2016 at Citi Field.
Sparked by a three-run homer in the seventh inning by Yoenis Cespedes and capped off with a game-winning RBI by David Wright, the Amazins went on to beat the visiting Cincinnati Reds 4-3, but it was the pregame festivities that stole the show on this night. About an hour before the game, hundreds of pet parents proudly paraded their pooches, most of whom were decked out in team apparel, around the outskirts of the field as a variety of dog-themed songs, including Elvis’ “You Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog” played over the sound system. Dogs of every shape, size, breed and color were having the time of their lives taking in all the sights, sounds and smells as they pranced around the field – and so were their parents. Cell phones were out in full force and photos were being snapped at every angle, especially as people approached the centerfield wall where the famous Homerun Apple sat high above.
“We adopted Belle from North Shore Animal League [America] about four years ago and we have always wanted to come to one of these events with her. She even has her Jacob deGrom jersey on. We bought it for her because she has the perfect hair for it,” joked Robert Wisloh of Farmingdale, who was there with his family and their beloved King Charles Cavalier.
Melissa and Todd Walker, who were there with their Animal League America Mutt-i-gree, Luna, said as big fans of the team they attend many home games, but never figured they’d have an opportunity to bring the four-legged member of the family.
“T90080, that’s Luna’s adoption number. I still remember it to this day. We adopted her as a puppy in May of 2014 and she has brought so much joy into our lives,” Melissa said of the beautiful Akita/Boxer mix. “It’s exciting to be out here with all these other dog lovers who just so happen to be Mets fans.”
“We’re big fans and come to many games, but it’s great to have the whole family here,” Todd added.
After the parade came to a close and the game got underway, everyone headed up to their seats in the Coca Cola Corner located in right field. Not only was the area decked out with its own concession stands and bathrooms, a stylish lounge with games to enjoy between innings, and large promenade for the human fans to mingle with one another, but on this night the section went to the dogs. Patches of actual turf from the field with bowls of water were strategically placed throughout the area and pet parents were encouraged to bring their pets’ favorite game-day snack. At event created to honor our four-legged friends, you’d never want them to feel left out when hot dogs, peanuts and crackerjacks were being enjoyed.
Needless to say, pet parents, dogs, and diehard fans all had plenty to cheer about at Bark in the Park 2016.
Be sure to get your tickets to our next Bark in the Park events at Citi Field by visiting Mets.com.