A Few of Steve Cohen’s Favorite Mets Things

On Wednesday’s edition of Mets Hot Stove, Steve Gelbs asked Steve Cohen about some his favorites from his Mets fandom.

On the question of his favorite all-time Met, Cohen replied with an answer that would be the same for many Mets fans from the 1960s and 1970s: Tom Seaver. Cohen talked about how he admired Seaver’s signature “dirt on the knee”, that would come from the hurler’s picture-perfect delivery.

When asked about his favorite type of baseball game, Cohen gave the answer we want to hear. “Any game is a great game when you win”. He went on to say that he can enjoy a pitcher’s duel or a slugfest, but that a combination of these is probably best, as that would be indicative of a good team. It did seem, however, that Cohen may have a slight preference for a game with significant offense.

Gelbs then pivoted to another question, cited Cohen’s passion for collecting art, and asked the owner about Mets’ memorabilia. Cohen took a pause, got up from his chair, and came back with the “Buckner Ball”, signed by Mookie Wilson. He then told a great story about acquiring the ball.

Cohen said that he was told by an associate that ball was for sale, and would sell in the neighborhood of $100,000-$150,000. Because the ball is an important part of Mets history, Cohen instructed his associate to buy the ball.

Upon being informed that he was the proud, new owner of perhaps the most important baseball in Mets history, Cohen was happy. That happiness dissipated for a bit when he was told that the purchase price was $410,000. While Cohen “had a moment” upon hearing this, he said he’s very happy now to have the ball, and will put it in the Mets Museum at Citi Field.

It’s just so obvious that Cohen is a die-hard fan, who happens to have the resources to own the Mets (while being the wealthiest owner in MLB). His admiration of Seaver, and willingness to share the Buckner ball for Mets fans to see, are further examples that a fan, someone like us, now owns the team.

As I’ve said before, it’s a brand new day in Flushing. And it feels so good.