Whitney and I flew down to San Diego to meet up with 1,400 rabid Mets fans for the 7 Line Army’s “San Diego Invasion.” What is that and why would anyone want to go? Read on!
The 7 Line is an apparel company that only does items for the founder’s favorite team – the New York Mets. Darren Meenan started The 7 Line in 2009 from his basement making well-designed shirts with Mets-related taglines, though since there was no licensing agreement in place, he had to balance a tightrope. In 2014, the Mets got on board allowing him to use logos and likenesses—and there’s been no looking back.
The San Diego Invasion is the biggest gathering of the “Army” yet. At 1,400 fans the group threatens to completely remove any home field advantage the Padres may have. As a life-long Mets fan myself, I can’t wait to get started.
The group started to assemble around 3:00pm at McFadden’s. Soon, the place was packed. Whitney and I met some great people from California to New York and everywhere in between. Talking Mets and randomly singing along with “Piano Man” and “Meet the Mets” felt very natural in this group.
The 7 Line founder checks on the Kentucky Derby while Whitney and I cheese with Mr. Met. Soon after, it was time to head to the ballpark.
Impromptu Parade
If you’re a baseball fan, you have to appreciate the dedication of Mets fans in general, especially those hardcore enough to travel to away games en masse. And boy did we travel. The march from McFaddens to Petco Park turned into a chanting, cheering parade for a full six blocks.
Not my photo, but I’m in it!
Inside Petco Park
Everyone from babies to vendors couldn’t believe the size (and enthusiasm) of our group.
Curtis Granderson, aka the nicest guy in baseball, gives the group a wave.
Bartolo’s Home Run
The shining moment of the day was, of course, Bartolo Colon’s first major league home run. At 42 years old, he now holds the record as the oldest to achieve that career milestone. Like Gary Cohen, our section lost it’s mind. In fact Howie Rose speculated that the 7 Line Army might “tear this ballpark down!”
The Mets delivered plenty of fireworks tonight, so it’s no surprise that there were a few spotted after the game. This great vantage point was provided by the Altitude Sky Lounge at the Marriott.
I look forward to the next 7 Line Army outing to the West Coast (or Denver) unless the Mets are playing in October, in which case I’ll see you in Queens. Even if they do sweep their opponent.
