For thirty years, the rivalry between the Mets and Yankees has been defined by events on the field, evolving from Shea Stadium and the old Yankee Stadium to the modern facilities they play in today. With a milestone season kicking off this Friday in Queens, it’s worth taking a look at the elements beyond just the game that make this matchup interesting.
How do these two teams stack up off the field? Let’s dive into a comparison.
Two Stadiums
Mets: Citi Field, designed with inspiration from Ebbets Field, opened in 2009 to replace Shea Stadium. It’s a 42,000-seat venue that offers a blend of modern and traditional features. They kept Shea’s iconic home run apple while also introducing a new one in center field, plus the largest video board in MLB for the 2023 season. The design also takes cues from the Brooklyn Dodgers’ legacy.
Yankees: In contrast, the new Yankee Stadium, also debuting in 2009, tends to lack the character of its predecessor. While it resembles the original Bronx stadium, it doesn’t carry the same nostalgic weight, feeling more sterile in atmosphere.
Edge: Mets
TV Broadcasters
Mets: The trio of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling has been calling Mets games for 21 years on SNY. Their chemistry, combined with insights from on-field reporter Steve Gelbs, makes for engaging coverage. This team frequently garners praise in the broadcasting world for their entertaining style.
Yankees: On the other hand, Michael Kay has been with the YES Network for 25 seasons, often alongside David Cone, Paul O’Neill, and Joe Girardi. Meredith Marakowitz has reported from the clubhouse since 2012. Kay’s memorable “See ya” tagline for home runs has become part of the Yankees’ lexicon over the years.
Edge: Mets
Avid Fan Base
Mets: Darren Meenan started the “7 Line Army” in 2012, named for the subway line that runs to Citi Field. This dedicated group not only fills up center field at home games but also travels for away matchups. In 2023, Mets owner Steve Cohen joined them at an opening ceremony in Miami.
Yankees: The Bleacher Creatures at Yankee Stadium also make their presence known, with a roll call tradition that dates back to the ’90s. Their enthusiastic chants for players like Aaron Judge are part of the game-day experience, creating a raucous atmosphere from the get-go.
Edge: Yankees
Subway Line
Mets: Getting to Citi Field involves only one subway option. The 7 line has been operating since 1915, with the Met’s Willets Point stop launching in 1927.
Yankees: The No. 4 train has been a standard at Yankee Stadium, stopping at 161 Street Station since 1918, with the B and D lines occasionally serving the area.
Edge: Yankees
Uniforms and Caps
Mets: The Mets sport various jerseys, including the classic white pinstripes. They’ve incorporated a unique “NYC” City Connect jersey adding a purple trim, reflecting their cultural ties, while also bringing back the black alternate jersey in homage to their history.
Yankees: Tradition reigns supreme for the Yankees, with their pinstripes unchanged for over a century. They’ve resisted many trends surrounding alternate jerseys, although recent patch additions have stirred some controversy.
Edge: Yankees
Team Social Media Presence
Mets: The Mets are bold on social media. A recent post humorously highlighted a Mets player’s debut alongside a throwback basketball moment. Their playful content has gained them a following of 1.3 million on X and 1.8 million on Instagram.
Yankees: The Yankees take a more straightforward approach. While they keep communication simple, they enjoy engaging fans with their “Question of the Day” series. With 3.8 million followers on X and an impressive 4 million on Instagram, their presence is substantial.
Edge: Mets
Ballpark Meal
Mets: Citi Field has earned acclaim, being a three-time winner of USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Award. The culinary offerings range from Puerto Rican soul food to fan-favorite items like Mookie Wilson’s Smoked Pulled Chicken Sliders, ensuring a wide variety of choices.
Yankees: Yankee Stadium isn’t devoid of innovation either; their mini-dessert “Chicken” baguette has charmed many this season. They consistently incorporate local flavors into their menu as well.
Edge: Mets
Celebrity Fans
Mets: The Mets enjoy a roster of celebrity fans, including Jerry Seinfeld, who’s a regular attendee, and Chris Rock, a lifelong supporter. Kevin James and Jon Stewart also share their love for the team.
Yankees: The Yankees count prominent figures like Spike Lee, Billy Crystal, Jay-Z, and Denzel Washington among their fans, showcasing a broad range of support.
Edge: Tie
Honor Roll
Mets: The Mets have established a Hall of Fame and Museum, though updates are planned to centralize the experience as the team store expands in 2024.
Yankees: Monument Park at Yankee Stadium serves as a historic tribute, housing plaques and jersey numbers that honor the team’s storied past since 1932.
Edge: Yankees
Pre-Match Scene
Mets: With more parking and space surrounding Citi Field, the Mets provide a more laid-back pre-game atmosphere, allowing fans to gather easily for events like block parties.
Yankees: Meanwhile, the pre-game excitement around Yankee Stadium often spills into local bars, like Billy’s, creating a lively environment before games.
Edge: Yankees
