Hojo at Strawberry's!

by 2 July 30, 2011

Howard Johnson, better known to us as Hojo was at Strawberry's last night doing a meet and greet with the fans. Strawberry's is always busy on a normal Friday so as you'd expect having a WS Champion in the house would draw even more of a crowd. I showed up around 6pm and the place was already packed out. Standing room only with a line out the door. Luckily we chose a spot towards the end end of the bar, which happened to be where they started the line up to get your items signed. I ransacked my parents attic earlier in the day looking through all my old baseball cards, calendars and other goods for something to get signed but I decided on this original 1986 NL Champs sweatshirt that belonged to my grandfather. "Poppy" watched almost every game after the 1986 season in this sweatshirt. Middle of summer and 95 degrees out? The sweatshirt was on. When I was growing up my Grandparents lived on Kissena Blvd in Flushing and if there was a game on he was glued to it. Meister Braubeer in hand and Planters unsalted peanuts next to him. That tall glass jar with the yellow cap. I remember it vividly like it was yesterday. My grandfathers are the reason I became a Met fan and I felt it was fitting to start getting players from that team to start signing it.Hojo was the first and was happy to throw his John Hancock on it. Howard made sure to make time for every fan. Signed whatever you brought, took photos and was a pleasure to meet. The event was very organized and everyone involved did a great job giving the fans enough time to meet Howard and not feel rushed. I gave him one of the Carter tshirts that I printed up with On The Black and he was really appreciative to have it. I explained that we sent over $2,600 so far to the Gary Carter Foundation and he said it was great that the fans are doing something to give back. Living so close to Strawberry's gives me the opportunity to meet players that I looked up to as a youngster. I'll have this sweatshirt with me from now on when I hear that one of the superstars of the 80's will be in town. Thanks for the fun night Strawberry's! If you guys haven't been there yet their next big event is on August 13th for Douglaston Community Day. Come on down! They expect thousands of people to show up for a huge block party. Batting cages, dunk tank, food, music, fun.... AND Darryl invited his friends to come down. Doc Gooden will be there along with a few more ex players. More details coming soon.


2
2

Author




Also in The 7 Line Blog

David Wright Number Retirement Pregame Tailgate Party!
David Wright Number Retirement Pregame Tailgate Party!

by The 7 Line July 10, 2025

Tailgate with us on Saturday July 19th before the Mets take on the Reds and the team retires David Wright's number 5! 

Read More

July 5th Tailgate Party with The 7 Line Army
July 5th Tailgate Party with The 7 Line Army

by The 7 Line June 29, 2025

Tailgate with us on Saturday July 5th! You don't need to be sitting with The 7 Line Army to tailgate together. Let's get the good vibes started in the parking lot and hopefully they continue until last pitch. Food, drinks, games, music and more in the Marina Lot. 

Read More

June 23rd Pregame At The K Korner
June 23rd Pregame At The K Korner

by The 7 Line June 18, 2025

Swing by the K Korner on Monday June 23rd before the Mets take on the Braves. If you're sitting with us or not, you can enjoy exclusive specials on Montauk draft beers by rocking any of your T7L merch to the bar.

Read More