An Open Letter To The 7 Line Army

by Darren Meenan September 20, 2017 0 Comments

Eric penned this letter back in July, and I've been meaning to post it ever since. At the time Eric lived in Virginia and would make the trip up to NY for our outings. That's some serious dedication.

Sorry for the delay, man! Hope your transition to Australia is going smoothly for you and the fam. Can't wait to cheer with you guys again. 

- Darren 

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An Open Letter To The 7 Line Army from Eric Greenberg

I write this as I sit in the departure lounge at Washington Dulles airport getting ready to move to Australia. Although I have known for over a year that this day when I would be leaving you would come, I wanted to take a minute to tell you what The 7 Line Army has meant to me.

My first experience with The 7 Line was in Miami in 2014 (Jacob deGrom’s first win). Even though my wife and I didn't know anybody in the Army, it was so much fun to be surrounded by diehard Met fans. But the real magic of The 7 Line happened the following day, when the good vibes carried over, and I found a few fellow 7 Liners at the next game and we all sat together  Although I didn’t realize it at the time, that is what truly makes The 7 Line Army grea: the connections made with other fans. 

Since I don't live in New York, it has not always been easy for me to see the Mets live. Yeah, I know they play the Nationals nine or 10 times every season, but I hate the Nationals and I don't like going to their stadium. I took a chance last year and got the season package, with the understanding that I probably wouldn't be able to make it to every game.

I know I am a little late in posting, but can't wait to see my @The7Line family on Monday! #SummerFamily pic.twitter.com/lBhnbfNr9J

— E G (@ewildcat7) April 2, 2017

When I went to the Opening Day tailgate, I just wandered around because I didn't know anybody. I saw another guy doing the same thing and I thought he looked kind of creepy. I wondered if that was what I looked like too, so I left and went into the stadium. I pretty much kept to myself for most of the season and, while I enjoyed the games and cheering with the Army, I still kind of felt like an outsider because everybody seemed to know each other so well already.

Then I watched the Town Hall broadcast from McFadden's during the All Star break. When I heard so many people talking about just saying hi and trying to meet people, I decided that I would make a better effort. The next 7 Line game, I introduced myself to people, starting with Andrew, and it just took off from there (they don't call him the General for nothing!). The games at the Bronx were when I felt like I wasn't just meeting people, but actually making friends. From then on, I almost looked more forward to the pre-game activities than the actual games, because that was my time to catch up with folks. I have even gone to a few non-7 Line games with Army members. 

I think my favorite 7 Line memory is trying to find my way out of the Bronx after the Yankee games last season. I guess it was obvious that I had no idea where I was, because a few Army members not only made sure that I got to the subway pointed in the right direction, but waited out a subway delay of over an hour with me!  

When I watched “Loyal To The Last Out,” it truly struck a chord with me.  For years I have tried to explain to people in Virginia what The 7 Line is. I always start the story with Darren making t-shirts in his parents’ basement and how it has evolved into what it is. We all have heard Darren deflect credit to us for making this group so great. I now realize that he is not just being humble, there is truth to it. Each of us has played a part in making The 7 Line Army what it is, whether you have been to just one game or all 70. Now I can just tell people to watch “Loyal To The Last Out” and they will understand. 

So, it is you, the loyal soldiers in The 7 Line Army that I want to salute today. I took a chance in getting the season package while living so far away from New York, but I don't regret it at all! I have made so many friendships through this group that I never would have otherwise, many of which go way beyond baseball. You have even welcomed my two-year old daughter into the group. My wife says that every year I get more and more obsessed with the Mets. While she is probably right, at least now I can blame The 7 Line for reeling me in even more than I already was!  

I know this will be reaching some people who I have not met or who have not yet sat with The 7 Line. I know that the way we cheer is not for everybody, but I encourage any of you on the fence to just go for it. Come to a game, go to the tailgate, and just start talking to people. Even if you don’t particularly care for the vibe of the group during games, you will meet so many wonderful people. Less than a year ago, I knew nobody and this past Saturday [June 24] in Brooklyn, I couldn’t even count all of the people that came to me to say goodbye (sorry to those I missed). 

Flag has been planted in Australia. I claim this land for @The7LineArmy. (Thanks @BauerMichaels) pic.twitter.com/aMnfzjK5b4

— E G (@ewildcat7) August 30, 2017

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it to another game with you until the end of the 2020 season, but I want all of you to know that I will still be watching every Mets game and will still be cheering with you lunatics (although a day late).  When I go to Australian Baseball League games, I will continue to spread the gospel of the 7 Line and try to make some Aussie Met fans.

Ya Gotta Believe!

- Eric Greenberg (@ewildcat7)

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