In New York, Simply Going to a Basketball Game is a Gamble

by Alyssa Rose October 31, 2017

Holding court. Mickey Callaway enjoying tonight’s @nyknicks game. #Mets pic.twitter.com/U2ribquUnx
— New York Mets (@Mets) October 31, 2017

It’s eight days into Mickey Callaway’s tenure as the new Mets skipper, and there he was on Monday night, front and center, at the Madison Square Garden.

We don’t need to reflect on what this season was for Mets fans because it’s Halloween and we’re supposed to be happily shoving our faces with candy. We can, however, acknowledge that we Mets fans need someone to rally behind, and by simply going to a Knicks game, Mickey is showing us that he’s our man.

While the Yankees scramble to figure out who’s left out there to fill their managerial vacancy, here’s Slick Mick plastering his face all over the New York sports scene, showing the city that he’s our man. It’s beautiful.

But the real reason to love (or hate) this move so much is the gamble it is in the presence of the New York media. After all, if you want to show yourself off to the world as the new face of this team and this city, well then wooooooo baby, you better produce!

Putting yourself in the spotlight in the New York market is probably the most dangerous thing any player or coach can do. The media and fans love to love you, but we love to hate you just as much, if not more.

All Matt Harvey had to do was look a little thinner and take a couple of pictures kissing a supermodel. Suddenly, the accusations on social media and in the press were flying about his lifestyle choices. The guy was immediately painted in a horrible light by the media for simply getting a little cozy with his girl in a restaurant (he didn’t real help matters when he validated those concerns by missing a start because of a Cinco de Mayo party).

Then there’s Noah Syndergaard, on the other hand, who has become one of the most lovable guys they Mets have ever had on the roster, not only for hitting 100+ on the gun 50 times a game, but because of his Twitter feud with Mr. Met and light hearted social media banter. Of course, once he refused an MRI, that personality was immediately cause for criticism.

Uh oh. Is Joe Benigno gonna have a problem because he "hasn't done anything yet" and is out on the town? https://t.co/kIZyfv3bTr
— The 7 Line (@The7Line) October 31, 2017

So with Callaway, I can already see the headlines if the Mets don’t start the season hot. “Knicks Game: More Important than Off-Season Work Outs?” The New York Post, who works tirelessly to find new ways to crucify pretty much everyone, was probably foaming at the mouth when they realized Mickey was going to arm them with material.

But none of it matters if you win. You want to put yourself in the spotlight? Do it. Just know that in New York, that comes with some big expectations.