Mets partner with the New York Lottery

by Tim Reilly March 22, 2018

On Thursday at Citi Field, the Mets announced a slew of new ballpark features. There are lots of good stuff in the works for 2018, and none better than a partnership with the New York Lottery.

A new sign has been placed just beyond right-center field wall with “$10,000” displayed on it. The catch is whenever a Mets player hits a home run off this sign (on a fly), one lucky fan will win some cash. For every game a long ball isn’t hit off it, the prize goes up $5,000. It will then reset to $10,000 after each time it’s struck.

This is a play on the infamous “Hit it here, win a steak!” promo featured in Bull Durham, but better.

The best past is you don’t have to even be at the game to win. You simply register online through SNY and you’re entered to win. The Mets will then notify you on the day that you’re the “fan of the game." Of course, it’d be awesome to be there in person, but it’s just as riveting watching from the comfort of your couch knowing you have an extra investment in the game.

Honestly, I’m hoping the Mets bring back Jordany Valdespin now just to hear him say “I’m the man right now” one last time after hitting the lottery sign and putting his arm around a lucky fan. That would make for electric TV.

Who did you think hits the sign first?

My odds (remember, it’s right-center):

A lefty opponent facing Hansel Robles - 2/1
Michael Conforto - 3/1
Jay Bruce - 5/1
Yoenis Cespedes - 15/1
Brandon Nimmo - 20/1
Asdrubal Cabrera - 25/1
Jose Reyes - 25/1
Noah Syndergaard - 25/1