Last Week I Learned... (Oct 5-11)

I am a huge Mets fan. For those who are not in the United States and/or do not follow baseball, the Mets are the "other" team from New York City. For the first time in almost 10 years they are in the playoffs. The first two games were played in Los Angeles (3 hours behind) and each had starting times of 9PM or later (which is late for me). I thought I would have a hard time staying awake, especially during commercial breaks, but a new experience for me was really helpful: following other fans' reactions, celebrations, and disappointments on Twitter.

By searching for both the #Mets and #Dodgers (the opponents) hashtags, I was instantly able to get a glimpse in to how other individuals, all over the world, were experiencing the game. Home run replays, complaints about the umpiring, and even comments about subtleties in the background like TV News personality Larry King sitting in the front row. Throughout the first two games I "favorited" some of my, well, favorite tweets.

First, Left Fielder Michael Cuddyer, who is not known for his defense, had two really tough fly balls in his direction that if he had taken a good route, he probably would have caught. He didn't.

Cuddyer's route to Seager's "double" in 3rd inning. #Mets pic.twitter.com/n14dJzE4s3

— Dave (@davelip08) October 10, 2015

After the second misplayed ball, one viewer suggested the player sit next to Larry King who was basically visible for the entire game because of his front row seat.

There's an empty seat next to Larry King for Cuddyer.

— Greg_YNWA1 (@Greg_YNWA1) October 10, 2015

TBS, the television station airing the two baseball games had a graphic in the bottom right corner of the screen that was supposed to show if a ball was in the strike zone. However, the umpires seemed to be using a totally different zone so the graphic was not helpful at all. 

The TBS k-zone is basically that sign language guy from Mandela's memorial service. #Mets

— Uncredentialed (@uncredentialed) October 10, 2015

The Mets' starting pitcher, Jacob deGrom had a terrific game, shutting out the Dodgers for 7 innings with 13 strikeouts. He is a key reason they won the first game.

Shame on deGrom for not also curing cancer and fixing Congress during the last three hours. Very disappointed in him. #mets

— Jason Fry (@jasoncfry) October 10, 2015

Game 2 had a lot more dramatics. The Mets were winning for most of the game until the 7th inning. First, one of the oldest pitchers in the game who does not have the same athletic frame he once possessed when he started his baseball career entered the game in relief. He jogged from the bullpen to the pitcher's mound.

I'm worried Colon's going to be gassed after that jog from the pen. #mets

— Anthony Ioime (@anthonyioime) October 11, 2015

With his only batter faced, Bartolo Colon gave up a ground ball and the second baseman tried to convert a double play but was taken out with a very aggressive (later determined illegal) slide that broke his right leg. After a lot of deliberation, there were many calls made that did not work out in the Mets favor. Many fans and players had opinions.

One fan linked to a tweet from another player who was trying to explain the rules.

Given his defense this year, I'm not sure I can take this as authoritative. #Nats #Mets https://t.co/GUEZbt7OX8

— Autumn Florek (@AutumnFlorek) October 11, 2015

And a former Mets player shared his opinion.

that was a really weak attempt at a slide by utley□□□□

— Jose Reyes (@lamelaza_7) October 11, 2015

Experiencing a regional (or national or international) event in this way is a different experience. I'm not necessarily saying it is better or worse, but I did enjoy it and it helped me stay awake. Game 3 is tonight. Let's go Mets.