THE RUMBLE
AN OFF-THE-BALL LOOK AT YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS CELEBRITIES
Posted: 3:44 am
July 6, 2008
WINGS OVER FLUSHING
Jets set to take final bow at Shea
The Jets and Mets were like one big, happy family when the teams shared Shea Stadium for 20 years. That's why John Schmitt, the center for the Jets on their Super Bowl III championship team, couldn't be more excited about returning to Shea Tuesday when the Mets celebrate Jets Night. Schmitt will join fellow Jets Wesley Walker, Marty Lyons, Greg Buttle (pictured at left returning an interception in 1976), Emerson Boozer and Randy Beverly.
"You have to remember, when we started our season, the Mets were still there," said Schmitt who played with the Jets from 1964-75. "We ate at the same places, socialized together and won together. It was a great era." Schmitt remembers one particular story concerning his son John and Tom Seaver: "It was right before a game that Seaver was starting. He was on the training table getting a rub from the trainer. He asked me if my son wanted a picture. Tom proceeded to get off the table, take the photo and go back to his rubdown. I don't think that kind of thing happens anymore."
In three weeks, Schmitt will have left-hip replacement surgery. "I've already had my right one done," he said. "I left a lot of blood and broken bones on the field at Shea. It's going to be tremendous to see that place one more time." The Mets will salute their former Shea housemates during an on-field, pregame ceremony including first-pitch and in-game video tributes. A limited number of tickets are still available at mets.com or by calling (718) 507-TIXX.
Yeah, babies!
Team Baby Entertainment and Topps will distribute limited-edition trading cards featuring photos of MLB players - including David Wright and Johnny Damon - when they were babies. This is the first time MLB players have lent their baby photos to be featured on Topps cards, making them instant collectibles. Fans who purchase MLB themed Team Baby Entertainment titles at Toys R' Us or Babies R' Us will receive the limited edition Topps baby card packaged with the DVD.
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