With the 2024-25 NHL season approaching, the New York Mets and New York Islanders captain Anders Lee got fans in the spirit on Saturday at Citi Field.
With the 2024-25 NHL season approaching, the New York Mets and New York Islanders captain Anders Lee got fans in the spirit on Saturday at Citi Field.
Lee participated in a jersey swap with Mets outfield Brandon Nimmo before throwing out the first pitch to celebrate tri-state hockey.
Nimmo, who can occasionally be found at Islanders games, wears the number nine on his jersey. It's the same digit Lee wore in college at Notre Dame.
"I'd seen him at our games all the time," Lee told the Islanders' website. “He’s supported us a few times at the rink, and I love seeing him. I’m obviously a fan of his and the work that he puts in with the Mets. So it was cool to meet him and catch up with him a little bit, and looking forward to doing that again.”
Also in attendance were a pair of rival defensemen, including Adam Fox of the New York Rangers and Brett Pesce of the New Jersey Devils.
The three of them stayed on the first base side before mingling with Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
After Lindor left, Lee and Pesce teamed up to prepare for their first pitches.
Following their warmups, the three headed upstairs to their seats, but not before Lee made some time for fans along the first base side.
However, they had to wait an extra hour due to a rain delay.
Despite the holdup, the three NHLers were able to throw their pitches, although Lee's was "just a bit outside."
If Angel Hernandez was behind the plate, the invisible batter would have been furious.
The pitch may not have been what Lee wanted, but it was still a memorable moment.
“Honestly, just to be able to be here today and throw the first pitch at the Mets game, it’s pretty awesome," Lee said.
Lee continued to enjoy the day with his family, while the Islanders continued to keep the hockey spirit going.
In addition to holding a hockey target game between innings, the Mets welcomed Sparky the Dragon, who made appearances alongside NJ Devils and Mr. and Mrs. Met.
After their first pitches, the Mets continued their push for a playoff spot by earning a 4-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
The Islanders will be back in action on Oct. 10 against the Utah Hockey Club as they look to mimic what the Mets are doing, putting on a show for their fans as they fight for a playoff berth.