Terry Leach delivers for austim awareness at Darryl Strawberry's Douglaston Community Day

Terry Leach’s unmistakable sidearm delivery proved to be an effective weapon for Davey Johnson’s bullpen in the 1980s. Whether it was getting the Mets out of tough jams or filling in for an injured starter, Leach often delivered in tight situations. He returned to Queens this weekend bringing the same kind of aid he did to the Mets pitching staff to the Douglaston Community Day at Strawberry’s Sports Grill.

Terry Leach (r.) with teammate Barry Lyons at Douglaston Community Day in 2011 / N. Diunte

Leach, displaying his southern charm, was prideful when discussing his involvement the day’s efforts to fundraise for autism awareness.

“It’s a great thing coming to help any charity," Leach said. "Autism is a big deal and something that needs to be worked on a lot more. It’s fun coming back to New York. When I was here I was a much younger man. [Now] I can come and sit back and appreciate it a little bit more.”

Even though Leach spent the majority of the 1986 season in the minor leagues, looking back he saw the development of that championship team building from prior years.

“I was younger then,"he said. "Actually I was the oldest one on the team, but I was younger in my eyes. That team was good because they built up from within basically. They added a few key parts and it came together just right. One of the best teams ever.”

Leach developed a special chemistry with catcher Gary Carter, who is currently battling brain cancer. He described how Carter made it easy for him to just go out there and pitch.

“Gary was very good," he said. "He and I thought a lot alike. I very seldom had to shake him off. He knew what the hitters were or were not hitting. I just kind of followed his lead and he lead me some good places every once in awhile.”

Now 57 years old, the Stuart, Florida resident has transitioned from baseball to a new career, interior design.

“I work in West Palm Beach with my company," he said. "We work with interior designers, building houses in Palm Beach. We do their installations. We hang the art, the mirrors; we make the places look really good.”


Terry Leach at Douglaston Community Day from Dee on Vimeo.

* Note - This article was originally published for Examiner.com on August 24, 2011.

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What did Wally Backman enjoy the most during his New York Mets career?

Wally Backman, the New York Mets second baseman during their 1986 World Series championship, explains in this video what he enjoyed the most about playing in New York City, including his memories of the spirit of his late teammate, Gary Carter.

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Kevin Elster tells how his departure from the Yankees opened the door for Derek Jeter

A few years ago while Kevin Elster was in New York for a 1986 New York Mets reunion, we discussed about his short tenure with the New York Yankees in 1995 that was hastened by Derek Jeter's arrival. On the day that the Yankees will retire Jeter's number 2, I am sharing a story that I wrote for metroBASEBALL magazine, where Elster recalls how he received a very clear message from the Yankees that Jeter was his replacement and that his services were no longer needed by their organization.

While his tenure with the Yankees was met with little fanfare, sporting a .057 average (2-for-37), Elster’s departure from the Bronx allowed for a legend’s career to begin. He knew his time was running out during a road trip when the hotel staff mistook his identity for someone named Jeter.

“We were in Seattle around Memorial Day weekend in 1995," Elster said. "A bellhop knocked on my door and said, ‘Mr. Jeter, your luggage is here.’ I told the guy that he had the wrong person, and being around the game, I immediately knew something was up.

"Jeter was staying next door, so I knocked on Derek’s room and told him I had his luggage. He knew the deal and gave me a big hug. When I got to the ballpark, Showalter brought me in his office and told me I was going to be released. Jeter made his debut and the rest was history.”

Pushed aside for a rookie, a veteran might harbor ill feelings towards his replacement, but not Elster.

“I was a backup at the time and just getting back to the majors. He deserved to be there.”

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Darryl Strawberry's restaurant in Douglaston to close

In Douglaston, N.Y., the straw will no longer stir the drink. Strawberry's Sports Grill, which bears the name of the former Mets and Yankees slugger Darryl Strawberry, will unexpectedly shut down this Sunday evening. The news came as a complete surprise to the staff.

“It came out of nowhere,” said Michael Strawberry, Darryl’s older brother, to the Queens Courier.

The elder Strawberry who was involved in the restaurant's operations, did not have a say in the decisions that led to its demise.

"I am very sad," he said. "Rest assured it had nothing to do with my brother and me."

The restaurant opened in August, 2010, with much fanfare, attracting celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Miss USA Rima Fakih, as well as Yankee baseball legends Whitey Ford, and Bernie Williams. Packed crowds ensued for the following year, some hoping to catch a meeting with Darryl in-person, others to take in the great food and spirits while watching a variety of sporting events.

Darryl Strawberry interviewed at the opening of his restaurant / N. Diunte

Strawberry's continued to build its affinity through a strong presence in social media, as well as holding many baseball-themed events. Their wildly successful Community Day that featured appearances by Strawberry's former teammates Kevin Mitchell, Terry Leach, and Barry Lyons, as well as a well-attended 25th-anniversary reunion for the 1986 Mets later that fall made Strawberry's Restaurant feel like it would be in the community for years to come.

As the establishment attempted to move past its honeymoon phase, 2012 was weathered by instability; a seemingly endless rotation of managers, changes to the sports-themed staff uniforms, and an overhaul of their menu that disenchanted the loyal customer base they initially attracted.

"They had the neighborhood crowd in their back pocket and lost it," said Darrin Meenan, the owner of the The 7 Line, who was a frequent collaborator with the restaurant.

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1986 World Series hero Howard Johnson brings excitement to the 2012 Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Golf Classic

Howard Johnson’s sweet swing was on display once again Monday afternoon, but it was not the one that often filled outfield seats at Shea Stadium, but a smooth touch that lit up Mohansic Golf Course at the 2012 Harrison Apar Columbus Day Golf Classic.

Howard Johnson (c.) led a group of ex-MLB players at the Harrison Apar Golf Classic

Johnson was part of a handful of retired major leaguers that also included New York Yankees All-Star pitcher Tommy John, George Alusik, Dave Lemanczyk, Don DeMola, Matt Merullo, and Rick Surhoff, all who played in support of the Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation.

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Dwight Gooden to appear at Greenwich Citibank on Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Dwight Gooden / N. Diunte

Dwight “Doc” Gooden, a 2010 inductee into the New York Mets Hall of Fame and member of the of the New York Mets Alumni Association Presented by Citi, will be greeting fans and signing autographs from 12:00-1:30 pm on Tuesday, September 25th at the Citibank branch at 16-18 Railroad Avenue in Greenwich, Ct., in support of Citi Tuesdays.

Gooden was the 1984 National League Rookie of the Year, the 1985 National League Cy Young Award winner, and part of the Mets 1986 World Series championship team. He is ranks in the top 3 on the Mets all-time list in various pitching categories, including games won, strikeouts, inning pitched, won-loss percentage, and complete games.

Citi Tuesdays is a program designed to provide added value to Citi customers and Mets fans. For more information and details on all Citi Tuesday offers, please log on to www.Mets.com/CitiTuesdays or visit the Citi Tuesday information booth located by the Shea Bridge at Citi Field on every Citi Tuesday.

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Why Mookie Wilson is forever endeared to Shea Stadium

For Mookie Wilson, he will always find comfort in the confines of Shea Stadium. For 10 years, Wilson was a fixture in center field, tracking down balls far and wide to the delight of the New York Mets faithful. It is no surprise that despite spending time as a coach for the Mets in their new digs at Citi Field, he remains loyal to its predecessor.

Mookie Wilson at Citi Tuesdays - N. Diunte

“It’s interesting that you use the word home because that’s what Shea was," Wilson said while making an appearance Tuesday afternoon as part of the Mets Citi Tuesdays promotion at Citibank in Lower Manhattan. "To me, Shea was home. Don’t get me wrong, Citi Field is a beautiful ballpark; I think that it is fan friendly. I would have loved played at Citi Field, but you can’t replace Shea. That was home for us. It was old, [and] yes, it needed repairs, but it was home and we loved and enjoyed playing there. I don’t think you can compare the two. Shea has its history and Citi Field is in the process of making its own history and it’s going to take time.”

The 56-year-old Wilson, while no longer part of the coaching staff remains on the books as an ambassador for the club, a position he enjoys.

“I think my role basically is to greet Mets fans, mainly to let them know that the Mets are still part of the community and that the Mets have partnered with Citibank and have some great promotional things going on,” he said. “I do encourage everyone to take advantage of the discounts are provided through this. It’s an effort by the Mets to show that their fans come first and they want to provide for them the best they possibly can.”

Mets fans were deeply saddened when the charismatic Wilson was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in the middle of the 1989 season. He figured that he would have finished his playing career in a Mets uniform.

“I was shocked,” he said. “I think that most players think initially that they’re going to remain with the team that they start [with]. New York’s my home. I enjoyed it and the fans embraced me, welcomed me into the city, and claimed me as a New Yorker, one of their own. … Although I had yelled about it before about being traded, I think nobody wants to be traded. When it was actually happening, I was actually shocked because I didn’t think I would ever leave New York, but as the business goes, sometimes things happen.”

Leaving New York provided Wilson the opportunity to compete in the postseason two more times, as the Blue Jays lost to the Minnesota Twins in the 1989 ALCS and the Oakland Athletics in the 1991 ALCS. Even though the Blue Jays did not pick up his option for their 1992 World Series Championship run, Wilson felt that he had some small part in its development.

“I thought that in ‘89, ‘90, [and] ‘91, we should have won it,” he said. “That team [was] a very good team. We had everything, pitching, power, [and] speed; everything was in place and we fell short. We lost to two great teams, Minnesota [Twins] and the Oakland A’s. There’s no complaining about that. It was right around the corner. I was supportive of the championship club and I think I was part of putting those players on the right track.”

While Mets fans might see Wilson on the back fields of spring training giving advice to younger players as a part-time instructor, he is optimistic that he will return to full-time coaching in the near future.

“I do hope to get back into coaching at some point. I think that once baseball is in you, in your blood, and you spend most of your life in baseball, it’s very hard to just put it on the side and retire from it. I don’t think I’ll ever will.”

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Harrelson continues to nuture the Long Island Ducks at Hofstra seminar

Thursday morning, Bud Harrelson presided over the Hofstra University Club as part of the Operation Downtown Seminar entitled, The Birth of Long Island Ducks Baseball. The presentation, which was sponsored by the Scott Skodnek Business Development Center and Astoria Federal Savings, was attended by over 100 leaders in a variety of Long Island businesses.

Bud Harrelson / N. Diunte

Harrelson has been part of the ownership groups of the Long Island Ducks since their inception in 2000. Despite his two World Series rings with the New York Mets during his major league tenure (one as a player in 1969 and one as a coach in 1986), Harrelson cited this chapter of his baseball life as the most fulfilling.

“I’m often asked about my best accomplishment in baseball and I answer, ‘The Long Island Ducks.’ I say it is the best thing I’ve ever done because the fans know me, and I know them.”

Now that the Ducks are firmly entrenched in the community, fan support hasn’t wavered. “We have affordable family entertainment, less than the cost of a movie. We are approaching six million fans in career attendance, and stand in the upper ten percent in minor league attendance,” said Harrelson.

The Ducks are an independent team in the Atlantic League, which means that they aren’t tethered to any major league club. As they have grown, the Ducks have become a magnet for high caliber talent.

“We look at those players who are the non-roster invitees to spring training," he said. "Those are the guys we want. When we started, we really had to go after ex-major league players, now their agents are calling us.”

Despite a league maximum salary of $3,000 per month, former major leaguers are willing to play with the Ducks because of their reputation of getting players back into a major league organization.

“In the last ten years, we’ve had over 50 contracts purchased by MLB organizations. We are warehousing players, but every time one leaves, another one comes.”

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Lenny Dykstra settles in at Strawberry's restaurant

Lenny Dykstra, the much maligned center fielder for the 1986 New York Mets World Series championship team, appeared Saturday evening at Darryl Strawberry's Sports Grill in Queens. Click here to read about Dykstra's appearance and see photos from the event.

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New York Mets celebrate the 25th anniversary of World Series victory at Strawberry's Sports Grill

Strawberry’s Sports Grill in Douglaston was the site of a glorious reunion of the 1986 New York Mets World Series Championship team Friday evening. Over 25 members showed up on the silver anniversary of their title run, as part of a weekend series of events and appearances for the crew.

Fans paid upwards of $500 to mingle with the entire team at this private event and enjoy a wonderful open bar and seemingly endless buffet of food served by Strawberry’s staff. Darryl Strawberry himself was the consummate host, posing for photos and signing autographs at every turn of the corner, while catching up with teammates who came from far and wide for the reunion.

Rafael Santana (r.) toasts the Mets 1986 victory / N. Diunte

One such player was shortstop Kevin Elster, who was a baby-faced 22-year-old rookie shortstop in 1986. Coming from Huntington Beach, California, Elster relished the opportunity to see his teammates once again.

“I was just a baby,” said Elster. “I love coming back here. It’s great to be around all of the guys. You couldn’t pick a better group.”

The list of those in attendance ranged from the stars such as Strawberry and Keith Hernandez, to lesser known members like John Gibbons and Bruce Berenyi, both who played in 1986, but didn’t make the World Series roster. On this evening, these designations didn’t matter; the Mets alumni were just ecstatic to be in each other’s company.

“I always look forward to any chance I can get to see all the guys again," Berenyi said. "I don’t get to see hardly anybody anymore. I’m not involved in baseball so it’s kind of tough. Not being part of the actual series is kind of a mixed emotion thing for me, but everyone always makes me feel like I was a big part of it.”

Game Six of the 1986 World Series played on the big screen televisions at the restaurant and many, including the players, watched and cheered like it was unfolding before their eyes. One could hear a player's name beckoned any time they were at the plate or made a play in the field. Most whose names were called stopped their mingling to fixate themselves on the TV screens when they had the spotlight.

“I never watched myself playing in this actual game until right now,” said Elster as he watched his at-bat against Roger Clemens in the seventh inning. “I don’t remember the details, but I remember that I flew out.” 

Right on cue, Elster lofted a fly ball to Dave Henderson that ended the inning, to which Elster remarked, “I battled pretty good, didn’t I?”

As both the game and the party went to the later innings, everyone in attendance cheered whenever a Met got a hit or scored a run. Kevin Mitchell was seen with a wide grin when he scored on Bob Stanley’s wild pitch. The cheering grew louder with each pitch that Mookie Wilson fouled off until he bounced one to first base that slipped under the glove of Bill Buckner. As Ray Knight came around to score, Jesse Orosco high fived Rick Aguilera to congratulate him on his win.

For a small fraction of time, one had the feeling that they were in the clubhouse with the Mets as they tasted the spoils of victory. A celebratory toast was in order and everyone raised their glasses to the Mets. Once again, the Mets triumph reigned supreme in Queens.

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Barry Lyons shares how B.A.T. sheltered him from Hurricane Katrina's destruction

Barry Lyons knows a thing or two about survival after seeing his home and personal possessions washed away by Hurricane Katrina. Lyons lost his home and his 1986 World Series ring when Katrina tore through his backyard. He has bounced back from the devastation that he faced becoming the athletics coordinator at the newly minted Ray and Joan Kroc Center in his hometown of Biloxi, Miss. Lyons’ road to recovery wasn’t done alone, as the baseball community stepped in to give him much needed support in the wake of Katrina’s path of destruction.

Barry Lyons / N. Diunte

The 51-year-old former New York Mets catcher was in Queens this past weekend as part of Darryl Strawberry’s Community Day in Douglaston, which benefited Strawberry’s Autism Foundation as well as local youth groups. Lyons shared how the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) rushed to his aid after Katrina turned his world upside down.

“The Baseball Assistance Team has been very helpful to many people over the years and it is a great organization for a great cause," Lyons said. "I was involved in the B.A.T. dinner in years previous to the Hurricane Katrina situation that I went through. When I suffered what I suffered, David Cone and Andrew Levy, two of my friends, contacted B.A.T. and [former president] Jim Martin. He was the one that contacted me and helped me right away, immediately for about a year after the hurricane. It really helped me out tremendously.”

The support that B.A.T. was able to provide Lyons so quickly after the impact of Katrina helped to stabilize a life-altering tragedy.

“It was awesome," he said. "I was really devastated and my family was devastated. It was tough on all of us down there that suffered the losses that we [experienced]. It’s very heartwarming and comforting to know that B.A.T. was there for me and in my corner [to] help support me through the toughest part of that time which was the first few months after [it happened].”

For those less familiar with B.A.T., Lyons explained that anyone in the baseball family (players, coaches, trainers, office staff, etc.) is eligible for help when tragedy strikes.

“They support helping people involved in baseball, not just players, but families of players," he said. “Anyone that really falls on hard times that has a connection to baseball will be helped through B.A.T. if they just go through the proper channels. B.A.T. is a well organized, wonderful organization that does tremendous things for a lot of people.”

Lyons returns to New York every winter for the annual B.A.T. dinner, which is a major fundraiser for their efforts. He feels his appearance is the least that he can do to help the organization that stepped in for him when Mother Nature turned his world upside down.

“Every year, I come back to the B.A.T. dinner and do what I can to help out and raise money so that B.A.T. can help others that fall on hard times,” he said.

For more information on the Baseball Assistance Team, visit their website - www.baseballassistanceteam.com

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Darryl Strawberry brings Mets magic to Douglaston for Community Day

Darryl Strawberry was able to make a little more Mets magic happen in Queens, only this time it wasn't at the ballpark, but at his restaurant Strawberry's Sports Grill in Douglaston. This weekend saw Strawberry's former teammates Terry Leach, Barry Lyons and Kevin Mitchell as well as 1986 Mets coach Bud Harrelson, and ex-New York Giants punter Sean Landeta appear to raise money for Strawberry's Foundation for Autism Awareness.

Hundreds of supporters came to the small enclave near the Long Island Rail Road to see their Mets alums, participate in the many events and partake in the excellent cuisine of Strawberry's restaurant. Below are articles featuring video and interviews with the aforementioned members of the 1986 World Series Championship Mets team.

Kevin Mitchell returns to his baseball roots at Douglaston Community Day

Terry Leach delivers for autism awarness at Douglaston Community Day

Barry Lyons shares how B.A.T. sheltered him from Hurricane Katrina's destruction

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Kevin Mitchell returns to his baseball roots at Douglaston Community Day

The image of Kevin Mitchell ripping a single to center field following Gary Carter in the tenth inning of Game Six of the 1986 World Series is as bright for Mets fans as the sun shining off of his gold teeth while he joyfully signed autographs and posed for pictures with seemingly everyone in the enclave of Douglaston, N.Y. earlier this Saturday.

Mitchell was on hand to lend support to the Douglaston Community Day, which was a fundraiser to benefit Darryl Strawberry’s Foundation, which benefits autism research, as well the local little league and other community groups.

Kevin Mitchell / N. Diunte

During a break from his autograph session in front of Strawberry’s Sports Grill, Mitchell discussed his excitement about being a participant in the day’s events.

“It’s always a good thing when you can come back especially for a charitable event, doing something for one of your old teammates, Darryl Strawberry,” said Mitchell, who slugged 47 home runs en route to winning 1989 National League Most Valuable Player award. "It’s an honor that I am here and that there are still fans that want autographs from us. It’s been a decade [since I last played], you know, but I feel good about it.”

Mitchell was signed by the Mets in 1980 after being seen playing softball in the rough section of San Diego. He made his debut in 1984 and played a valuable utility role for the 1986 World Championship team. He was traded after the 1986 season to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Kevin McReynolds. Even though he only spent one full season with the Mets [1986], Mitchell had great memories of playing in the Big Apple.

“My [most] memorable thing is just New York period,” he said. "The fans here are great. This is where I first got drafted by the Mets. I was able to come and play with New York. Once I got traded from New York, I was able to play anywhere. By coming here as a rookie, everything else was a piece of cake because of the fans. If you ain’t out there giving it 100%, they’re going to let you know.”

As for now, Mitchell is working with children in San Diego, sharing some of the knowledge he learned after 13 seasons in the majors.

“I’m coaching travel baseball, I’ve got my own travel team called the Gorillas. I’ve got 8-16 [year olds]. The kids that won the Little League World Series, Parkview, those were my kids. They’re high school kids [now], but I’m still working with them.”

Speaking with conviction, Mitchell remains enthused to help the next generation succeed.

“That’s my passion. I love working with the kids. I could have a job working somewhere in the big leagues, but this is my passion. I want to see the kids progress and keep going,” said Mitchell.

He is trying to get them to avoid some of the pitfalls that derailed his potential Hall of Fame career.

“I try to teach them about education, alcohol - the main things they have to survive with. You can do it without doing all this other stuff to punish your body.”

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Mets alumni team up with City Harvest to help the hungry

Mets Alumni team up to assist City Harvest

In a continuing series of community based events, the Mets Alumni Association presented by Citi teamed up with City Harvest Friday evening before the Mets game against the Braves to package more than 25,000 lbs. of potatoes for New York area food charities.

The Mets brought out a roster of players from all of their teams that appeared in the World Series (1969, 1973, 1986 and 2000). Assisting in the packing efforts were Cleon Jones, Jim McAndrew, John Stearns, Rick Aguilera, Doug Sisk and Dennis Cook.

Click here to read their views about returning to Flushing to take part in the Mets alumni events for the week at Citi Field.

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Gary Carter's teammates come together in support of The Kid

Gary Carter might be facing his toughest opponent yet; however, he can continue to battle strongly knowing he has the full support of his teammates. The Hall of Fame catcher is suffering from inoperable brain cancer and was in the forefront of two of his teammates thoughts Friday evening.

Carter's World Champion 1986 New York Mets teammates Rick Aguilera and Doug Sisk were at Citi Field Friday night for a series of events sponsored by the New York Mets Alumni Association presented by Citi. It was very clear that throughout the evening, their thoughts were with their beloved catcher.

The 49-year-old Aguilera works as a high school baseball coach at Santa Fe Christian in San Diego. He has been in contact with Carter recently in a show of solidarity for his cancer stricken battery-mate.

"We've texted each other and I let him know that my family is praying for him,"Aguilera said. "We're hoping that he understands and feels his teammates support and the fans support. I'm sure it means a lot to him."

The 53-year-old Sisk, works for the Mets as a part-time scout in the Seattle area where he currently resides. He wanted to share the same encouragement with Carter that his catcher give him on the mound.

"Gary was a great teammate, always positive about everything. I never heard a bad word out of his mouth, except for a food spread in Pittsburgh once," Sisk said. "He'd catch a night game then a day game; he was just a workhorse. When I had my bad times, he would try to pump me up and try to help out every way, hopefully we can all do that for him now."

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Doc and Straw share their thoughts on the 25th anniversary of the 1986 Mets World Series team

Twenty-five years ago, two of the New York Mets youngest and brightest stars shone brightly atop the pinnacle of baseball’s biggest stage, the 1986 World Series. Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, both were in their early twenties and had captured the attention of baseball fans not only in New York, but nationwide.

A quarter of a century later, their careers have taken many twists and turns which included multiple run-ins with the law for drug offenses that derailed their once potential Hall of Fame careers. Despite their transgressions, they remain beloved figures in New York sports history.

Click here to read both Gooden and Strawberry's thoughts about the 25th anniversary of the 1986 World Series.

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New York Mets legends Doc Gooden and Darryl Strawberry Headline Box NYC Premier Event

Anthony Mason (l) and Dwight Gooden (r) pose with a fan at BOX NYC

New York baseball heroes Darryl Strawberry and Dwight “Doc” Gooden were two of over 1,500 supporters who appeared at “Box NYC” at the Roseland Ballroom Thursday evening. The event which was put together by WCMG Events and Salita Promotions offered a mix of celebrity, charity, fine dining and boxing at one of Manhattan’s premier venues.

Dmitry Salita, the former WBA light welterweight champion, has now assumed the double duty as an active boxer and promoter. He discussed his outlook for the evening's proceedings.

“WCMG events did a fantastic job, making it a black-tie high class boxing event. Boxing is entertainment so it is very important to incorporate different kinds of entertainment into the boxing match. In addition to the boxing, we have sports celebrities, music and poker; it’s going to be a great night.”

Gooden, who is working on opening a baseball facility in New Jersey, was excited about a night filled with boxing.

“It's great to come out to watch boxing and hang out with the fans. My oldest son boxes in Golden Gloves in Florida, he loves the sport.

Strawberry, who now owns Strawberry's Bar and Grill in Douglaston, Queens, lent himself to the fundraising efforts for the Sophie Voice Foundation, a charity that assists children suffering from spina bifida. The foundation was founded by actor Boris Kodjoe and his wife, actrees Nicole Ari Parker, both of whom also helped to sponsor the event.

"We're not here for ourselves. We're here to show our support for a worthy cause," Strawberry said. "I think it's important to put your celebrity to good use.”

Former New York Knick John Starks piggybacked on Strawberry's statements about the charitable nature of the evening.

“It means a lot whenever you can use your celebrity status to help raise funds for Sophie Voice Foundation; it’s a great cause. I have a foundation of my own. It’s a natural thing as an athlete to give your time and efforts in order to help others,” said Starks, who works for the Knicks in their alumni relations department. “You have some great boxing and we’re going to raise a lot of money. That’s an important thing. I’ve been coming here for the last few years and we’ve received a good turnout."

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New York Mets alumni week appearances May 6-8

Former New York Met George Foster / N. Diunte

The New York Mets will be showcasing their alumni this weekend at events throughout the city including appearances at Citi Field. For this current home stand, Edgardo Alfonzo, Kevin Elster, George Foster, John Franco, Ed Hearn and George "The Stork" Theodore will all be involved in the festivities for what has been dubbed, "Mets Alumni Week."

Click here to read all of the events happening in relation to Mets Alumni Week for May 6-8.

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