Mets fans at Wrigley Field have a longstanding tradition of throwing back home run balls hit by opposing teams. However, during a recent game between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs, things took an unexpected turn when a Mets fan wearing a Mets cap was convinced by Cubs fans to throw back his own team’s home run ball.
The incident occurred in the fifth inning when Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez hit a solo homer while the team was trailing 6-0. The ball landed in the hands of a Mets fan in left-center field, who initially appeared to start chanting “Let’s Go Mets.” After some peer pressure from Cubs fans, he eventually threw the home run ball back onto the field.
The incident drew disapproval from the SNY broadcasters, Steve Gelbs and Ron Darling, who criticized the Mets fan for succumbing to peer pressure and not keeping the ball. Despite this distraction, the Mets went on to lose the game 8-1 to the Cubs, marking their second loss in three games.
On the other hand, the Cubs took an early lead with several players hitting home runs throughout the game. The Mets now have a record of 36-39 and sit in fourth place in the National League East, while the Cubs have a record of 37-40 and are in fourth place in NL Central.