Shea Stadium’s Legacy and the Rise of the Apple
Shea Stadium, a concrete behemoth that once stood proudly in Queens, New York, holds an irreplaceable position in the hearts of New York Mets fans. Beyond the roar of the crowd and the crack of the bat, a vibrant symbol became intrinsically linked with the stadium and the team’s identity: the Shea Stadium apple. More than a simple piece of ballpark décor, this colossal fruit represented the excitement, hope, and cherished memories forged within Shea’s hallowed grounds. The apple, a visual spectacle inspired by the legacy of William Shea, the driving force behind the Mets’ creation, possessed a shape echoing the iconic silhouette of New York City itself. It was a beacon of celebration, a quirky yet beloved emblem, and a reminder of the team’s rollercoaster ride through baseball history.
The Genesis of the Big Apple at Shea
The story of the Shea Stadium apple begins not just with baseball, but with a concerted effort to bring National League baseball back to New York City. After the departures of the beloved Dodgers and Giants to the West Coast, a gaping hole was left in the city’s sporting landscape. Enter William Shea, a lawyer and visionary who spearheaded the movement to create a new franchise, eventually leading to the formation of the New York Mets. As a tribute to Shea’s tireless efforts and as a symbol of the city he loved, the idea for a giant apple began to take shape.
The original Shea Stadium apple was a marvel of engineering and design. Introduced early in the stadium’s life, it was a massive, fiberglass sculpture painted a bright, cheerful shade of red. Nestled inside a giant top hat, it was designed to dramatically rise from its hiding place in center field every time a Mets player hit a home run. The exact year of its introduction is a topic of some debate, but it quickly became an integral part of the game-day experience. The apple’s dimensions were considerable, ensuring it was visible from every corner of the stadium, further amplifying its impact as a symbol of Mets’ success.
The designers incorporated elements that directly tied the apple to the New York Mets and the city itself. The vibrant colors reflected the team’s palette, creating a cohesive visual identity. The apple’s shape, while seemingly simple, mirrored the curvaceous skyline of New York, further cementing its connection to the city the team represented. The top hat was a nod to New York’s sophisticated culture and its enduring nickname, “The Big Apple.”
Home Runs and Horticultural Hilarity
The true magic of the Shea Stadium apple lay in its symbolic association with Mets home runs. The moment a Mets player connected with the ball and sent it soaring over the outfield fence, the apple would dramatically ascend from its hidden compartment. This visual spectacle was accompanied by the thunderous roar of the crowd, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. The raising of the apple became synonymous with victory, a tangible representation of the Mets’ offensive prowess.
Countless memorable home runs triggered the apple’s rise over the years. From the dramatic blasts of Tom Seaver to the clutch hits of Darryl Strawberry, each ascension added to the apple’s legendary status. These moments, etched in the memories of Mets fans, transformed the apple from a mere decoration into a powerful symbol of hope and excitement. The anticipation of seeing the apple rise after a crucial home run became an integral part of the Shea Stadium experience.
Fans embraced the apple with unbridled enthusiasm. It became a rallying point, a shared symbol of their allegiance to the Mets. The sight of the apple rising after a home run ignited a wave of collective joy, uniting fans in a shared moment of celebration. The apple also became a popular subject for fan art, t-shirts, and other memorabilia, solidifying its place in Mets culture. It became a quirky, beloved tradition that distinguished Shea Stadium from other ballparks.
Shea’s Farewell and the Apple’s Odyssey
As the years passed, Shea Stadium began to show its age. By the early two thousands, the decision was made to construct a new ballpark adjacent to the old stadium. In two thousand and eight, Shea Stadium closed its doors for the final time, marking the end of an era for Mets fans. But what would become of the beloved apple?
The dismantling of Shea Stadium was a bittersweet process. While fans were excited about the prospect of a new, modern ballpark, there was a palpable sense of nostalgia for the old stadium and its many cherished memories. Recognizing the apple’s significance, the Mets organization made a concerted effort to carefully remove and preserve it.
The apple was meticulously disassembled and transported to a secure storage facility. Considerations were taken to protect its delicate fiberglass structure from the elements and any potential damage. The organization understood that the apple was more than just a piece of ballpark infrastructure; it was a tangible link to the team’s history and a powerful symbol for its fans.
Along with the Apple, other traditions went the way of the Shea, notably, the actual physical dirt in the baseball diamond. Traditions went forgotten and the era ended.
The Apple Finds a New Home: Citi Field
With the opening of Citi Field in two thousand and nine, the Shea Stadium apple was given a new lease on life. Recognizing its enduring appeal, the Mets organization decided to incorporate the apple into the new ballpark’s design. The original Shea Stadium apple now resides just outside Citi Field, in Mets Plaza, greeting fans as they enter the ballpark. It stands as a proud monument to Shea Stadium’s legacy, serving as a constant reminder of the team’s history.
While the original Shea Stadium apple is now a static display, Citi Field also features a new, updated version of the apple that rises in center field after Mets home runs. This modern iteration is larger and more technologically advanced, featuring dazzling lighting effects and a more dynamic display.
While the new apple captures the spirit of the original, some fans argue that it lacks the same charm and nostalgia. However, it serves as a vital link between the past and present, ensuring that the Shea Stadium apple tradition lives on for future generations of Mets fans.
An Enduring Legacy in Baseball Lore
The Shea Stadium apple’s influence extends far beyond the ballpark itself. It has become deeply embedded in New York baseball culture, representing the unique identity of the New York Mets. The apple is frequently depicted in Mets memorabilia, from t-shirts and hats to bobbleheads and posters. It has also inspired countless works of fan art, with fans creating their own interpretations of the iconic symbol.
The Shea Stadium apple has been featured in numerous documentaries and historical accounts of the New York Mets, further solidifying its place in baseball history. Its image evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, reminding fans of the team’s ups and downs and the unforgettable moments that unfolded within Shea Stadium’s walls.
The Apple serves as a powerful embodiment of the spirit and history of Shea Stadium, encapsulating the excitement, hope, and shared memories that define the Mets fan experience. It represents a unique chapter in baseball history, a time when a giant apple became synonymous with home runs and the unwavering support of a dedicated fan base.
The apple’s legacy lives on through Citi Field, albeit in a slightly altered form. The new apple serves as a constant reminder of the team’s past, ensuring that the Shea Stadium apple tradition continues to inspire and delight fans for years to come. Even with its modern updates, the core symbolism remains, reminding everyone of William Shea and the traditions born within the concrete confines of the former stadium.
A Lasting Symbol of New York Baseball History
The Shea Stadium apple is far more than just a piece of ballpark decoration. It is a potent symbol of New York baseball history, representing the hopes, dreams, and memories of generations of New York Mets fans. From its humble beginnings as a tribute to William Shea to its iconic status as a symbol of home runs and victory, the apple has become an integral part of the team’s identity.
As we reflect on the Shea Stadium apple’s enduring appeal, we are reminded of the power of symbols to evoke emotion and connect us to the past. The apple serves as a tangible link to a bygone era, reminding us of the unforgettable moments and cherished memories that were forged within Shea Stadium’s hallowed grounds.
The future of the Shea Stadium apple and its legacy is secure, as it continues to inspire and delight Mets fans at Citi Field. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of baseball to bring people together and create lasting memories. The Shea Stadium apple will forever remain a beloved symbol of New York baseball history, a reminder of the team’s rollercoaster ride through the years and the unwavering passion of its loyal fan base.
