The roar of the crowd. The crack of the bat. The thrill of a home run. For many Mets fans, these sounds and sensations are intrinsically linked to a specific image: the rising of the Shea Stadium Home Run Apple. More than just a quirky piece of stadium décor, the Apple became a symbol, a celebration, and a lasting reminder of a golden era in New York baseball. Its story is woven into the fabric of Mets history, a tale of innovation, community, and the enduring power of a simple, yet iconic, design.
A Glimpse into a Lost Era
Shea Stadium, a coliseum of concrete and hope, stood proudly in Flushing, Queens, for nearly half a century. From its opening in 1964, it was more than just a baseball stadium; it was a multipurpose venue, hosting concerts by the Beatles, memorable moments in football, and a vibrant gathering place for New Yorkers from all walks of life. Yet, for a generation of Mets fans, its true heart beat within the diamond, and the visual centerpiece of that heart was the legendary Shea Stadium Home Run Apple.
This was no ordinary stadium feature. It wasn’t just a scoreboard or a concession stand. The Apple was a spectacle. It embodied the spirit of the game and the excitement of a home run. It was a kinetic sculpture, a burst of joy rising from its hidden perch in center field, a visual exclamation point to every long ball.
A Horticultural Delight in the Concrete Jungle
The physical appearance of the Shea Stadium Home Run Apple was straightforward, yet undeniably eye-catching. The Apple, as it was commonly known, was a large, bright red apple with a green leaf, positioned in center field, just beyond the outfield fence. It was crafted with a sturdy metal frame and a painted exterior that gleamed under the stadium lights. Its size was significant enough to be noticed but not overwhelming, designed to surprise and delight when its cue arrived.
But the Apple’s true magic wasn’t in its stationary form. It lay in its purpose and operation. After a Mets player hammered a home run, the Apple would rise majestically from its hidden home. It was a coordinated effort of machinery and anticipation. The effect was electric, a tangible representation of the joy that erupted among the fans with every long drive over the fence. Seeing the Apple pop up was a moment of shared celebration, a ritual enacted for the love of the game.
The Home Run Apple’s Unveiling and Early Days
The conception of the Shea Stadium Home Run Apple was a brilliant touch of innovation. The exact genesis of the idea is debated among historians, but it became a reality in the early years of Shea Stadium. It was a bold, modern idea, far ahead of its time. The Apple was not just a decoration; it was designed to be the embodiment of happiness and excitement.
Initially, the Apple’s operation may have been more basic, but the effect was the same: a burst of joy and a moment of shared celebration. The early days were marked by experimentation and refinement, but the basic concept of the Apple remained unchanged.
The initial response was overwhelmingly positive. Fans loved it. The Apple quickly became a symbol, representing the team’s spirit, its hard work, and the dedication of its fans. With every rise, the Apple helped build a collective spirit of enthusiasm.
A Touchstone of Fan Experience
The Shea Stadium Home Run Apple significantly impacted the experience of the fans. The fans anticipated the Apple’s performance with every home run, creating an extra layer of excitement and engagement with the game. It wasn’t just the thrill of the hit; it was the anticipation of witnessing the Apple’s ascent.
The Apple wasn’t just a visual treat. It was a social connector. The rise of the Apple was an event, an opportunity to cheer and celebrate alongside fellow Mets fans. It made every home run feel special, a symbol of collective pride and joy, and a lasting memory for everyone present.
A Symbol of the Mets: More Than Just a Feature
The Shea Stadium Home Run Apple quickly transcended its role as a mere stadium gimmick, evolving into a powerful symbol of the team itself. The Mets’ success became intertwined with the Apple. Every home run was another opportunity for it to rise, a reminder of the team’s potential and the unwavering support of its fans.
The Apple became synonymous with the Mets, signifying perseverance, the possibility of victory, and the shared experience of fandom. It was featured in merchandise, souvenirs, and in countless memories. The Apple was woven into the identity of the team.
Memorable Home Runs and the Apple’s Role
The Shea Stadium Home Run Apple witnessed countless memorable moments. The impact of the Apple was highlighted by iconic moments of the team, when certain players hit a home run. These were the moments when the stadium erupted in applause, the players celebrated, and the Apple, in its glorious mechanical way, brought the celebration into the stratosphere. The iconic image of the Apple rising, a symbol of the home run, became a familiar sight and remains a beloved memory.
Every rise of the Apple cemented its place in history, as fans recounted the stories of the moments in which the Apple rose up.
The Apple in Memorabilia
The Shea Stadium Home Run Apple has left an impact on memorabilia. T-shirts, mugs, and other artifacts. Even though Shea Stadium is no longer used, its presence in the world of fan-made merchandise, photographs, and art, is clear evidence of the Apple’s enduring popularity. Fans wore it with pride, displaying it as a badge of honor. The Apple represented pride in team and shared memories.
The sale of Apple-themed memorabilia helped perpetuate its legacy beyond the stadium. It became a symbol that fans wanted to take home with them, to remind them of good times and great plays.
Saying Goodbye to Shea: A Moment of Reflection
The demolition of Shea Stadium marked a time of bittersweet reflection for Mets fans. The iconic stadium, and with it the Shea Stadium Home Run Apple, was gone, taking a part of their history with it. Many fans shed tears when the stadium was razed. The Home Run Apple, the symbol of so many memories, had become a symbol of the past.
The decision to replace the stadium, while necessary, was difficult. The demolition symbolized change, progress, but also the end of an era. But even as the stadium crumbled, the memories lived on, including the memories of a bright red apple, rising in the sky.
Transitioning to the Present
The home run apple, the centerpiece of a generation of Mets fans, has survived to the present. The Shea Stadium Home Run Apple would be moved to Citi Field, where its legacy has endured. The mechanics would change, but the intention would be the same: to celebrate home runs and ignite the crowds.
The modern version of the Apple is a tribute to the original. The new Apple continues to honor the spirit of the original. The move to Citi Field ensured that a favorite symbol would live on for future generations.
The Apple at Citi Field
The new Apple at Citi Field is, in its own right, a popular stadium attraction. Although different in design and construction, it is a direct descendant of the original Shea Stadium Home Run Apple, preserving the legacy of the first. The Citi Field Apple is still a symbol of Mets history.
When the Apple rises today, it’s a connection to the past, a reminder of all the incredible moments, the excitement, and the shared joy.
The Home Run Apple’s Lasting Impact
The Shea Stadium Home Run Apple continues to resonate with Mets fans, even those who never saw it in person. It’s a testament to the power of symbols, the strength of nostalgia, and the enduring bond between a team and its fans. The Apple is more than just a stadium fixture; it’s a piece of collective memory.
It represents an era of baseball, the energy and community that filled Shea Stadium, and the magic that made it such a special place.
Final Thoughts
The Shea Stadium Home Run Apple was a simple design, yet it captured the spirit of the sport, the essence of the team, and the hearts of Mets fans. Even though the stadium is gone, the memory of the Apple continues. It is a reminder of the simple joy that baseball can bring, and the enduring legacy that it leaves behind. The next time you see a home run, take a moment to remember the Apple and the joy it brought.
The memory of this moment will continue to live on for generations of Mets fans to come.
