Mets fans bask in glory
No coming down from 1st no-hitter
ON THE DAY after Johan Santana’s no-hitter, happy Mets fans agreed: It was worth the wait for the franchise’s first pitching gem — all 50 years and 8,020 games.
“It was the most exciting thing outside the World Series,” said still-pumped Bob Capone, 57, at Citi Field Saturday. “I’ve been a Mets fan since 1962. To be able to watch that ninth inning made it all worthwhile.”
The team’s first no-hit game came after several close calls and deals that sent hurlers Tom seaver and Nolanryan to other teams where they threw no-hitters.
Tony Valazquez, 36, was listening on the radio when Santana struck out David Freese to close out his effort. “I was screaming and clapping,” said the Queens warehouse manager.
Brian Haynes, wearing a No. 57 Santana jersey, said he was glad the veteran lefty was the one to end the long s schneid. “He’s the perfect pi pitcher to get it — his work ethic, what he does to prepare himself for the g game,” he said.
Two Long Island fans wound up celeb brating their way into lockup. John Ries, 25, of Ronkonkoma, and Rafael Diaz, 32, o of Massapequa, we were awaiting arraignment Saturday on misdemeanor charges for running onto the field. Robert Salomon, 38, was at Friday’s game with his wife and their two kids — Ben, 7, and Sophie, 8. He wasn’t sure if they grasped the full impact of the moment. “We kept reminding them that the Mets never had a no-hitter,” said the NYU instructor. “I’m not sure how much they understood. But I’ve been waiting my entire life for this.”