Mets Community Insider

ANNUAL HOME RUNS & HIGHBALLS FUNDRAISER

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation hosted its annual Home Runs & Highballs fundraiser on Thursday, May 29 at Citi Field. As the Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s largest fundraising event of the season, the event itself raised gross contributions of over $1 million. Mets Owners Steve and Alex Cohen will be matching all proceeds through the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation.

The philanthropic event was supported by the New York Mets organization. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, Manager Carlos Mendoza and the rest of the Mets coaching staff, the entire Mets roster, and Mets Alumni, including Mike Piazza, Mookie Wilson and Todd Zeile, were all in attendance.

Attendees enjoyed a comedy show emceed by comedian Charles McBee, and sets by Nimesh Patel, Rachel Feinstein, Dean Edwards, and Jared Freid.

AMAZIN’ METS FOUNDATION LAUNCHES METS NIKE RBI PROGRAM

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation announced the launch of the New York Mets participation in Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program, an outreach initiative designed to increase involvement and interest in baseball and softball for underrepresented communities. The Foundation is furthering its commitment to developing youth baseball athletes by sponsoring the Mets’ first Nike RBI Team.

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso will serve as the team’s Nike RBI ambassador. The Mets Nike RBI team will consist of 18 local, talented baseball players, ages 11 and 12. These athletes will wear special Mets uniforms as they compete in tournaments throughout the tri-state area.

On May 31, the team visited Citi Field and received their new uniforms and equipment bags from Alonso, David Peterson, and Tyrone Taylor, before they were recognized on the field during a pregame ceremony.The youth athletes also participated in the high five tunnel, greeting the Mets as they took the field against the Colorado Rockies.

For more information, fans can visit: Mets.com/MetsRBI.

AMAZIN’ METS FOUNDATION EXPANDS COACH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

In May, the Foundation announced the expansion of its Coach Development Program, a key initiative designed to address one of the most persistent barriers in youth sports: lack of access. In partnership with the Center for Healing & Justice Through Sport (CHJS), the program provides local baseball and softball coaches with essential tools to create safe, supportive, and high-quality experiences for young athletes throughout the tri-state area.

First launched in 2023, the Coach Development Program connects community coaches with research-backed practice plans, trauma-informed strategies, and inclusive coaching techniques. With the ongoing support of CHJS, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all young people have access to healing-centered and equitable sport, the program has reached hundreds of local coaches and continues to grow.

SMILE TUESDAYS WITH FRANCISCO LINDOR

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor hosted youth from Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities at Citi Field on Tuesday, May 27.

Elmcor, a grantee of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, aims to foster positive life changes in members of the community through skills development that leads to self-sufficiency, a sense of accountability, and a strong, empowered community. The children met with Francisco, watched batting practice, received Mets swag, and learned dental hygiene tips from Francisco and team dentist Dr. Howard Livers, DDS.

BUDDY HEADS TO FORMAL TRAINING

On May 12, Buddy, the official MetsVetDog, celebrated his final Mets game of the 2025 season before beginning his formal service dog training in June.

Introduced in May 2024, Buddy has spent the past year attending games and community events as part of his basic training and socialization.

To date, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation has funded $150,000 in grants to America’s VetDogs. The Mets were the first Major League Baseball team to partner with the organization to raise a future service dog.

Fans can follow Buddy’s journey on X, Instagram, and Tik Tok.

METS ON THE MOVE

The Mets are dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of the local community through a range of programs. Through partnerships with organizations like Hospital for Special Surgery, they are able to inspire children across New York City to stay active and healthy all year round.

One such program is Mets on the Move program, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). This gives children a fun way to learn about fitness through a Mets inspired curriculum.

In honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, Mets pitcher Reed Garrett joined Mr. Met and members of HSS at P.S. 60 in Queens to visit students for a fun Mets-themed workout. Reed led different games and exercises throughout the event and encouraged students to stay motivated and active throughout the rest of the program, tracking as many steps as possible with their pedometer watches. The students are encouraged to take more steps as that will lead to more Mets prizes.

AMAZIN’ METS FOUNDATION HONORED WITH GIRL SCOUTS GOLD AWARD

Led by Alex Cohen, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation was grateful to be honored with the Girl Scout Gold Award at the Girl Scouts of Greater New York’s Gold Achievement Gala. This recognition reflects the Foundation’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families across the community.

50/50 BENEFICIARIES

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s 50/50 Raffle program offers fans a chance to win cash prizes while supporting the Foundation’s impactful work in the community. Throughout May, proceeds from select games benefited three nonprofit organizations, two of which are Foundation grantees.

In honor of Military Appreciation Month and to commemorate Buddy the MetsVetDog’s final Mets game before beginning his formal service dog training, proceeds from the Monday, May 12 raffle supported America’s VetDogs.

To honor the memory of longtime Mets photographer Marc Levine, raffle proceeds from Tuesday, May 13 were donated to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Marc served on the board of the organization’s Metro New York chapter.

Finally, in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, proceeds from the Wednesday, May 14 raffle benefited the Chinese-American Planning Council.

Inside Mets Community