FEATURE: The Real Stars of Shea

One of the most interesting and eeriest experiences I have had in my life. That is one way to describe being in an empty Shea Stadium.

Why was I there? Well, I was thinking us fans always get to hear about the players and coaches who go in and out, playing a grueling 162 game schedule. But what about the people who help run the Stadium? People like the beer man, the security all work for the Mets, making sure that everything runs smoothly.

Outside, there are many workers waiting until they get to work. Its amazing how many people work there. The numbers has to be at least in the hundreds. Talk about strength in numbers. As I went through the halls, I see people standing on a line to check in. Everyone looked kind of exhausted.

These people run around constantly for three-plus hours, serving fans, sometimes from great heights. Its not fun running around, carrying a big cooler full of beer from the upper deck, trying to avoid looking down at all costs.

As I walked through the halls of the pre-game version of Shea, it felt really quiet…too quiet. Maybe this is what it’s going to feel like when they open Citi Field for the first time.

A couple of employees took time out of their day to stop and talk about what they do and other good stuff.

When asked about what was their favorite moment, most of the employees instantly remember Endy Chavez’s Superman catch in the 2006 National League Championship Series against the Cardinals…And what a spectacle it was.

Video: Endy Chavez's leaping catch

At first there weren’t many people who wanted to talk to me as they looked busy getting ready for the game that night but I managed to find Frank, a bartender for 10 years at the stadium, Alicia, a lotto ticket vendor and Elias, a vendor who has been a part of the Shea experience for two seasons already. All these individuals seem to enjoy what they do to make a living.

ALICIA

Lotto Vendor

Mike, a alcohol inspector, is supposed to make sure that the employees selling alcohol are doing their job. This is his third season.


Just to give u a preview of what they do. Lets look at opening day where security was working even the rooftops of Shea to make sure everything is ok (WARNING:UNCENSORED Language)



At that game, I remember security guards taking out people left and right for bad behavior. Here is a soft version of what security can do.

Finally, don’t ask how I got in, it’s best not to say anything. Let’s put it this way, yours truly almost was going to be mince meat if I was caught. Just enjoy!

Endy Chavez footage courtesy of MSN.com