This story began with a simple question: If you could own one piece of memorabilia from Mets history, what would it be?
New York Mets owner Steven A. Cohen (@StevenACohen2) — the gift that keeps on giving, Clark — looked wide-eyed into the camera and, without hesitation, presented the “Buckner Ball” from the 1986 World Series.
“What I’m going to do is I’m going to put it in the Met Museum”@StevenACohen2 owns the Buckner Ball (!) and shows it off to @SteveGelbs https://t.co/VVFrzdggFS pic.twitter.com/dSb6xxhxW4
— SNY (@SNYtv) November 26, 2020
Either the joke is on every Mets fan or the man has an innate ability to delight the fan base beyond their wildest imagination.
On Thanksgiving eve, Cohen appeared on SNY-TV for a one-on-one interview to discuss his fandom and generally energize Mets fans with hope.
As if the presentation of the “Buckner Ball” wasn’t enough, Mets fans began adding new layers to the story in real-time on social media.
Former ESPN staple, and renowned baseball fan, @KeithOlbermann offered to pair his Bill Buckner glove with the ball for the Mets museum and Hall of Fame.
Hey, you know what, @StevenACohen2, if you want a loan of Billy Buck’s glove for the display, I’m all in…
It’d be nice if the glove and the ball touched for the first time 😉
Over to you @SteveGelbs https://t.co/7n8MkGqUXP pic.twitter.com/kZQn28ghsL
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) November 26, 2020
Soon after, sports memorabilia collector @GaryTaffet offered to loan Buckner’s game worn cleats to Cohen and the Mets as an optional pairing for the display.
@StevenACohen2 Great interview. You have the Buckner ball. I have Mookie’s cleats he wore when he hit that famous grounder. Would love to loan this to Mets Museum this year. Pair it with the ball. Interested? LGM! @Mets pic.twitter.com/SOPpvUWFND
— Gary Taffet (@GaryTaffet) November 26, 2020
Why do I feel like this story has another chapter, or two?
SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONDS TO COHEN
THE OWNER OF THE @Mets OWNS THE BUCKNER BALL!!!!!
I AM DEAD. pic.twitter.com/1LW7U92Pkw
— Shannon (@Miss_Met) November 26, 2020
Incredible interview so far from the man, @StevenACohen2. How he talks about Mets fans is quite literally, a dream come true! #LGM #Mets #MetsFansUnited
— MetsFansUnited (@MetsFansUnited1) November 26, 2020
Incredible interview so far from the man, @StevenACohen2. How he talks about Mets fans is quite literally, a dream come true! #LGM #Mets #MetsFansUnited
— Steven A. Cohen makes #MetsFansUnited (@MetsFansUnited1) November 26, 2020
Love this story!! I know I’m speaking for ALL #Mets Fans around the globe……WE LOVE YOU UNCLE @StevenACohen2!! Thank You for Your Energy & Your Passion for All Things #Mets!! You’ve given us Fans lots to be Thankful for. Blessed Thanksgiving!! 🧡💙
— Mona J. Eskridge 💜🙏🗽 (@MonaGirlNYC) November 26, 2020
So cool. Every time I think I can’t love him more, stuff like this comes out. I can’t wait for the season to start. #LGM
— Robert Smith (@deadfrog51) November 26, 2020
Somebody pinch me. This guy is too good to be true #LFGM
— dante cuzzolino (@dante_cuzzolino) November 26, 2020
Is this heaven?
— SheaFanatic (@FanaticShea) November 26, 2020