I never saw Tom Seaver pitch.

I was born his rookie year in 1967.  I don’t recall the 1969 World Series, though Dad once told that my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents probably rooted for the New York Mets because they were the National League team.

I really started paying attention to baseball long after his time as one of the dominant pitchers of the game. And I didn’t become a Mets fan until 1984.

But I know how much he means to the Mets. You don’t get called ‘The Franchise’ for nothing.

The only interaction I ever had with Seaver was when he was a broadcaster for the Mets in late 1980s.  I was in a group of autograph hounds near the visitors’ dugout at Candlestick Park.  He came onto the field during batting practice, I spotted him, and screamed, “Hey, Tom, can you sign a few?” to which he looked our way, smiled, waved, and said “Sorry!”

At the time I was a little miffed that he snubbed us, but years later realized that the guy was probably doing his job, maybe setting up an interview or just imparting some knowledge to some of the current Mets.

I just watched the last half of the Tom Seaver statue ceremony from Citi Field.  It was nice, but I honestly don’t feel the same emotional bond that so many other Mets fans have for the man.

It is a nice statue, though.