As a Chicagoan and Cubs fan, I am not supposed to like the New York Mets, right? Well, I do, because the organization makes it easy to like them.

I’ll start with Nicole Chayet, the media relations coordinator. Despite it being one of the hardest tickets to get all season, Nicole couldn’t have been more facilitating to Louie Atsaves and myself in our effort to experience CitiField and share it with Global Traveler‘s readers. At CitiField, all staffers from the first parking lot attendant to the elevator operator to the field security were as pleasant and helpful as could be.

CitiField is one of the newest and most impressive stadiums. The design was intended to bring the fans closer to the field. The concourses are wide and airy. Much of the area features unobstructed sightlines to the field. More than 40 percent of the stadium’s 42,000-capacity seating can be found on the Concourse level.

One of the highlights for us was talking to legendary groundskeeper Pete Flynn. Flynn has been a groundskeeper since 1964. Flynn has done it all. He drove the Beatles from the stage at second base to their awaiting limo during their 1965 concert at Shea Stadium. Many years later, he drove McCartney to the stage to appear with Billy Joel in concert. Flynn talked of his love for the team, the fans and, of course, the field. Willie Mays was the best he has seen.

During batting practice, we were up close and personal with the players and coaches, discussing travel and baseball. There is never an obligation for anyone to talk, but many did and others politely declined for various reasons (most having to do with baseball activities). Mick Kelleher, Yankees coach and former player with our Chicago Cubs, talked to us at length. Kelleher named Chicago as the city he enjoyed the most during his career (with the Cubs or as a visiting player). This was before he even knew we were from Chicago. Once we told him that and said we were big fans, he expressed genuine gratitude. We also interviewed Yankees coach Tony Pena. Pena (former major league catcher) also named Chicago as his favorite place to visit. He mentioned shopping as the reason. Finally, we settled into our seats and enjoyed a great game.

Jason Bay‘s two-run home run was the key hit in the 6-4 Mets victory. Johan Santana pitched seven-and-two-thirds innings to earn his fourth win. Everyone went home happy, especially me and Louie. The Mets are currently in last place at 23-23, but they are only four games out of first. They might not be in first place (yet), but they are definitely first class.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist