The Mets' Grimace obsession, explained: Why the team loves this McDonald's character
The McDonald’s character Grimace somehow became an unexpected but incredibly important part of the New York Mets season.
Grimace became more than just a face that a baseball player makes when he is hit by a fastball before he takes his base. It is now integral to the DNA of what makes this season special to the New York fanbase.
While you may know about the “OMG” sign and you recently learned about the playoff pumpkin, the McDonald’s mascot is another layer to the Mets lore in 2024.
So here is what you need to know about what is happening and why this is such a thing for this MLB team.
When did the Grimace era start?
(Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
It was June 12 and the season was not going well for the Mets.
Grimace was celebrating his birthday, which is apparently a thing that happens with characters in the McDonald’s universe. As part of the unique celebration, the purple mascot was tasked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field.
Although the Mets had a losing record at the time, they immediately went on a winning streak and everything began to turn around.
Before the team had any affiliation with Grimace, they were 28-37 (.430) and the playoffs seemed like a pipe dream. But since then, the Mets went 61-38 (.628) and were one of the hottest and most dominant teams in the MLB.
What do fans and players think of Grimace?
Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Needless to say, fans have fallen in love with the Grimace era of the Mets.
Some have worn costumes of Grimace while chugging beer and others have gotten spotted in the background of home runs, like this amazing shot of an absolute dinger from Brandon Nimmo.
The outfielder has said that Grimace has played a role in why New York has had so much success this season (via SNY):
“I don’t know about coincidences. He definitely correlates with us going on this run. So if that’s what you want to attribute it to, I am all for it.”
During an in-game interview, first baseman Pete Alonso added that if the Mets can keep Grimace around then “good things” would happen.
New York star Francisco Lindor, meanwhile, told USA TODAY’s Mackenzie Salmon that “it’s great” if fans feel this is what is helping them win.
The fast food chain has embraced the “Grimace effect” as well.
Why is there a purple seat at Citi Field?
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
As a tribute to commemorate everything that Grimace has done for the franchise this season, the Mets installed a purple seat at Citi Field.
The team revealed this installation before the game on September 16, and he attended that game as well. New York added the purple seat for Section 302, Row 6, Seat 12. The “6” and “12” signify the June 12 birthday and first pitch anniversary.
Fans can sit in that seat to honor Grimace, as silly as that sounds, to feel the special connection to the McDonald’s mascot.