A fellow stay-at-home dad/native of Cincinnati and I recently took our little girls into what we thought would be hostile territory to watch a Reds/Mets baseball game at New York’s Citi Field. It probably didn’t help our cause much with my wearing a Yankees cap.

However, everybody was very polite and nobody said anything.

At least not to our faces.

Given it was around naptime for my Little One when we got off the subway in Queens, I tried to stroller her into a nap. After 10 minutes, I succeeded. Since we could use the strollers in Citi Field, my friend and I decided to push her right inside.

I pulled my diaper bag out of the bottom of the stroller in advance of the gate and unzipped it so the security personnel could inspect the innards to ensure that I wasn’t toting in C4 with my Burt’s Bees Diaper Ointment. With half a glance at the bag, the security guy then asked me to take my baby (she’s really a toddler) out of the stroller, please.

A sleeping baby (um, toddler).

Wake the baby or make a break for it?

Now, as everybody knows, you are asking for a huge world of hurt if you rouse a sleeping baby — toddler — even for baseball. But what was I to do?

My friend was already inside and to turn around at the security checkpoint to hang out in the parking lot until she woke up 35 minutes later likely would have only brought suspicion down on my head. Which might have resulted in my not being allowed into the game at all. And then I would have come to Queens for no reason.

Trust me, if you ever go to Queens, you really ought to have a reason for doing it.

So I pulled her out. She immediately woke up. Satisfied that there wasn’t a grenade strapped to the ass of my kid, the guard waved us through.

This is going to be a disaster, I thought. She was groggy, blurry eyed and cranky. She immediately started with her patented “Go! Go!” that she uses when she doesn’t want to be someplace.

I had made a terrible mistake. And I hated that security guard.

We settled into our seats, which were excellent, by the way: three rows back from the left field wall where home run balls are a real concern when you’ve got a baby (ugh – toddler) on your lap. The seats, had they been crosstown at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx (if you go to The Bronx — brother, you REALLY better have a reason) would have gone for something like $350. Here, they cost only $19 on StubHub. Little One kept up with her “Go! Go!” but then they started to turn into “Yay! Yay!” and clapped her hands with everybody else once the game started.

She actually stayed in her seat and let me put on her hat (pink, Yankees – sorry) and she let me put on her sunglasses (pink), apply sunblock (chalky), and change her out of her pants and into her (pink) shorts when it got hot. My baby — TODDLER — even tracked the baseball that Cincinnati’s Joey Votto hit into the seats about 15 feet from us (in the ESPN SportsCenter highlight of Votto’s home run blast later that night, she appeared as the light pink blur that doesn’t move while everybody else around her stands up and leans left).

Life lessons learned

She also learned from dear ol’ dad that you never throw the baseball back. Never, ever toss it back on the field! No matter how many home fans around you are clamoring for you to do so. Why? Because:

1. You might hit and injure a player who isn’t expecting a baseball to come from behind him, and
2. This will very likely never happen to you ever again.

You keep the ball. No matter what. Always. The bozo kid who caught the ball in the next section over from us tossed it back, much to the delight of the 30,000 Mets fans on hand. What are parents teaching kids these days?

Little One, it turned out, was great. In fact, both babies — dammit, TODDLERS — were great. Much better than ever could have been hoped for. They even let us stay through the entire game (Reds won 7-4). Who could ask for more than that? A perfect game on a perfect day with the perfect effing offspring? Who could want more than that?

Well, if Joey Votto had smacked that ball about 14 or 15 feet farther to the left and about three rows up, that would’ve been all right, too.

About the author

Jason Duncan (holding Little One in the photo) is a full-time stay-at-home dad, writer, blogger, fly fisher and terrier owner.

Baby and baseball photo: © Katrina Brown / Adobe Stock.

Baseball season has arrived in New York! If you are looking for a way to enjoy a ball game with your kids, we have got your guide to family-friendly baseball in and around NYC right here. Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for 2024.

But before you go to a game …

Review the home team’s policy for bringing bags (such as diaper bags) and outside food and drink into the ballpark.

Family-friendly NYC baseball: Major Leagues

New York Mets —  We’ve written many times over the years about how the Mets and Citi Field in Queens, by far, are the most family-friendly Major League Baseball option in NYC.  They offer family/child ticket deals, giveaways and, after Sunday home games, a post-game “kids run the bases” event. They have an awesome fun zone to entertain kids, big and small, in the center field plaza. And don’t forget the perks like free tickets and gear if your child joins the Mr. and Mrs. Met’s Kids Club. In 2022, the Mets added a Sensory Nook, a specially designed quiet area to help those with autism, ADHD and dyslexia escape from the overstimulation that can occur at major sporting events.

New York Yankees — The perennial AL East contenders finally started offering something just for your little Bronx Bomber at Yankee Stadium in 2017. That’s when the team opened its Kids Clubhouse, a 2,850-square-foot area on the 300 level in right field. It has baseball-themed playground equipment on a soft artificial surface and shaded areas with interactive exhibits. Parents can play along or watch the kiddies from a dugout a few feet away. The area includes TV monitors so you don’t miss the game, family restrooms with changing tables and a private space for nursing mothers.

Family-friendly NYC area baseball: The Minors

Sure, it’s not the big leagues. For families, though, minor league baseball is much cheaper and often more fun. You and the kids can get closer to the action at these more intimate parks and the home teams tend to emphasize entertaining the fans more than just making a buck.

Brooklyn Cyclones — The Single A affiliate of the Mets offers the Puzzle Piece Funhouse, “a sensory safe space, designed specifically to accommodate children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as their families,” according to their website. You must apply online to use this space. Check the promotion schedule for fireworks nights and the chance to run the bases after a game. Tickets tend to sell out quickly for this cool park that has views of both the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring Coney Island.

Somerset Patriots — Pinstripers of the future are showcased in Bridgewater Township, N.J., a bit over an hour from Manhattan by car or 75 to 90 minutes by train. After hosting an independent team for more than 20 years, the Patriots in 2012 became the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate. This beautiful retro-style park opened in 1999, featuring lawn seating for the squirmier set. There’s also a kids’ fun zone, frequent post-game fireworks shows and Sunday kids “run the bases” events. You can even order food from any seat using a mobile app and then pick it up at the concession to minimize missing game action. If you plan on hitting multiple games, consider having your child join the Sluggers Kids Club. For $25, they get tickets to Sunday home games, goodies and access to some cool kid events.

Independent, collegiate league baseball for the family

Independent and collegiate league baseball is another great baseball option. The level of play may be a step below the Minors, but your kids will have as much — if not more — fun. You may see some past or future big league starts. Best of all, it’s only a fraction of the cost.

Long Island Ducks — Just an hour east of Queens in Central Islip and only a short Uber ride from the nearest Long Island Railroad stop are the Ducks. This original member of the independent Atlantic League always competes for the title. Kids under age 3 are free but must sit on an adult’s lap. Children age 14 and under can join the Kids Club to receive discounts and special deals. Watch for special on-field events and promotions.

New Jersey Jackals — Part of the independent Frontier League, the Jackels moved to a “new” historic ballpark for 2023 – recently renovated Hinchliffe Stadium in Patterson, N.J. Hinchliffe originally opened in 1932 as one of the nation’s finest Negro Leagues ballparks and is now one of only two remaining in the country. Future baseball Hall of Famers Leroy “Satchel” Paige, Josh Gibson, James “Cool Papa” Bell and Paterson native Larry Doby all played at the stadium. The ballpark, only 35 minutes from Manhattan by car, is to feature a museum dedicated to the history of the Negro Leagues.

New York Boulders — Also part of the Frontier League, the (formerly Rockland) Boulders play in a beautiful ballpark in Pomona, N.Y., about 80 minutes by car north of Manhattan. In addition to a playground, there’s also a batting cage, a mini-golf course and mini-train ride. All have a clear view to the field so you don’t miss the on-field action. Plus, the players exit the field through the stands so stick around after the game for autographs and photos (see the photo at the top of this post).

Staten Island FerryHawks — New in 2022 is this independent Atlantic League team. They play in the recently renovated former home of the Single A Yankees affiliate. It’s a short walk from the Staten Island ferry. Children 3 years or younger are not required to have a ticket during game days. Kids can run the bases after Sunday home games.

Trenton Thunder — This former Yankees affiliate is now in the MLB Draft League, a summer collegiate league for top baseball prospects. Your child can join Boomer’s Kids Club, a paid membership deal that offers ticket and gear discounts and cool game-day/on-field opportunities. Look for promo days when kids eat free or can run the bases. The ballpark in Trenton is about 90 minutes from NYC, via car or N.J. Transit train.

Photos: Kevin McKeever

They may not have as many world championships as another baseball team in town, but the New York Mets continue to lead our city in family friendliness when it comes to taking the kids out to the ol’ ball game.

Here’s what the Metropolitans have in store for families and children in 2018:

Mets Family Sundays return – 13 times!

We’ve raved about Mets Family Sundays in years past with good reason. There are lots for kids of all ages and their parents to do even if the game doesn’t hold everyone’s attention.

It all starts this Sunday, April 1, with the first of 13 popular Mets Family Sundays. These games include two matchups against division rivals the Washington Nationals, crosstown rivals the Yankees, and the popular Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.

The Mets family fun starts two hours before the first pitch of these home games. Hang out at Mets Plaza (in front of the main stadium entrance by the subway stairs) and lets the kids play games, jump on inflatables, get their faces painted or just listen to music.

Family Sundays giveaways

Arriving early for Mets Family Sundays ensures you get a cool gift. Some of this year’s Family Sundays promotional items include: a Build-a-Bear (April 1), a Mets cap (June 24), a W.B. Mason toy truck (July 15) and a Mets lunch bag (August 26).

Runs the bases like a big leaguer

After a Mets Family Sundays game, children ages 12 and under can run the bases at Citi Field just like their favorite major league player. For free! The Mr. Met Dash, as it is known, is quite popular so be prepared to start lining up in the late innings. The event, like all outdoor activities at the game, is weather permitting.

Mets Family Fun at every home game

Sunday is not the only day for family friendliness at Citi Field.

Fan Fest: Once the stadium gates open you can head to the popular FanFest area on the field level beyond center field. Here you can slug Wiffle balls out of scale Citi Field, fire a fastball to drop someone into the dunk tank, play various games, and even get a photo with the one and only Mr. Met and his wife, Mrs. Met. Weather permitting, the FanFest area remains open until the seventh inning.

Kids meals: Young fans can purchase a Kids’ Meal (a Nathan’s hot dog, popcorn, juice box and prize) for just $7 at the concession stand located behind Section 121 on the Field Level.

First game certificates: Make you kids first-ever visit to Citi Field by getting them a First Game Certificate. Stop by any Fan Assistance station to sign-up for one.

While everything we’ve mentioned so far is included in the price of admission, you can get a few bonuses if you sign your child up for one of the three Mr. Met’s Kids Club memberships.

First, the team has added a free Kids Club membership for 2018. Members receive a vouchers for two free tickets in the Promenade Outfield section for a select home game along with access to offer tickets offers to home games for the Mets and their Brooklyn Cyclones minor league team.

The $35 “All-Star membership” package gets you four free tickets in the Promenade Outfield section for a select game while the $55 “MVP” package upgrades you to the Field Level seats.

Getting one of the paid memberships does have its perks. The All-Star and MVP packages offer your child a “passport” and lanyard. Bring it on Mets Family Sundays for “Fast Pass access” through the line for the post-game Mr. Met Dash. Also, if you get the passport scanned at the FanFest area any time you go to a game, you collect stamps that make you eligible for cool prizes such as a special cap or jersey.

A paid Mr. Met’s Kids Club membership also gets your kid:

• Two “buy one, get one free” ticket offers, good for most home games throughout the season
• Four complimentary tickets to see the team’s Single A minor league team, the Brooklyn Cyclones, at a select game at their Coney island ballpark
• Mets drawstring bag
• Mets pencil case, bookmark, and doortag
• Pair of Mets wristbands

So enjoy some Mets family fun with your kids at Citi Field in 2018 and, when you do, let them know NYC Dads Group sent ya!

UPDATED FOR 2024!

Mets Family Sundays return this season to Citi Field, home of our beloved New York Metropolitans, and we highly recommend you take your kids out there if you are looking for a great time filled with good baseball, good food and good fun for all ages.

We’ve raved about Mets Family Sundays in years past and this year looks to be another winner. Here’s what’s on tap for the Mets’ Sunday home games:

Fun off-the-field …

For the two hours before the game’s first pitch, you can hang out at Mets Plaza (the garden-like area in front of the main entrance where the old Home Run Apple is located) where you will find games, inflatables, face painting and music to entertain your young fan.

Once you enter the ballpark, your family may want to check out the popular FanFest area on the field level beyond center field. Here you can slug Wiffle balls out of scale Citi Field, dunk someone wearing the jersey of the day’s opponent, play various games, and maybe even get a photo with the one and only Mr. Met and his wife, Mrs. Met. Weather permitting, the FanFest area opens once the stadium gates do and remains so until the seventh inning.

… and on: The Mr. Met Dash

Children age 12 and under can run the bases just like the big leaguers after Sunday games at Citi Field (again, weather permitting). For free!

Mets Family Sundays giveaways

Arriving early on Sundays ensures you get one of the many cool gifts the Mets give their fans on these special days. Family Sundays promotional items include bobbleheads, Mets jerseys and more!

Bonus: Mr. Met’s Kids Club

While everything we’ve mentioned so far is included in the price of admission, you can get a few extra perks if you pay “a mere bag of shells” (as Mets’ radio announcer Howie Rose would say, fondly quoting The Honeymooners’ Ralph Kramden) to sign your child up for a Mr. Met’s Kids Club membership.

Your child receives a “passport” and lanyard. Bring it on Mets Family Sundays for “Fast Pass access” through the line for the post-game Mr. Met Dash. Also, if you get the passport scanned at the FanFest area any time you go to a game, you collect stickers that make you eligible for cool prizes.

A Mr. Met’s Kids Club membership also gets you:

• Free and discounted ticket offers.
• Your name in lights on the scoreboard at a select game
• Four complimentary tickets to see the team’s Single A minor league team, the Brooklyn Cyclones, at a select game at their Coney island ballpark
• Access to other Mr. Met’s Kids Club ticket offers
• All sorts of goodies every month of the season.

So get out to Mets Family Sundays and let them know NYC Dads Group sent ya!

There is a good chance New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom will miss a start in April for the birth of his first child. And good for him.

DeGrom, the 2014 National League Rookie of the Year, will have the opportunity to pitch 30 more times for the defending NL champions. But he will only have one opportunity to see that baby being born. Those first moments are when a dad gets the opportunity to first bond with his child.

Another Met on paternity leave

No doubt the radio airwaves will be aflutter about whether he should or shouldn’t take the time off, just as they were two years ago when Daniel Murphy took paternity leave and missed the first two games of the Mets’ 2014 season. Manager Terry Collins will be inundated with questions about moving around the rotation. Pandemonium among the media will surely ensue.

DeGrom is fulfilling his right as a Major League Baseball player. Starting with the 2011 season, a team can put a player on its “paternity leave list” so he can attend the birth of his child. A player placed on the paternity leave list must miss the next team game, but no more than three games in total. The team can use another player from its 40-man roster to replace a player on the paternity leave list.

Honestly, it’s none of our business if deGrom wants to spend that time with his new family. There is something special about driving your first child home from the hospital. That slow careful drive. And bringing him or her into your home, when for the first time it’s you, your wife and the baby. That is when it’s really real.

So, Jacob, if you need to miss two starts that is cool with me. Being a starting pitcher for the Mets is now your second most important job.

A version of this first appeared on Great Moments in Bad Parenting.

Editor’s Note: As you know, we at NYC Dads Group love our New York Mets — even more so now that they are fighting this week to beat the Cubs (2 and 0, baby!) to play in the 2015 World Series. In this post, member Jason Greene writes about how his daughter had a once-in-a lifetime experience at Citi Field waiting for a Mets game to start.

Usually when fans go to a baseball game, it is their team that provides the special memory. On this beautiful day at Citi Field, home of our beloved New York Mets, a visiting player gave our family a special moment.

None of my kids had ever caught a ball at a game until Atlanta Braves pitcher David Aardsma provided my daughter with a memory that will last a lifetime.

If you have ever gone into the outfield seats for batting practice at a home Mets game, you know how annoying kids can be. That might be kind of harsh coming from a dad blogger, but it is the truth. In the outfield bleachers, hundreds of young children, teenagers, and even grown men shout at the players in hopes of getting a ball thrown their way. Usually, a player will toss up a ball to quiet the yelling crowd. Sometimes though, when a visiting team comes into town, the heckling crowd is so annoying that the visiting team never tosses balls into the crowd. And who could blame them, given the comments that are coming from behind them?

My daughter is not one of the kids that yell at the visiting players, but she was surrounded by annoying boys who pushed and jostled her, significantly decreasing her chances of catching a ball. My daughter is very petite. She just turned 9, but she was born a preemie and at times can be overshadowed by much bigger kids.

Anyway …

She stood along the wall with her glove out, not really expecting a ball to come her way. In fact, I think she may have even hoped that nothing would come her way – she was simply having fun being part of the crowd. I stood behind her for protection, in case anyone tried to run over her while chasing a ball. Aardsma was shagging balls in the outfield and caught a ball near the wall. He turned to toss it into the crowd and found my daughter. Pointing up at her, he motioned for the boys to step aside and yelled, “This one’s for her,” and tossed the ball up into the bleachers for her to grab. The ball bounced off her glove and fell to the ground. A mad dash ensued for the ball, but I was right there and picked it up and handed it to my daughter. Aardsma yelled at my daughter to throw it back to him, and she did. He yelled instructions up to her on how to catch a ball and threw it back. Again, she dropped it. And so this game of catch continued – a big-league player instructing a 9-year-old girl on the proper way to catch a baseball. They threw it back and forth 10 to 15 times.

Now, the Atlanta Braves were not on my daughter’s radar of teams that interested her. But because of a game of catch with a MLB player, the Atlanta Braves have a new admirer. Actually, David Aardsma has a new admirer.

I didn’t know anything about Mr. Aardsama, other than that he is a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. So I looked him up on Twitter and saw that the first thing he has listed on his profile is “Baseball and family.” The way he interacted with my daughter proves that he really does believe that baseball and family are things to be cherished.

I wanted the ball to go on her shelf, along with her other special things collected over the years, but she chooses to carry around the ball in her purse.  After all, you never know when a game of catch will break out.

A version of this first appeared on One Good Dad.

The New York Mets’ home ballpark Citi Field is one of the most family-friendly in Major League Baseball based on our many visits there and to stadiums around the country, and this year the Mets’ are again working hard to get you and your kids out to experience it for yourselves with its Family Sundays program.

Family Sundays: Giveaways galore

Each Sunday Mets game at Citi Field in 2015 will feature a different kids-themed promotional giveaway, such as children’s sunglasses, posters and wall decals of Mets’ players such as Lucas Duda and Curtis Granderson, ball  caps and more. At yesterday’s game, we each received a David Wright poster schedule.

Pretty sweet, right?

Let your kid run the bases

The Good Humor Fan Fest area has lots of games and activities for children of all ages. It’s centerpiece is the scale replica Citi Field for wiffle ball home run derby. That’s always a blast for the wee ones, but how often will they ever get the chance to run the bases around a real Major League infield?

They will after every Mets Sunday home game with the Mr. Met Dash. Kids age 12 and under can run the bases and meet everyone’s favorite mascot.

While my boy is 12, he is 5-foot-10 (seriously) and felt odd running the base paths yesterday with kids half his size, but here’s a shot of him doing this after a Family Sunday game a few years back.

Mr. Met’s Kids Club

While there is no charge to do the Mr. Met Dash, as they say, membership has its privileges. One of the many perks of paying $29 to join the Orange Membership level of the upgraded Mr. Met Mets Kids Club is a special membership card and lanyard that gives your child front-of-the-line privileges for Mr. Met Dash. That means no missing a 9th inning Mets’ comeback (like we did a few years back) to get a good spot in line for the post-game run.

Regardless of whether you sign your little slugger up for the $29 Orange or free Blue membership, children who get their membership cards stamped at the Mr. Met’s Kids Club Kiosk on Family Sundays receive recognition (their names on the scoreboard for one) and getter benefits, such as a free Mets cap and player autographs, depending on how many Sunday games the member attends.

Eat it

Lots of kid- (and adult-) friendly food options at Citi Field. Rather than wait in the endless lines at the Shake Shack in the center field area, we opt for the more accessible staples. Pretzels, Crackerjack, nachos, hot dogs and the kosher knishes (I do wish they’d put the caramelized onions on the knishes again like they did when Citi Field first opened, but …) For adults, try the killer burgers ar Keith’s Grill in the left field corner. They come with a bag of chips and a Tootsie Roll pop you can give to the wee one.

Overall, we give the Mets, Citi Field and Family Sundays a rave review whether they win or lose on the field.

DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post done in exchange for some sweet, sweet complimentary tickets to a Mets’ home game. The opinions are mine, all mine.

We NYC Dads love baseball and passing on the love of the National Pastime to our kids. That is possible with the great deals and amenities the most family-friendly Major League Baseball team in New York, the Mets, offer families.

In addition to the updated Fan Fest area behind center field — featuring a scale version of Citi Field for Wiffle ball home run derby, a batting cage, a dunk tank, video game kiosks and more for the kids — the Mets have also improved its Mr. Met’s Kids Club.

Those who sign their child up for one of the paid memberships to the Mr. Met’s Kids Club receive vouchers for free or discounted tickets to certain Mets home games  Other benefits can include:

• Club membership T-shirt and other goodies
• Access to additional exclusive ticket offers
• Membership card and lanyard for the Mets’ Family Sundays program. This gives you “fast pass” access for the post-game “Kids Run The Bases” on the field perk after Sunday afternoon games at Citi Field
• Vouchers for tickets to select Brooklyn Cyclones games
• A frequent visitors punch card that, with enough visits to the Mr. Met’s Kids Club Kiosk in center field, earns you more benefits, such as free Mets gear and even on-field recognition.

Choose the free membership for your child and you still receive complimentary tickets for select home games and offers for other ticket deals.

Go to the Mr. Met’s Kids Club page on Mets.com for details.

DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post written in exchange for some sweet, sweet complimentary tickets to a Mets’ home game.

John Franco was one of the most reliable relief pitchers of his time, or any time, for that matter. He began his baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1984, but spent the majority of his 21-year career playing for his hometown team, the New York Mets.

The Mets also happen to be the hometown team of our household and it would be difficult to find a bigger fan than my 10-year-old son.

My son recently interviewed Franco and, considering the Mets legend that he is, my son was expectedly nervous. But soon after meeting Franco, all of my son’s nervousness was gone:

What did it feel like to be a Major League Player?

John Franco: What did it feel like? It felt very, very good. When I was a lad about your age: 10 or 11 years old, I had always wanted to be a baseball player. I wanted to be in the big leagues. And plus to play for the team that I rooted for, the Mets, it was really an honor.

What is the hardest part about being a Major League Player?

John Franco: The hardest part about being a Major League player is being away from your family: No. 1, that’s pretty hard. And No. 2 is just trying perform at a high level every day is really hard. It’s a lot of hard work. It’s time consuming. And you have to make sure you stay in shape and perform at a high level.

What was it like to be away from your family so much?

John Franco: It was kind of sad, because I have a daughter and a son and I missed a lot of recitals, baseball games, a lot of things; family parties, birthdays. It was hard being away from them. What was it like to play in your home city?

John Franco: It was great. I grew up a Met fan and finally had a chance to come home and play in front of my friends and family. And the best thing about it was I didn’t have to uproot my family. I could see my kids more than I was seeing them. I would be away a week and come home a week. I could see them more.

When did you know your baseball skills were special?

John Franco: I would say in High School. I started playing real well in High School and took a step or two in front of the other players.

When did you work extra hard at baseball?

John Franco: I always worked hard; ever since I was a kid, 10 or 11 years old. Whenever I had a game, I would take extra batting practice, extra fielding practice. And when the game was over, I would go home and play ball with my friends and we played all day; till we got tired. Till it got dark. Till our parents said come in and eat.

Have you ever had a coach that pushed you too hard?

John Franco: Did I ever had a coach that pushed me too hard? Uh, not really. All of my coaches were really cool. They pushed me, but not too hard. They knew exactly how to push me, but not overdo it.

Were you ever nervous before a game or while you were in the bullpen?

John Franco: Always nervous. I had butterflies in my stomach all the time. But as soon as you throw that first pitch, all those butterflies fly out of your stomach and it’s all business. Every day I was nervous.

Did you ever get so mad at another player that you threw the ball at them?

John Franco: Can’t tell you that one. (Laughs) No, not really. You try not to hit other players on purpose. But sometimes you have to pitch inside to get them off the plate.

Did you ever cry after a game?

John Franco: Pretty close when we lost the 1999 playoffs to the Braves. It was a tough series. And when I retired I kind of cried.

My family has a goal to visit every single Major League Baseball park and we’ve been to quite a few so far. Because my children are still young, we spend a lot of time at these games walking around and visiting the kids’ play areas. And with three children, our measure of a great ballpark is not just views of the playing field, food offerings and general ambiance – it must have a great children’s section.

As I have become a connoisseur of these playgrounds, I can honestly say that our home park – the New York Mets’ Citi Field – has the nicest kids’ area of any I’ve visited.

The Fan Fest area of Citi Field, behind the center field scoreboard, features a dunk tank, batting cages, a miniature playing field and a video game kiosk. Mr. and Mrs. Met also make an appearance before the game to take pictures with the fans. And I never miss a pitch when we’re playing because a large screen on the back of the main scoreboard broadcasts the game.

The Mets have outdone themselves this season by adding even more features to make going to Citi Field the ultimate family-friendly experience.

Every Sunday home game this season is Family Sunday at Citi Field, featuring:

• Inflatable play areas, face painters and balloon artists on Mets Plaza outside the main park entrance before game time.
• A family-themed giveaway for the first 15,000 fans. At this Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, it’s a recyclable Mets tote bag. Next Sunday versus the Miami Marlins, it’s Mets Loom Bandz
• The Mr. Met Dash. The highlight for me, I mean for my kids, is the opportunity to run the bases after the game is over. Kids 12 and younger (adults can accompany the younger runners) experience what it’s like to step foot on a Major League field, as they dream of someday crossing home plate as a Met.

The Mets also have a Mr. Met’s Kids Club for children, which includes free tickets to Family Sunday games, a lanyard, and perks for attending games. Sign up at https://www.mlb.com/mets/fans/kids-club.

Finally, the new Mr. Met’s Kids Kitchen, also behind centerfield, offers food options for young ones with smaller appetites. Portions are smaller and the prices are a little cheaper … but just a little.

Disclosure: The writer received free tickets from the Mets to a recent Family Sunday game at Citi Field to review the family-friendly features. The opinions are his own, though, and not in exchange for compensation.