David Stearns has ignited a firestorm of debate among the fanbase. The New York Mets’ new president of baseball operations for the New York Mets shared something that was quite bizarre indicating that “he’s not passionate about the Mets.” Now at the heart of this heated argument lies one question that stabs the core of a Mets fandom: Is Stearns really a Mets fan?
The theory centers around Stearns’ comments after a press conference. Upon being asked about his most loved player growing up, he actually could not give a clear answer. And with him not having clarity has opened Pandora’s box of conspiracy theories and doubts about the authenticity of him being a true Met.
Conspiracy theorist vs. David Stearns – Who is the real New York Mets fan?
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Fans had a variety of reasons to believe he was not intrinsically a Met. Ranging from linking it with his upbringing near Boston (hence a natural love for Boston Red Sox – a fierce rival of the Mets) to drawing meaning from his alleged smile during the Mets’ struggles as evidence that his loyalty isn’t genuine. So is it ‘Sabotage’?
Checking in on Mets fans pic.twitter.com/NieFek1H4Q
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 19, 2024
While the question remains unanswered, a more nuanced perspective comes into the picture while examining Stearns’ words. He acknowledges being a lifelong Mets fan, growing up in the shadow of their 1986 championship, though he was too young to remember it. He details his childhood love for the club, going from idolizing legends like Kevin Elster and Rey Ordonez to the astoundingly legendary Mike Piazza. Quite contrary to fans’ emotions, the 39-year-old spoke about his experience in Queens.
Stearns addressed the weight of expectations that come with leading his childhood team. He also spoke about the the importance of building a sustainable winner, getting inspired by teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers who combine financial muscle with a strong development pipeline.
The passionate fandom shared their thoughts
Though there were other aspects that focused on how Stearns planned on getting the Mets to a better place, one thing stood out. The possibility that the fans are right about him – “I think he’s here to sabotage and torture us.”
Fans’ emotions poured in on Twitter.
That makes sense considering he was a Mets intern in 2006/2007
— Richard Heaton (@RHNintendo) March 19, 2024
Some fans ridiculed the conspiracy theory.
“So, your concern is that he doesn’t know pain well enough”.
Others called David Stearns a fake fan.
Fake fan
— Choco the ball knower (@ItzChoco__) March 19, 2024
Another comment rightly reflected the aggressive nature of the fanbase.
“The season hasn’t even started yet and we’re unhinged 😂”
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One among others gave this entire scenario a mature outlook.
“I didn’t grow up a sports fan. Hated baseball til I was 30. And now I’m a huge Mets fans. People change if they want to.”
Eventually, the debate surrounding David Stearns’ fandom maybe an unresolved mystery.
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Whether he is passionate for the orange and blue or just wants to approach this job as a calculated business decision, all that matters is that the team benefits from him.