This Buffalo Bills Fan Loves Taunting New York Mets Fans
In the entertainment world, there is something to be said about lovable villains. Austin Power's; Dr. Evil, Star Wars'; Darth Vader, the Batman's; Joker and now the New York Mets; Jesse Winker? Yes, Mets fans have become obsessed with disliking the Buffalo native and he seems to be enjoying it.
This Mets fans' pre-occupation began in May of 2019 when Winker was playing for the Cincinnati Reds. Yes, it is even more fun when the villain remains the same from team to team. The 28 year-old belted a go-ahead home run off Mets closer Edwin Díaz in the 9th. Then Mr. Winker made a game-ending catch in left. Putting salt in the wound and angering the disappointed Mets faithful, the Reds outfielder began waving to the fans in left field. It's seems to be all in good fun.
Now a member of the Seattle Mariners, the Mets fans venom doesn't seem to bother the 2021 All Star. "I'm going to be honest with you, I love them,” Winker told Daniel Kramer of mlb.com. “They are an amazing group of people. They are very passionate about their team and their city. And from a guy who, born in upstate New York, is a big fan of that football team up there (Buffalo Bills), I can understand the passion and I respect it. This thing we've got going on is special."
On Saturday, Winker's assault on the the Amazin's faithful continued. The admitted Bills fan crushed a game-tying, three-run homer off of Mets reliever Chasen Shreve in the top of the seventh inning. In true Winker style, the Mariners left-fielder took his time round the bases. Shreve, the Mets dugout and most of Citi Field barked in displeasure. Winker was sure to wave to his "fans?" after he crossed the plate.
New York Mets fans enjoyed the last laugh in their seemingly lovable dislike of Jesse Winker. Mets closer Edwin Diaz levied his own revenge on the boisterous outfielder by blowing Winker away on a 100 mph fastball to end the game. To Jesse Winker's credit, he battled in that last at-bat for 8 pitches before going down.
It was fun. Baseball needs more Jesse Winkers. There is no surprise he is a Buffalo Bills fan. All of our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Buffalo during this horrific mourning period. We are all New Yorkers and we all stand strong together with you.