New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) walked onto the field at NBT Bank Stadium on Tuesday afternoon sporting a vintage New York Mets bomber jacket. His last name was embroidered on the back in orange and white block letters.

A native of Queens, Cuomo grew up watching the Mets, going to baseball games as a kid at Shea Stadium frequently. After tying the jacket into his speech, Cuomo revealed it was a gift from his father, Mario Cuomo, the 52nd governor of New York.

“I am sure that he has had a reserved ticket and he’s looking down today, and he’s so happy and so proud,” Cuomo said as his smile started to widen, “that the Syracuse Mets are coming to town and are going to be right here.”

With the New York Mets purchasing the former-Washington Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate last year, the team began the process of rebranding Tuesday when it announced a name change from the Chiefs to the Syracuse Mets. Cuomo also announced a “large-scale,” $25 million renovation plan to NBT Bank Stadium, which will be covered equally by New York state and Onondaga County.

The Mets bought the Chiefs in October 2017 for more than $20 million, Cuomo said. Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, who spoke at Tuesday’s announcement, said Cuomo asked the Mets to buy the franchise. The deal ended a 56-year community ownership of the team and its nine-year affiliation with the Nationals.

In Cuomo’s “State of the State” address in January, he hinted at a possible name change to Syracuse’s team, but no reports were confirmed.

On Tuesday, Mahoney walked up to the podium on the infield and announced the county’s commitment to the project, investing $12.5 million for renovations to the stadium. The changes include upgrades to its clubhouse, lighting, entryway and concessions along with upper and lower seating replacements.

“This stadium is one of the jewels of our county parks system,” Mahoney said. “We’re really excited for what’s in store.”

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After Cuomo’s speech and words from the Mets’ chief operating officer, Jeff Wilpon, the team revealed a new logo and uniforms. The primary logos features a blue New York state backdrop with “Syracuse” on top, in orange in one font, and the New York Mets’ logo on the bottom. The secondary logo is an orange and white “S.”

The team’s uniforms were also unveiled, with “Mets” pinstripes for home games and “Syracuse” grey outfits for road games. New merchandise went on sale after the event at NBT Bank Stadium.

Two photo mockups of the renovations were displayed. Notably, a replica of Citi Field’s center field big apple, instead as an orange, is planned in front of the stadium, and a David Wright mural was shown inside. The renovations are scheduled to finish before the 2019 season, Wilpon said.

“This is a bold commitment to continuing our proud baseball legacy,” Mahoney said “… These things wouldn’t happen without Cuomo.”

Published on October 16, 2018 at 5:13 pm

Contact KJ: kjedelma@syr.edu | @KJEdelman