Thanks, Joe!

By Jay Horwitz

I became a Met 41 years ago today.

I was a scared 34-year old kid from Fairleigh Dickinson University when I walked into the Shea Stadium for the first time. I had never been a professional clubhouse before and I was literally petrified when I opened up the door to the Mets locker room.

Joe Torre was there and made me feel at ease right away. He invited me into the Manager’s Office and said, “I’m Joe Torre and I look forward to working with you.” That’s how my career as a Major League Baseball Public Relations person started and I would not be here today if it was not for Joe’s kindness and direction.

He told me the dos and don’ts of interacting with the players. He introduced me to his friends like George Brett, Ozzie Smith, Reggie Jackson and Pete Rose. He took me out to eat with his coaching staff to make me feel part of the group.

On my first road trip, he took me to his favorite tie store in Montreal and bought me seven of the ugliest, fattest ties you would ever want to see.

I had to wear them for a week straight and I did, happily. I still have one of those hideous ties today, nearly five decades later. Though all of his championships and his Hall of Fame induction, Joe and I have remained friends.

Any time I need him for a Mets Charity or an appearance he is always there for me. So on my 41st anniversary I just want to say, thanks Joe. Without you, none of this would have been possible.