The first game I ever attended was in September, 1985 and the Cardinals were playing the Mets at Shea Stadium.

I remember sitting there with my dad and two cousins enjoying a Mets victory against their old rivals, and from that day forward, I was hooked.

I have been fortunate to attend many memorable games at Shea, including Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, the entire 1988 National League Championship Series, Mike Piazza’s first game as a Met in May, 1998 against the Brewers, as well as witnessing Todd Pratt’s Division Series home run in 1999, and Robin Ventura’s “Grand Slam Single” a week and a half later against the Braves.

Much to my dismay, I also have had the opportunity to witness two Yankee World Championships – one against the Braves in 1999 at Yankee Stadium and of course, against the Mets in 2000 at Shea, in between I saw Bobby Jones throw a one-hitter against the Giants to win the 2000 Division Series, and the Mets roll past the Cardinals to win their first pennant in 14 years.

Of all of the great baseball moments I have witnessed in my life, I have to say the most exciting moment was “The Catch” made by Endy Chavez in Game 7 of the 2006 National League Championship Series – there is no finer play, given the circumstances, that I have ever witnessed. Unfortunately, the Mets didn’t win that night and they could not advance to the World Series, but nevertheless, it was an unforgettable moment in Mets history.

I began playing baseball at around the same time I began watching baseball, and I played the game throughout high school and college, as well as the Semi-Professional ranks until an on-field accident ended my playing career at age 27. There isn’t a single day I regret from my playing days, as I was able to continuously study and learn the game of baseball every day for the better part of 22 years.

I began photographing baseball games in High School, as part of a project for my photography class that I was required to take in order to graduate.

The first game I ever photographed was a Yankees/Pirates game during Spring Training at Legends Field. I used my father’s Minolta SLR camera, but didn’t have a telephoto lens to get on top of the action with.

Nevertheless, my hobby was born, and since then, I have taken over 10,000 pictures of baseball players, action from games, Spring Training, All Star Game Weeks, and more.

Today, I am proud to say I work with Matthew Cerrone on the fourth largest sports blog in the country, MetsBlog.com, and there I have the opportunity to contribute my knowledge of baseball, and the Mets, as well as my photography to fans around the world.

In addition, I have been able to meet and interact with thousands of fans, who all share one common goal, and that is to bring a World Championship back to Flushing.

Dedications

To my father – who gave me the game of baseball at such a young age, and being such a wonderful teacher throughout my career.

To my mother – who spent countless days and nights at the ballpark to watch me play.

To my oldest friend, Victor Balta – who has both celebrated and suffered along side me watching Mets games since 1986.

To Adam Salazar – for discovering my pictures, and being the first to bring my photos into the Mets blogosphere on BrooklynMetFan.com.

To Matthew Cerrone – who has afforded me such a great opportunity, both as a photographer and as a blogger on his site, MetsBlog.com.

Finally, to my fiancee, Natalie – who acts as my ultimate inspiration, my mentor, and my supporter of many long days, nights and weekends spent on MetsBlog and photographs.