The New York Mets surveyed fans via e-mail Wednesday about their experiences at Citi Field, and one question in particular - about a possible "quiet section" in the ballpark's second deck beyond left field - has created quite a bit of buzz.
According to The New York Post, the question read: "The Mets are considering adding a designated 'quiet' seating section with lower volume PA announcements and no music or cheerleading. How likely would you be to purchase tickets in that section?"
Fans quoted by the Post thought the idea was "stupid" and that such a section would be "boring." Said 14-year-old Eric Arellano, "That's just not baseball."
Craig Carton, co-host of the Boomer & Carton show on WFAN in New York, seemed equally mystified by the proposal - that is, until the Mets' motivation became known. Unmentioned by the Post, the club, which has hosted 10 Autism Awareness Days (including one in May) is looking for ways to better serve families of autistic children.
"If that's the sole reason you're considering it, well, bravo!" said Carton.
While comment threads have been loaded with plenty of snark, if not derision over what some fans perceive to be a nanny-state proposal, one fan no doubt spoke for many when tweeting, "I think giving the parents of kids with autism a chance to see a ball game without having major issues is exceptionally noble."
