MILWAUKEE -- The pomp will have to wait. The circumstance has been delayed.
The Mets have postponed their home opener against the Marlins due to the forecast of inclement weather in New York City. Originally scheduled to take place Thursday at Citi Field, the game is now scheduled for Friday at 1:10 p.m. ET. Right-hander Tylor Megill will start as scheduled for the Mets. The Marlins have not announced their starter.
With rain forecasted to begin falling in Queens around 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, Mets officials faced the significant possibility of delays had they kept the original game time. Like most Northeast teams, however, they typically schedule an off day after their home opener to guard against inclement weather. The forecast for Friday is significantly clearer.
Among the ceremonies the Mets have planned for the home opener is a tribute to broadcasting legend Bob Murphy, who will be recognized with an honorary mark above the left-field stands. Murphy’s children will be in attendance to catch ceremonial first pitches from former players Mookie Wilson, Tim Teufel and Turk Wendell. The Mets will also proceed with their annual Shea floral presentation, a tradition that dates to the first home opener at Shea Stadium in 1964.
New Jersey vocalist Anna Negron will perform the National Anthem, while the New York Fire Department ceremonial unit will present the colors. In the seventh inning, NYPD police officer Makiah Brown will sing “God Bless America.”
The Mets hope to snap a three-game losing streak after suffering a series sweep in Milwaukee to complete their first road trip. They are 3-4 on the young season.
Fans holding paid tickets for the original home opener may use them for the rescheduled game. Prepaid parking vouchers will also be valid on Friday, though the Mets are encouraging as many fans as possible to use public transit. More information is available at Mets.com/Rain.
Parking lots will open at 9:40 a.m. ET, with gates scheduled to open an hour later.