Heading into the 2023 season, few would have expected the New York Mets to be 16.5 games back in the National League East on June 28. This was a team that came off a playoff appearance in 2022 and spent its way into MLB’s highest payroll. Expectations were deservedly lofty.
So, on Wednesday, owner Steve Cohen decided to break his silence and meet with reporters from a lone high-top table and baseball-mitt-like chair. But the most noteworthy moment from the appearance might have occurred immediately after the 23-minute press conference: A dog took the podium!
OK, while Cohen did express his disappointment in the season thus far and take responsibility as the owner, he didn’t make any managerial or front-office changes. He also said that he was looking to hire a president of baseball operations. It was a confusingly underwhelming press conference from the billionaire owner who had his fanbase expecting something.
"I'll take responsibility. I'm the owner."
Steve Cohen is asked who should bear responsibility for the Mets' struggles this season: pic.twitter.com/enm9GtcjXM
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 28, 2023
It was so bland that a scheduled photo op with a veteran service dog, Seaver, managed to steal the show. Reporters particularly noted how the mood shifted from confusion to “aw, what a good dog!” in seconds.
Seaver the dog! If the Mets’ goal today was to soften up all the writers by bringing in an adorable puppy it might be working pic.twitter.com/6VLmd2w2i0
— Abbey Mastracco (@AbbeyMastracco) June 28, 2023
Following Steve Cohen’s 23 minute news conference with reporters, the Mets brought in their new veteran service dog Seaver for a photo op. Let’s just say the mood quickly changed from ??? to awwww. pic.twitter.com/oDuJMhxiw9
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) June 28, 2023
If the Mets intentionally planned that Seaver appearance to win over the room, it might have been the smartest move the team made all season.
This was how Twitter reacted
Mets are onto something here. Less than ideal press conference immediately followed by adorable puppy https://t.co/XH9wGjfOOL
— Leila Rahimi (@leilarahimi) June 28, 2023
Would die for Seaver https://t.co/stka7nkzDm
— 🌻Linda Surovich🌻 (@LindaSurovich) June 28, 2023
How’s his curveball? https://t.co/sA9i4ZkFkV
— Mike B (@nightflyblog) June 28, 2023
Listen, dogs solve everything. So the #Mets should now win every single one of their games after this press conference. Right? https://t.co/HWcsYkLluJ
— Daniel Yanofsky (@DanYanofsky) June 28, 2023
using an innocent dog as a human shield……… the mets https://t.co/Ch2rAzroAe
— express written consent haver (@KenRosenthot) June 28, 2023
There is no sports organization quite like the Mets https://t.co/Yg8kXNByCr
— I'mNotAHRHitter (@ImNotAHRHitter) June 28, 2023
this is like when colleges have puppies during finals week cause they know everyone is depressed https://t.co/l3tUdYBp9I
— kemba (@DeetoDC) June 28, 2023
I would like the New York Mets to bring a dog into my living room every night after I watch them lose, tbh. https://t.co/7VZcQ1yAF1
— David Eckert (@davideckert98) June 28, 2023
The puppy is batting 5th and starting in right field. https://t.co/dYLnwsnghg
— Matt Lanza 🤌🏼 (@mattlanza) June 28, 2023
Steve Cohen has been searching for a president of baseball ops for three years, but everything is okay look at this cute puppy. https://t.co/pexRUSxlci
— Aaron Yorke (@AaronPYorke) June 28, 2023
Best part of the presser. #Mets https://t.co/gPmsBidZOP
— Sam Wilbur ⚾️ (@samwilbur) June 28, 2023
i respect it tbh https://t.co/JYOCBV1VFI
— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) June 28, 2023
The Mets should really consider introducing a puppy after every game. It seems to be working.
