New Yorkers have been disheartened by the poor performance of the Mets, but many are pointing a finger at the actions of Mayor Mamdani. Since the Mayor and his wife visited Citi Field on April 9, 2026, and embraced team mascots Mr. and Mrs. Met, the Mets have failed to win a single game—going 0-11. This peculiar streak of losses has raised eyebrows and sparked online speculation about what some are dubbing the “Mamdani Curse.”
The implications of Mamdani’s visit stretch beyond just baseball. The Mets organization has made headlines for their decision to eliminate Jewish Heritage Nights from their schedule. These events were a staple at Citi Field, recognizing New York City’s rich Jewish culture and history. The most recent Jewish Heritage Night took place in September 2023, before the distressing Hamas attacks on Israel. However, since then, it appears the Mets have shifted their focus. They have announced a broader program centered on a “Celebration of Queens Culture,” yet absent from their upcoming events is any recognition of the Jewish community, which constitutes about 6.5% of Queens’ total population.
Contrasting this omission, the Mets are hosting nights for various other cultural groups including Italians, Puerto Ricans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Critics have pointed out that the Mets’ decision may stem from concerns over potential antisemitic backlash, particularly during a time of heightened tensions. Conservative figures have observed that this apparent avoidance suggests the organization may be more focused on appeasing political sensitivities than acknowledging a significant demographic within their fanbase.
Radio host Sid Rosenberg has been vocal about these developments, linking the Mets’ struggles to Mamdani’s influence. He dubbed the poor performance as a result of the Mayor’s radical agenda permeating the team. “It started with me calling Mr. Met an AntiSemite after ‘The Hug!’” Rosenberg remarked, highlighting the bizarre connection some are making between Mamdani’s visit and the team’s winning streak. He clearly believes this is more than just coincidence, declaring, “Our city is cursed!”
This situation raises questions about how political and cultural sensitivities can impact sports teams and their connections to their communities. With Mayor Mamdani’s track record, the baseball team’s decision to steer clear of Jewish events may reflect broader trends in how organizations navigate public relations in a polarized atmosphere. The question remains whether the Mets can shake off the “hug of death” and turn their season around when they next face the Twins.
The narrative of the “Mamdani Curse” is as much a reflection of community sentiment as it is about sports. It underscores how deeply intertwined local governance, culture, and sports fandom can be, and how Mets fans may not just be rooting for a winning team but also for recognition of their heritage and identity. As the Mets look ahead to their next game, the pressure to overcome both their recent dismal performance and the specter of political fallout looms large.
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