Port's LIRR Station a Hub for Optimistic Mets Fans

Mets fans from all across Long Island flocked to Port Washington yesterday morning to take the Long Island Rail Road to Citi Field to watch their team take on the Florida Marlins in New York's first baseball game of the 2010 season. A clear sky and shining sun added to the optimism felt by those heading to Queens.

"You can't get a better day than this," said Anthony Scibelli of Williston Park, who headed to Opening Day with his son Anthony on the 10 a.m. train from Port Washington to Mets-Willets Point. "We want to get to Citi Field early to watch batting practice. The slate's clean now, and karma's going well. We just need a win to top it off."

Many heading to the game said they are looking for a rebound from the Mets this season, following a season plagued with a plethora of injuries and lots of losses.

"I hope for a healthy season from players that have been hurt, like Jose Reyes and John Maine," Port Washington North resident Chris Trent said. "And I want them to be competitive."

Dan Pearles of Albertson added, "I just hope they're better than people expect them to be."

Because of the added volume during Mets home games, the MTA has added an extra train each hour to the Mets-Willets Point station from Port Washington on game days all season.

"The train is a great way to get to games and the Port Washington line is very convenient," Mets partial-season ticket holder Steve Macklin said. "I hope they can bounce back from last season and have a quality, injury-free season."

The Mets came through, defeating the Marlins, 7-1, behind six innings of one-run baseball from ace Johan Santana. David Wright added a first-inning two-run home run to lead the offense.

"I want to see how the guys do coming back from injuries and I hope we win," said 13-year-old Patrick May of Westbury, who took the train from Port Washington with his 14-year-old brother Brendan. "Go Mets!"