Mr. Met is a fan of the band Geese. And at least one goose, Dominic DiGesu, is a lifelong fan of the Mets.
DiGesu is the bassist in the group, whose members have been hailed as the saviors of rock ‘n’ roll. They appeared earlier this month at the Coachella music festival and earlier this year on Saturday Night Live, where they performed their song “Trinidad.”
DiGesu will hit a different kind of stage on Sunday afternoon, when the Mets welcome him to throw out the first pitch.
DiGesu, who grew up in Manhattan, spoke with Tiffany Hanssen, weekend host of “All Things Considered” on WNYC, about the honor, the Mets’ recent historic losing streak and what fans can expect when Geese plays Governor’s Ball on June 7.
An edited version of their conversation is below.
Hanssen: Throwing out the first pitch has to feel pretty great, no? How did that come about?
DiGesu: I’m really excited. We had a surprise visit from Mr. Met at our most recent New York show and he made it clear that he was a fan, and that if we wanted to work together in the future on something that [the team] was down to do something. I immediately was like, “Oh my God!” It’s always been an idea of mine to have Geese throw out the first pitch. I’ve wanted to do that my whole life, ever since I was a kid.
Have you been practicing?
A little bit. I had to get the rust off.
So did you play when you were a kid?
Not seriously, but like Little League and stuff like that. In high school with my friends.
I need to ask about the Mets’ recent losing streak.
It was brutal. It hasn’t been that bad since like 2002. And then before that it was ’83 or something.
There was a rumor that the losing streak had something to do with the hug between Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Mr. Met. So my question to you is, are you a superstitious baseball fan? Do you buy into that sort of thing?
I heard about the “curse” or whatever. I don’t really pay attention to it. I’m not a very superstitious fan. I know some people are like, they have to always have a certain pair of shoes on when they’re watching the game or something. But no, I believe in the players. I think it’s all up to them.
Does that mean you’re feeling optimistic for the season?
Yeah! We’re about to be the first team to ever lose 12 straight and still make the playoffs. Never happened before.
What are some of your favorite Mets memories from growing up here in the city?
I grew up going to the games a lot with my family. My parents are both lifelong Mets fans as well. My parents would let me cut class to go to opening day. I was at Game 3 [of the] 2015 World Series with my mother. We got to see David Wright’s home run.
Are your bandmates Mets fans? Do you listen to games on the radio while in the tour van?
Yeah, we do. We’ll throw on SNY on the laptop or something in the van on tour. But [my bandmates] are casual fans, I would say. I got them into it after watching the games on tour. We’re all sitting next to each other so they have no choice but to hear it. Our drummer, Max, is a very big basketball fan, so he got me back into basketball. And I got him into baseball.
How are you feeling about the roster this year?
I think it’s good. I think we’re gonna work it out. I like Luis Roberts. I like Bo [Bichette]. I know it’s been a rough start but I think it’s because we’re playing in mismatched positions. We’re still trying to figure out what to do. It’s a learning process. But I believe in the team! [Manager Carlos] Mendoza’s gotta figure his [stuff] out, but I believe in him.
You’re obviously a baseball fan and an optimist. Why are baseball fans such optimists?
You have to be, I think. Being a fan is just so fun and going [to the games] and getting to be with other people and root for something even though none of us know each other. Seeing the rush of the team winning? Everyone wants to experience that and experience it at the game or together with people is amazing. Even though [we] did nothing but watch, it still feels like we’re all a part of the team.
Geese are playing Governor’s Ball on June 7. What can fans expect?
They can expect a fun, peaceful, happy group who wanna see their favorite band and dance. You could maybe get in the pit, if you want, for the closing track, but it’s all about having a good time at the Geese show and dancing around with your friends. We only get 45 minutes, which is a little less than what we’re used to, so we have to condense the set and play only the bangers.
Do you guys always end with the same track?
It’s going to be “Trinidad.” Everyone loves that one. That’s the one that the fans go wild for.
Well, best of luck at the game!
I’m gonna get a couple throws in today, in preparation.
You got this!
Thank you!
