Whenever a player returns to the site of his former employer wearing a different uniform, things are going to be odd. Some people in the stands will cheer, honoring what they player did for their team in his time there, others will boo him as a traitor.
While there's no telling how Mets fans will greet Jose Reyes when the Marlins come to Citi Field next week, the team itself appears to be taking the high road in welcoming back their former shortstop. The Mets will show a video tribute to Reyes before the first game of a three-game series beginning on April 24, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News.
Martino also writes that the team will recognize the retiring Chipper Jones of the Braves in some way this season. While Jones has only been a Brave in his career, he's always enjoyed his time in New York, especially the boos and the chants of his given name, "Larry." Jones named one of his sons Shea after Shea Stadium, the former home of the Mets. While the team probably won't be giving Jones a gift or on-field ceremony, it will likely acknowledge Jones and his relationship with New York fans.
"It might be a recording of all my plate appearances where they announce my name and the chorus of boos rained down," Jones told Martino.
While boos may be a welcome -- and fitting -- tribute to Jones, who has been a most favored adversary in New York, the more appropriate response to Reyes may be polite cheers. Reyes went elsewhere for a job, something many of us would do in a similar situation. Hopefully Mets fans respond in the same classy fashion their team is planning on to acknowledge the situation.
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