In a shocking move Monday, Mets outfielder Lucas Duda asked manager Terry Collins if he could be demoted from the big-league club down to its Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons due to a lack of fans at Citi Field. This is the first time a a player has never before asked for a demotion from the majors to the minors.
Duda released a comment to the New York press regarding the situation.
“Yes everyone, I asked to be demoted to the Bisons from the Mets and no I am not crazy,” said Duda. “I just can’t stand playing in front of empty stadiums night in and night out. When I was with Buffalo and we played our home games at Coca-Cola Field, there were easily twice as many people in the stands as there are at Citi Field for our home games. When I was first called up to the majors, I thought that I would be on a successful team, playing in front of packed home crowds, with superstars surrounding me on the field. Now I can tell you one thing, none of those things have happened.”
Surprisingly, Collins went along with the demotion.
“I completely agree with Lucas,” said Collins. “In fact, I would rather be managing Norfolk or Buffalo instead of the New York Mets.”
Several other Mets players like Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Jason Isringhausen have since copied Duda’s idea, also asking for demotions. Collins however rejected those requests stating that a prestigious franchise like the Bisons deserves better than to be burdened with that many Mets.
By Josh Burton
