WASHINGTON – The Mets scored at the White House yesterday, catching President Bush at home just before the First Fan left for Europe.
It was the first time the Mets have been at the White House since the team won the World Series in 1986, according to a Mets spokeswoman.
“It’s a chance of a lifetime – to sit down in the president’s office and chat,” said star-struck relief pitcher and team captain John Franco.
Bush, the former owner of the Texas Rangers, met with manager Bobby Valentine – whom Bush once fired as Rangers skipper, though the two stayed pals – and seven players.
The Met contingent – Franco, catcher Mike Piazza, outfielder Darryl Hamilton, relief pitcher Dennis Cook, third baseman Robin Ventura, first baseman Todd Zeile and pitcher Al Leiter – gave Bush a Mets jersey with No. 1 and “W” on the back.
Hamilton, Zeile and Cook are all former Rangers.