PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets will be the darlings of the Treasure Coast this spring.
An estimated 1,500 fans turned out for the team’s initial workout of spring training on Friday, according to Mets officials. The attendance set a first-day record for a pitchers/catchers workout during the club’s tenure here, which dates to 1988.
“Holy cow, what a tremendous out[pouring], our fans coming out today,” manager Terry Collins said. “It was incredible. It was very fun to see that. It was fun to see the guys out there, the energy level in the morning.
“It’s going to be fun — a very good camp. Next week it’s going to be real cool when we get the position players out there. That to me is when spring really gets going.”
Position players will report on Wednesday and undergo physicals a day later. The first full-squad workout is slated for Friday.
Collins will enjoy soaking up the atmosphere.
“Somebody said, ‘Boy, thanks for taking a picture,’ ” Collins said. “I said, ‘It’s all about you guys.’ This is what we do and we’re very proud of what we accomplished. Those fans deserve some recognition.”
Collins for the first time addressed Jenrry Mejia’s lifetime ban, which went into effect last week, after the reliever failed a third drug test.
“Disappointed,” Collins said, choosing his words carefully. “I agree with what most people have said: I’m very disappointed and [it’s] extremely bad judgement. We’ll pick it up and find somebody to pitch in that spot.”
Mejia was under suspension at the time he failed his most recent drug test and wouldn’t have been eligible for a return to the Mets until late July.