Scott Shanes and Steve Casano have embodied the highs, lows, and camaraderie of being die-hard fans of the New York Mets.
For four decades, the pair have bonded over their love for the team, having become fans at a young age.
Shanes, who grew up in Staten Island before settling in New Jersey, said his passion dates back to the early 1970s. Casano, also a Jersey native, recalls watching Mets games as early as age four, drawn to the thrill and charm of America’s national pastime.
Whether it’s wearing blue and orange Zubaz pants, coordinating matching jerseys to wear on game days, or rocking Mets-colored wigs, vowing to “never cut them off” until the team wins another World Series, the duo has set the standard for what it means to be a modern-day fan.
Colloquially known as the “Mets Maniacs,” they first crossed paths as sports management students at St. John’s University in the early ‘80s and quickly bonded over baseball. By 1986, the two volunteered for the Mets’ PR department during the team’s World Series-winning run, an experience that locked in their loyalty for life.
“From that point on, [we have been] die-hard Mets fans, and we’ve been waiting since ’86 to win another World Series,” Shanes said. “That’s part of the reason why our hair looks like this today.”
From there, they fully leaned into the identity of Mets lifers, even when the team’s form ebbed and flowed.
“I think being a Mets fan really makes you stronger,” Casano stated.
“Because, you know, they’ve had some struggles at times, so you enjoy when things like last season happened.”
Last year, a poor run of form in early 2024 led to a players-only meeting held by shortstop Francisco Lindor. What followed was a stunning comeback. The Mets clawed their way to an 89-73 finish, punching a ticket to the postseason, where they made a run to the NLCS, ultimately losing to the Dodgers in six games.
Despite the turnaround, for Shanes and Casano, being a Mets fan isn’t just about the wins and losses – it’s also about legacy.
Over the years, their fandom has become a deeply rooted family affair, with game day rituals and passed down traditions becoming a cornerstone of how they connect with their loved ones.
From father-son outings to group chats buzzing on game nights, the ‘Amazin’ Mets’ spirit lives on in their household.
“Scott and I were always big fans, but I think really what’s kind of bonded us is we both have sons that are a year apart,” Casano added. “So we started going to the games with them.”
These days, they not only share season tickets with their sons’ friends, but the Maniacs also continue the tradition of attending games with their family, just as they did with their dads decades ago.
“I think Scott went to games with his dad more than I did,” he continued. “But the bond that you have with your kids going to the games [is] awesome. Now, we [actually] share tickets with our son’s friends.”
Those traditions show up religiously, with pregame rituals including grabbing a bite at Benateri’s Deli in Queens (where they have a sandwich named after them on the menu) or talking strategy before the opening pitch.
The Maniacs have crafted a game day routine as iconic as their outfits.
“What I usually do is I drive up to Steve’s house, because he’s a little bit north of me,” Shanes said.
“Then we’ll travel together. Depending on timing, we have [this] Deli in Queens called Benateri’s…and we’ll go there for sandwiches that we get prior to the game.”
Post-game – only if the Mets win – Shanes says they visit the Italian ice shop Lemon Ice King, just an eight-minute walk from Citi Field.
“That’s like our treat to us for being there and celebrating the victory.”
When the Mets lose, however? No chance.
“We only go there on a victory if they lose,” he added. “We don’t [go]. [For us, it’s like] us suffering like the team suffered. We don’t get to have Lemon Ice King that night.”
Though the duo has seen plenty of suffering throughout the team’s 63-year history, they also have hope for the future. When the Mets signed four-time All-Star and World Series champion Juan Soto over the winter, their optimism surged.
“I know Steve and I were happy that we had season tickets,” Shanes joked. “When [they signed Soto, our] group text was blowing up with the excitement of him being on board [and where the future lies.]”
So far, that investment has paid off, with the Mets currently sitting in second place in the NL East, just a game and a half back from first.
For Shanes and Casano, they hope the next chapter of their 50+ year fandom includes another championship, not just for their friendship, but for their sons and the next generation of Mets fans.
“When that happens, the celebration will be incredible,” Shanes said. “I know it’s going to be good, but [I’m] looking forward to it coming soon, and being able to celebrate it, not only with Steve, but with our family and friends, because that’ll make the party even better.”
