The New York Mets opened their 2026 Major League Baseball season against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26 at Citi Field in Queens, New York.[1]
Broadway performer Christopher Jackson sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the first pitch. Jackson repeated the line "What so proudly we hailed" instead of advancing to "O'er the ramparts we watched" on the fourth line.
Mets players Bo Bichette, Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor stood during the performance. Bichette is a shortstop previously with the Toronto Blue Jays.[2] Soto is an outfielder who joined the Mets.[3] Lindor is the Mets' shortstop.[4]
The Mets trailed 2-0 early with starter Freddy Peralta on the mound but responded with five runs in the first inning, aided by Pirates defensive miscues. The rally prompted an early exit for Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.
Prospect Carson Benge made his major league debut for the New York Mets.
Jackson originated the role of George Washington in the Broadway production of "Hamilton."[5] He also appeared as Benny in "In the Heights," made his Broadway debut in the ensemble of "The Lion King" in 1997 and portrayed Derek Jeter in "Bronx Bombers."[5]
Sources
- Wikipedia. "Citi Field." Accessed October 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citi_Field
- Baseball-Reference. "Bo Bichette." Accessed October 2024. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bichetu01.shtml
- Wikipedia. "Juan Soto." Accessed October 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Soto
- Wikipedia. "Francisco Lindor." Accessed October 2024. https://
