The Mets fans' hatred of Chipper Jones has always come with a pro-wrestling sort of wink. In other words, "Chipper, you seem like a pretty likeable guy, but you're great and you play for our rivals. Therefore, we hate you." And Jones, "Larry" to his detractors, appreciates the theater of it.
And now Mets fans should stand up and applaud Chipper, momentarily, for some comments he made on Sunday.
Jones correctly pointed out the absurdity of the interleague schedule's "regional rivalries." How the Braves have to play the Red Sox six times _ a "historical rivalry," because the Braves originated in Boston _ and the Mets have to play the Yankees six times, starting with this weekend's set at Shea. It's equally challenging for the Red Sox and Yankees.
You could argue that we're talking about a mere six of 162 games, but it's patently unfair. The Mets and Yankees play each other six times, and no one else in either Eastern division has to play a single game against its interleague New York opponent. Why? Because the Mets and Yankees always sell out each other's building. Finances, rather than equality, dictate this segment of the schedule.
I've discussed this with Bud Selig, and his contention is, "If the fans love it so much, than how can it be wrong?" Of course, many fans would also love more ticket price reductions, free beer and a lifelong suspension of Roger Clemens. But those won't happen.
It's not changing, but kudos anyway to Chipper for speaking the truth. He's not that bad a guy, eh?