Fans head to Flushing for Shea's final opener

John Rocker eat your heart out. It’s four hours before southpaw Oliver Perez is scheduled to make the last first pitch at Shea Stadium, yet the 7 Train en route to Flushing has two early risers eager to take in today’s afternoon tilt between the Mets and Phillies. The final Shea Stadium home opener is under way, and father Tom Shimchak and his son Tom Jr. clad in full Mets gear - son with varsity Mets jacket and his glove while dad has Mets lid, Mets windbreaker and jersey. The two, from Ramsey, N.J., have been coming to Shea openers since Tom Jr. was 6. He’s 13. They wouldn’t take the bait when asked what they would like to say to Phils shortstop Jimmy Rollins. “Just play ball,” said Tom Sr. with a laugh. - by Christian Red [link]