Despite Mets prospective minority owner David Einhorn watching his future team’s latest collapse, he called buying a stake in the Amazin’s “more than a dream come true.” But the truly surreal scene came as he disappeared into a mob scene afterward, engulfed in a throng of fans as he walked through the parking lot.
Einhorn, a 43-year-old hedge fund manager who grew up a Mets fan in Demarest, N.J. and lives in Westchester, sat in the owner’s box behind home plate with his family. He spoke with manager Terry Collins before the 5-2 loss to Philadelphia last night at Citi Field, and left with his family, a gaggle of 15 kids in tow and 10 media types in pursuit.
When asked if this was a dream for him, Einhorn said, “Of course it is. Way beyond. [It’s] way beyond a dream come true.”
Einhorn, the president of the Greenlight Capital hedge fund, watched the game clad in khakis, a Tar Heel blue shirt and a Mets cap. Einhorn, who reportedly will pay $200 million for a third of the team, with the right to buy 60 percent later, paid a quick visit to owner Fred Wilpon’s suite during the game. Afterward, he walked through the tunnels of the stadium lugging a box of trinkets and surrounded by children.
“Yeah, I got some treats. It was a lot of fun,” Einhorn said as he followed Wilpon, before being rerouted, told he was headed the wrong way.
When asked which part he enjoyed the most, he said, “It’s hard to even know. It’s just fun so far.”
Einhorn enjoyed a chat with Collins in the dugout.
“He talked to me,” Collins said. “I met him in the dugout. I welcomed him to the organization — hopefully. I asked him what he’s seen so far. He’s just real excited to be here. He said, ‘Hopefully I get a chance to speak to you more later.’ ”
Einhorn had less fun when questioned by the media, ignoring a question about a report that if he tries to gain the 60 percent stake in three years, the Wilpons can block him by returning his $200 million and letting him keep one-sixth of the team.
The Mets issued a statement denying the report.
“While we have entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with [David] Einhorn, there is uninformed speculation regarding terms of a potential deal. The details of the actual negotiations are strictly confidential.”
Einhorn declined to comment on the prospect of re-signing Jose Reyes.
“Could you guys excuse me now,” Einhorn said with a look of a deer caught in headlights. “I’d like to go home to my family.”
At that point, Einhorn headed into the parking lot, as an ever-growing crowd followed. Perhaps the fans just wanted a good look at the man they hope will help lead the Mets out of their financial morass.