Mets' 'Five Borough' Mascot Race Faces Fan Backlash Ahead of Debut

The New York Mets' new in-game tradition, set to premiere on April 4, has been met with criticism over mascot designs, particularly the Bronx giraffe, but ticket sales remain at record levels.

The Mets introduced the 'Five Borough' mascot race, featuring characters representing Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, Bronx, and Queens, as a new in-game entertainment feature for the 2025 season.
The Bronx mascot, a giraffe, has drawn significant criticism for its perceived lack of connection to the borough, with fans questioning the thought process behind the design.
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly negative, with fans mocking the mascots and accusing the team of prioritizing gimmicks over addressing on-field issues like pitching improvements.
The race is scheduled to debut during the Mets' home opener against the Blue Jays on April 4, despite the backlash and calls for changes to the concept.
Despite the controversy, the Mets have reported record season ticket sales for 2025, reflecting strong enthusiasm following last season's NLCS run and offseason acquisitions.