Gio Gonzalez has an emerged as a solid starter for the Oakland Athletics!

Gio and I at Citi Field

When I first saw Gio pitch for the Reading Phillies in Norwich, Connecticut back in April 2006, I knew he had major league potential.

In May 2009, I saw him signing autographs on the concourse at a table in Sacramento, California before a River Cat game we were at. I got to speak to him for the first time. He had a great attitude. I knew it was only a matter of time before Gio got his chance to prove he's a major leaguer.

After making his debut with the Oakland Athletics in August 2008, he wound up going back down to Sacramento in 2009. As a result, that turned out to be a blessing because I had the privilege of meeting him in person.

Since then, I've kept close tabs on him. He finally got back to the major leagues later in 2009.

In 2010, he proved that he deserved to stay by having a breakout season. He finished his first full season in the majors with a 15-9 record and a 3.23 ERA.

This year Gio built on his 2010 campaign. He started off the season very well.

On June 21st, I got to see him before the game at Citi Field when the Athletics came to play the Mets in an interleague matchup during batting practice. The next night I got to see him pitch in person at the major league level for the first time. After always missing him by a day in Yankee Stadium, Cleveland and Kansas City, my opportunity finally presented itself. Like Gio, I'm a preserver. Gio pitched well for 7 innings but he left the game with the score tied at one. The Mets eventually won in extra innings. Gio didn't disappoint me.
With his performances improving as the season went on, he was selected to be a member of the American League All-Star team. He got to appear late in the game and he recorded a strikeout in his cameo appearance. I was so happy for Gio. He has worked so hard to get where he is today.

After the All-Star break, Gio did hit a bad stretch where he didn't pitch well. That's part of the maturation process. Gio proved it was a fluke because down the stretch, he pitched lights out to finish the season strong.

In matter of fact, the last game of the season he was on the mound in Safeco Field while the Red Sox and Braves were choking their seasons away. My eyes were focused on Gio who was busy dominating the Mariners. Gio continues to fly under the radar screen. It's only a matter of time before he becomes the center of attention.

With that being said, that could happen at the end March 2012 when the Oakland Athletics go to Japan to play the Seattle Mariners to open the season.

Gio compiled an impressive 16-12 record with a 3.12 ERA in 2011. He threw 200 innings and he struck out 202 batters.

The King and I saw the Mets and the Cubs open the season in Tokyo back in March 2000.

I would welcome the opportunity to go back to Japan. I would not only get to see Gio pitch more than likely but we could also see our friend Sean MacDonald who lives there. We didn't meet him until 2003.

I don't know what's going to happen for us in 2012 just yet but I expect Gio to continue to climb the ladder to stardom in the major leagues.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty entertains company from out of town over the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 weekend Part One!

On Friday night, the King and I were at Taste of Dolly's having dinner before the Mets and Cubs game at Citi Field. While we were eating I got a call from some people we met when we were in Tokyo, Japan back in 2000 to see the Mets ironically play the Cubs to open the season. They were none other than Dennis and Sue Kelly, who were originally from Long Island. Back in 1980, they moved to Irvine, California which is near Anaheim and they've been out there since.

Over the years, we've stayed in touch and we've taken turns visiting each other a number of times. This time they returned to NYC along with Dennis' brother Bob, who lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The King and I recently saw Bob in March when we went down South to Norfolk.

They said they were on their way to Citi Field and they needed tickets for the game. They called the right person as I was able to arrange to get them what they needed. I wound up meeting them outside the ballpark with tickets for the game. They were very grateful that I came through on last minute notice. We proceeded to go inside and we all enjoyed each other's company as well as the game. The Mets won in dramatic fashion, 5-4 as Justin Turner delivered the game winning single after the Cubs fought back to tie the game in top of the ninth inning.

After the game, we all went to Donovan's Pub in Woodside for a victory meal and some drinks. Dennis and Sue had gone there with us another time in the past. After we enjoyed our food and drinks, we said our goodbyes and we parted ways.

I want to thank them for coming back home if you will. They're all big Met fans and at least despite the rollercoaster season it's been for the Mets, I'm glad they got to see them win. Dennis and Sue came to see Citi Field for the first time. Bob had been there a few times already.

I hope to return to Southern California in the future so we can arrange to meet up again.

Stay tuned for Part 2 from that weekend as more special guests came in to NYC to visit and remember that horrible day back in 2001.

Thank you for reading and following.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman

Royalty is live at Citi Field for the Mets Home Opener!

View from Section 516 Row 3

The Mets opened their 50th season on the road in Florida and Philadelphia. They split the six games they played against their division rivals.

Today they open their third year of play at Citi Field against another division foe, the Washington Nationals in their home opener.

Speaking of home openers, I've seen every one since 1982. Once again today the tradition continues. It should be noted that my Opening Day streak includes the two games the Mets played against the Chicago Cubs in 2000 in Tokyo, Japan.

If you happen to be in the ballpark and you want to meet up with the King and I, please feel free to come over to our seats which are located in section 516 row 3. These are our season tickets and we plan to be at most if not all of the games throughout the season.

I hope to see some of you today and if not today then sometime during the season. Whoever pays us a visit will get a mention on my blog assuming you give me permission to do so. If you need help getting tickets to a future game please let me know.

Baseball's back let's play ball. For us Met fans, Let's Go Mets!

Ralph Kiner threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

R.A. Dickey delivered the first pitch of the game at 4:11PM to Nationals lead off hitter shortstop Ian Desmond who flew out to left to get things started on that pitch. See the picture above for the actual action shot.

Enjoy the game. After the game, Royalty is planning to have dinner at Donovan's Pub in Woodside. If you want to join us, please free to do so.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman