Die-hard Mets fan Rafael Diaz arrested after he runs onto the field after Johan Santana’s no-hitter - NYPOST.com
A front-row seat at Citi Field: $315.
Getting arrested for storming the pitchers mound: a possible $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
Being a part of Mets history: priceless.
Rafael Diaz, 32, lived the dream of every fanatic Friday night when he bolted past security to join the joyous huddle of Amazins congratulating pitcher Johan Santana moments after he succeeded in putting in the books the teams first-ever no-hitter.
For a few eerie seconds, it seemed legendary No. 8 Mets catcher Gary Carter, who died in February after battling brain cancer was back on the field.
Thats because Diaz, a married father of two from Massapequa, LI, was wearing a replica of the Kids 1986 jersey. In that moment, Diaz was as close to his beloved team as any fan ever hopes to be: using pitcher R.A. Dickeys right shoulder as a launching pad to squeeze past first baseman Ike Davis and give Santana a congratulatory pat.
The dream was short-lived. Security quickly tackled the major-league interloper, hauled him off the field and had him arrested.
Diaz was charged with interfering with a sporting event. He faces up to a year in prison, a possible $1,000 fine and could be banned forever from the Flushing home of his favorite team.
Diaz, a pilot who works at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, has been devoted to the Mets his whole life, a relative told The Post.
Hes obsessed with the Mets, said Maggie Diaz, 38. He goes to games all the time.
Diazs one shining moment was hopefully worth it. While he cooled his cleats in a Queens cell awaiting arraignment yesterday, his son, Marco, was celebrating his first birthday.
Diaz, described by stunned family members as the goody-goody of the clan, must have been overcome with emotion to storm the field.
Hes Mr. Perfect, Maggie said.
A neighbor said Diazs passion for Americas pastime even extends to the back yard.
Ive played Wiffle ball with him a few times in the yard. He plays pretty seriously, said the neighbor.
For Santana, the immediate aftermath of his achievement, including Diazs Amazin moment, was a blur.
I didnt know [about Diaz] until I watched the highlights today, the pitcher said.
A front-row seat at Citi Field: $315.
Getting arrested for storming the pitchers mound: a possible $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
Being a part of Mets history: priceless.
Rafael Diaz, 32, lived the dream of every fanatic Friday night when he bolted past security to join the joyous huddle of Amazins congratulating pitcher Johan Santana moments after he succeeded in putting in the books the teams first-ever no-hitter.
For a few eerie seconds, it seemed legendary No. 8 Mets catcher Gary Carter, who died in February after battling brain cancer was back on the field.
Thats because Diaz, a married father of two from Massapequa, LI, was wearing a replica of the Kids 1986 jersey. In that moment, Diaz was as close to his beloved team as any fan ever hopes to be: using pitcher R.A. Dickeys right shoulder as a launching pad to squeeze past first baseman Ike Davis and give Santana a congratulatory pat.
The dream was short-lived. Security quickly tackled the major-league interloper, hauled him off the field and had him arrested.
Diaz was charged with interfering with a sporting event. He faces up to a year in prison, a possible $1,000 fine and could be banned forever from the Flushing home of his favorite team.
Diaz, a pilot who works at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, has been devoted to the Mets his whole life, a relative told The Post.
Hes obsessed with the Mets, said Maggie Diaz, 38. He goes to games all the time.
Diazs one shining moment was hopefully worth it. While he cooled his cleats in a Queens cell awaiting arraignment yesterday, his son, Marco, was celebrating his first birthday.
Diaz, described by stunned family members as the goody-goody of the clan, must have been overcome with emotion to storm the field.
Hes Mr. Perfect, Maggie said.
A neighbor said Diazs passion for Americas pastime even extends to the back yard.
Ive played Wiffle ball with him a few times in the yard. He plays pretty seriously, said the neighbor.
For Santana, the immediate aftermath of his achievement, including Diazs Amazin moment, was a blur.
I didnt know [about Diaz] until I watched the highlights today, the pitcher said.