It was the biggest surprise of his young life and it came at a time a young Connecticut baseball fan and player really needed to smile.
Matthew McCauley, 9, of Easton was enjoying an afternoon game of UNO at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain when Mr. Met dropped by to see him.
McCauley immediately smiled when he saw the mascot for his favorite baseball team, the New York Mets. He then pushed his wheelchair over and shook Mr. Met's hand.
It was the perfect pick-me-up for a boy who's recovering from a devastating car crash that happened three weeks ago. McCauley broke both of his legs, his ankle and his hand.
He was treated at Bridgeport Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital, and was then sent to the Hospital for Special Care for inpatient rehabilitation.
"It's a lot of fun cause I haven't seen the Mets in so long," said McCauley, who was overcome with emotion when talking about the surprise.
Mr. Met challenged McCauley to their own card game. Then, he showed him one of the team's well known celebratory handshakes. Mr. Met also gave him autographed pictures of his favorite players.
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"I like them a lot and my favorite is David Wright," McCauley said .
A neighbor of the McCauley's, who has connections to the team, arranged the surprise visit.
"It was very, very nice of the Mets organization, as well as all of our neighbors who helped facilitate this for Matthew," Matthew's mother Suzanne McCauley said. "Baseball's his passion and this is really helpful in his recovery."
Mr. Met's visit comes one day before Matthew heads home for in-home and outpatient rehabilitation.
McCauley plays with the Easton All Stars and will have to sit out this season due to his injuries. He's looking forward to playing again next season with new inspiration from his favorite professional team.
