Fan Mail

All letters are posted according to the date that they were received. You will notice that some of the most recent letters came to us as early as last year! (We have been collecting your "memorabilia" for quite some time as well!) Be patient with us... we have a LOT of great fan letters coming your way!

If you would like to respond to a letter, just refer to the letter according to the date that it was sent. All correspondence comes to us directly and we respond to it directly. All mail is posted on this site at our discretion. In certain circumstances we "may" need to edit portions of letters or unfortunately, refuse to post certain mail. All names will be referred to by initials and location only in order to protect the privacy of all our loyal and maybe "not so loyal" fans. If at any time you would like your letter to be removed from our site, please let us know.

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1-21-2004 "Judgmental people...It never ceases to amaze me how irrational people get when they let their emotions get involved in any situation and they do not get their way or what they want."

Name: AN EX- JERRY GROTE FAN
City_State: PORT ST. LUCIE, FL

YOU SHOULD BE MORE CONSIDERATE TO YOUR FANS. YOU WERE NOT A HALL OF FAMER OR A GREAT OF THE GAME YET WHEN A FAN ASK FOR YOUR AUTOGRAPH YOU ACT AS IF WERE. YOU SHOULD TAKE LESSONS FROM PLAYERS WHO WERE A 100 TIMES BETTER THAN YOU, IN THE WAY TO TREAT AND RESPOND TO YOUR FANS. PLAYERS LIKE GARY CARTER AND HOWARD JOHNSON COULD TEACH YOU A THING OR TWO ABOUT MANNERS AND RESPECT FOR YOUR FANS. I WILL NEVER SEEK YOUR AUTOGRAPH OF PICTURE AGAIN AND I WILL ADVISE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME. I DARE YOU TO POST MY LETTER ON YOUR WEB SITE!

Dear "Ex-Jerry Grote Fan",

You dared me to post your letter on our website, SO HERE IT IS! In return, I dare you to sign your name to such a letter as well. I noticed that you forgot that part of the information that you submitted. Also, you are not daring Jerry... you are daring ME, his wife, Cheryl. I manage this site and post all of his letters for him. So...

GREETINGS TO YOU ("Ex-Jerry Grote Fan") IN PORT. ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA FROM SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS!

I am sorry to hear that you are so displeased with my husband's behavior in Port St. Lucie, Florida during the 2004 New York Mets Fantasy Camp. It is not my time to take care of him, but it sounds like he is doing a pretty good job of taking care of himself while he is away! Since you think we and everyone else on the internet is entitled to your opinion, I think you and they are also entitled to mine. You should follow your own advice and take lessons from other fans that are "100 times" more respectful, patient and understanding than you! I am pleased to say that those like you are few and far between. With everything in life, you gotta take the good with the bad.

So, as you put it, you think Jerry is not a "Great of the Game". As humans, I believe we are all "great" in our own way... "Hall of Famer", baseball player or not. To err at times is human. Sometimes, people like you, just have a hard time finding the good in others when you don't get your way or what you want. I bet I could even find a few good things I like about you if we ever have the chance to meet, even though I didn't receive from you what I would have liked to receive today... a nicer letter. You obviously did not "get what you wanted" at Fantasy Camp from Jerry and are all bent out of shape about it. Regardless, of what you think, MANY others think Jerry is pretty "great" in his own unique way. A very few don't. Read some of his "Fan Mail" for yourself. He doesn't have five World Series rings for nothing. There are MANY who appreciate the GREAT memories he brought them throughout the years of his career, despite a few of his faults. Just because he has not been voted into the Hall of Fame by sports writers does not mean he wasn't great in the eyes of others. Again, that is merely the sports writers' opinions. Jerry has high respect for all of his Hall of Fame baseball friends and would never intentionally act like a "Hall of Famer" as you perceived him doing so.

For your information, the pros were not paid to go to Fantasy Camp to be at the fans' beck and call when they are busy or working with their team. The pros were hired for the job that you see them doing on the field. The campers who paid thousands of dollars to be with the pros during the week come first, not the fans and onlookers who walk in the gates for FREE. As a fan, I would consider it a "privilege" to be allowed in for free to watch. Any autographs from the pros would also be a "privilege", not a necessity.

I do not know the exact situation that happened to upset you, but I do know that Jerry does not tolerate demanding and obnoxious fans, especially when he is in the middle of something else or when he is working with his team. His team is his first obligation. If you haven't noticed, Jerry is pretty intent in all that he does on and off the field. The intent coaching that he gave his team during the first part of the week obviously was "great" and paid off... they won the League Championship and had a "great" time doing it. It meant a lot to his team. Unfortunately, Jerry also has numerous "autograph hounds" that try to suck him for all he is worth for free. When he sees this happening, he does not sign more than one autograph, if that many. No one likes to be taken advantage of in any situation. In most circumstances, Jerry does his best to get back to fans as soon as he can, and if at all possible, if he is busy at the time when they ask for an autograph. Unfortunately, he cannot please everyone all the time for various reasons that goes unseen by fans. Therefore, they see him as rude and disrespectful, instead of them imposing on him at an inconvenient moment. I have seen it happen numerous times. No matter what he does for some or how much he gives, it is never enough. They always want more.

Nevertheless, I do hope you enjoy Fantasy Camp and receive MANY more autographs. I am very sorry that the loss of one autograph on your part from Jerry, at perhaps an inopportune time, has cost us the loss of a life-long Jerry Grote fan. Unfortunately, memories are no longer more valuable than materialistic things such as an autograph for some fans these days. Autographs can be "bought" any day... memories cannot.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Grote (Jerry's #1 Fan)

San Antonio, Texas

7-12-2003

Thank you, Jerry for all the great memories. They will always live with me as a lifelong Mets' fan; and you were very much loved by the many New York fans. My girlfriend then and now my wife of 28 years, always appreciated you as her favorite player. The best to you. D.J.C.

7-10-2002

When I was a kid, I was a complete Jerry Grote nut. I was a catcher – #15, worked for hours and hours so I could stand at the plate like Jerry, throw back to the pitcher like Jerry, hold my mitt like Jerry, even wore my socks like Jerry! I still have my “Jerry Grote Scrapbook” with all kinds of pictures, articles and cards. One day when I was probably 9 or 10 years old I cut an article out of the paper that had a picture of Jerry and took it with me to a game at Shea. I was small enough to work my way down close to the dugout and had someone pass the article down to Jerry. He signed it and passed it back to me. It wasn’t until years later that I was able to understand what the article was about. It was titled “Grote’s Temper Mets Sore Spot”. Here was some kid asking him to sign something that was saying that one of the problems the team was having was dealing with his temper, and he just smiled and signed it! What a great guy! It remains one of my prized possessions. -- M.C. -- Great Falls, VA

6-27-2002

Mr. Grote,

As a 45 yr old man I can tell you I believe I know a thing or 2 about life and it's ups and downs we all have them. But I will forever remember your incredible leadership on the field and your timely hitting for those Amazing Mets. As a young boy growing up in NJ you were either a Yankee or Met fan. Myself always and forever championing the "underdog" took a real interest in the Mets in 1969 when I started to play little league and the rest is history. The collection of non Hall of Famers like yourself, Cleon Jones, Tommie Agee, Ed Charles, etc. were players I wanted to see and I copied your play as best as I could. Because I never even picked up a bat or glove before I signed up for L/L I was started in the outfield were they discovered I had a good throwing arm but could catch very well. As the story goes on, I made myself an All Star and continued to play until I reached 18 when other duties like earning a living had to take over. Some have thought that I could have played in the Minors, but I knew that was not my destiny. As the years have gone on I have realized how much of an influence you and your teammates have had on me. What you accomplished with that first WS win in 1969 was truly one that no one in Hollywood would have dreamed up. How a group of players, most non superstars in the eyes of historians today, came together as more than a team, and became more like a family. You taught me that if you do your job the rewards will find you no matter your talent as long as you do what is right it'll all work out as it is to be in the end. Well I've taken up way too much of your time, I just wanted to say that you were the best of the best of the non Baseball Hall of Famers I ever routed for. But when it comes to life and taking the talent that God blessed you with you are in a Hall of Fame I consider much more, the Hall of Fame for Life. You and the 1969 Mets taught me the love of baseball and how it can make you the very best that you can be... Much luck and health in the future. K. B. -- Pompano Beach, FL

1-18-2002

Hi Jerry, Will you be at Spring Training this year to help the catchers?

W.L. -- Delray Beach, Fla.

Hi W.L.!

Thus far, I haven't been "formally" invited to Spring Training by anyone this year. However, the family and I may be driving up during Spring Break... March 10 - 15. We will let everyone know as soon as we decide.

Jerry

As far as I am concerned, WE ARE GOING! (providing we can work out a few last minute details) I miss the Mets!

Cheryl

10-27-2001

Jerry Grote should have a spot of some kind on the Mets' coaching staff! He's a great guy and could really help the pitching staff and/or the catchers. Tom Seaver has credited him as being one of the main reasons the pitching staff was so good! So c'mon Met management! Let's get Jerry into the blue and orange again! -- P.S., New York

10-27-2001

DEAR JERRY,

YOU WERE ALWAYS ONE OF OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE METS AND BALL PLAYERS. I REALLY THINK THAT YOU SHOULD BE HIRED AS A COACH OF CATCHERS OR JUST A COACH IN GENERAL. I AM A FAN OF OUR BALL CLUB IN TRENTON NEW JERSEY, AN AFFILIATE OF THE RED SOX, AT THE AA LEVEL. I REALLY THINK THAT YOU WOULD BE AN ASSET TO THE SYSTEM AND TO THE COMMUNITY IF YOU COULD HOOK UP THERE. BEST REGARDS, E. M., NORTH BRUNSWICK NJ

10-26-2001

GO FOR IT JERRY!!!!!!!! YOU WOULD BE A GREAT COACH! -- J.T.

10-26-2001

I truly believe Jerry would make a great coach. It seems he still has one of the key elements needed...love of the sport! Growing up in New Jersey and watching the Mets, Jerry quickly became my hero. I was a catcher because of Jerry. Jerry was the working guy's baseball player and that is why I think he would make a great coach. He came in did his job and there was no 'flash'. It would be great to instill that kind of work ethic in the players of today. -- J.N, Alameda, California

10-26-2001

I have been a met fan since 1962. A baseball fan since 1938. I have never seen a better catcher than Jerry in all those years. As any Met fan can tell you, a lot of Tom Seaver's success was because of Jerry as well as other great Met pitchers. When you get instructions in any sport you go to the best and Jerry is the best. I just hope he will come to the Mets. but I will be rooting for him no matter where he goes. -- B.S., Port St. Lucie, Florida

10-26-2001

I watched Jerry for many years as a Met fan, and as a student of baseball and catching. A great work ethic, a desire to win, and a skillful strategist are thoughts that come to mind. He, in my opinion, established the role of catcher as coach during the defensive part of the game. In recent years I've listened to him during his appearances during some games and I'm always impressed by his insightful analysis of game situations. His understanding of pitching, so important these days, I think is among the best. I hope to see him again soon in a role directly involved with baseball. Good Luck. -- G.H., Howell, New Jersey

10-25-2001

I know Jerry Grote would make a fine coach or manager for the Astros or any other Big League team. I followed Jerry's career when he was with the Mets. He was an average hitter, but one of the best defensive catchers in either league. I watched, as Jerry in his later years, would teach the younger catchers. He taught them technique, how to go after balls in the dirt, etc. From that day on I thought Jerry Grote should become a coach when his playing days were over. He would make the Astros or whoever took him on a better team. -- A.R., New York

10-23-2001

I'm a Houston Astros fan, although I'm disappointed in them for the way they treated Larry Dierker. He was always a fan favorite here and Astros management gave him the raw end of the deal. Anyway, I hope the Astros offer you a chance to manage the team. -- Ridgerunner"

10-22-2000

Dear Mr. Grote, Hi! I am a long time Mets fan and wanted to ask you a question if I could. Did you enjoy your time in the Senior League? My family had season tickets in St. Pete and really enjoyed seeing you as well as other Mets play in the league.

I enjoyed playing in the Senior League, however, it was very tough on the body. The Senior League was not a bad idea, however, other than golf, older athletes might find it hard to get out and do what they did when they were younger. The idea behind the league has led to the Atlantic League, an independent league that was formed by Bud Harrelson and his financial partner. We are currently trying to start a league like the Atlantic League here in Texas. More information will be available soon if we succeed.

I collect autographs, and had heard that you were a hard one to get, do you sign autographs? I got a lot of other former Mets players autographs but I didn't get a chance to get yours, if I sent an SASE, would you possibly sign a card? That would be great, and also, if you do sign, do you charge a fee?

Keep an eye on my web site www.jerrygrote.com for more details (see "Grote's Grab Bag"). We are in the process of setting that page up.

Just wondering. I found out about your site through the Mets Inside Pitch magazine, it's a great site, and your wife has done a great job with the graphics and such.

Thanks for your compliments on the site that I have set up for Jerry. I too am one of his biggest fans! Keep an eye on the site because I am editing it daily to get it going.

Do you coach now, like Buddy Harrelson does, or are you enjoying other stuff.

No, I do not coach or manage anywhere now. I help run my wife's business and are working full time on the league. He does everything I tell him to!

Sorry if the email is too long. Have a great day sir. -- J.

10-17-2000

i know you're going to be inundated w/emails from fans so I'll be brief. I'm approaching 40 now and watched you at Shea during the Mets years. Number 15 will always mean Jerry Grote to me regardless of who wears it (oughta be on the wall at Shea!). I hope the years have treated you well and thanks for all the great memories you brought us. Take care and thanks for the chance to "talk" with you, sir. -- C.B.

Thank you for all the compliments! It's a great feeling (even now) to know how many people's lives we touched in 1969. Don't forget that it was a two way street though. All of the fans in New York (and all over) gave us memories that will never go away. The feelings that went through the city for that entire time, giving us the key to the city, the ticker tape parade, the Ed Sullivan show, and last but not least, a trip from Gracie Mansion to Shea Stadium by bus on the Grand Central Parkway with all entrance ramps blocked for us and people were all out of their cars waving (not with one finger either) were all events that we will never forget. I guess we're even - we all have great memories. It was a great time!!

Thanks for your e-mail.

Jerry

10-13-2000

Mr. Grote, It's always a pleasure meeting you at baseball card shows. I really appreciate your kindness. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions. You were a superior defensive catcher. Who was your most inspiring teacher of this craft? -- D.E.

Dear Cheryl and Jerry: K. and I enjoyed seeing you at the L.I. Ducks game this past weekend. We hope your trip back to San Antonio was an easy one.

I accessed your Website and saw the picture - it brought back some great memories. Jerry, I did mean it from the heart when I thanked you for autographing that baseball card for me a number of years ago - it meant a lot to me as a younger guy, just as it means a lot for K. and I to make your and Cheryl's acquaintance now. I always have considered myself a lucky man for having first followed baseball as of 1969 - it was a great year for a New York kid to be introduced to the Game.

Also, as Donn Clendenon will attest, even in this Internet generation, I am a big believer in books, baseball-oriented and otherwise. Myself, I learned a lot about the Game while growing up as a young player, from books by Walter Alston, Bob Shaw, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, and my coach Dell Bethel.

I do hope that, if you haven't written one already, Jerry, you further consider writing and publishing a book on the art of catching. First, there aren't that many good books on the topic already out there. Second, it would greatly benefit the next generation of catchers (including my 10-year-old family friend that I mentioned), in an era now where some young catchers are not even taught the discipline until they get to the Major Leagues. Third, and most importantly, Jerry, there would be no better player to teach young catchers the art form, since I know there was no better catcher I ever saw than you, in all my years watching the Game from 1969 forward.

All the best to you. I hope we get to see you again when you are next in New York.

Paul Richards, former G.M. of the Colt 45's taught me a lot about catching fundamentals. Clint Courtney, known as Scrapiron who was a very poor catcher, made me a very good receiver. Notice I did not say catcher. He bet me a case of beer against a six pack that I could not catch an entire game without dropping a ball. It took me three games before I did it and then I went four straight games without dropping a ball. What I wouldn't do for a beer! Anyway, he made me realize that it was just a matter of concentration to be able to catch every pitch.

Ivan Rodriguez of the Rangers is one of the best defensive catchers around. I'm not real impressed with his ability to call a game though.

At that time we were probably all underrated. Buddy Harrelson did so many things that never showed in a box score to help the club. Wayne Garrett made plays at third with the softest hands I've seen in a long time.

What kind of an honor is it that people still love you and the rest of the Amazin Mets?

I feel that because of the World Championship that we won in '69, it gave everyone hope. When they realized what we had accomplished by overcoming obstacles that seemed too big to overcome, they immediately attached their feelings to us. Besides, who doesn't root for underdogs like we were? It is a tremendously good feeling to walk down a street and have someone holler at me about '69. You have to realize that we may have given a lot of people good memories but everyone in New York gave us memories that we will never forget.

Thanks for your questions. Keep your fingers crossed for the Mets in the playoffs.