HARRISON BADER COMPARES THE METS AND THE YANKEES!!!
Since getting traded to the New York Yankees from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022, 30-year-old outfielder Harrison Bader has played with the Yankees, the Cincinnati Reds, and the New York Mets, and then signed a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Minnesota Twins earlier this offseason.
During Bader’s lone 2024 season in Queens, he hit .236 with a .657 OPS and 12 home runs while being one of the best defensive outfielders in all of baseball.
Bader (who was born and raised in Bronxville, New York) made a March 17 appearance on Foul Territory TV. At one point, he spoke about his time playing for New York’s two teams.
“The biggest difference is obviously New York is divided when it comes to their baseball teams, there’s no doubt about it,” Bader said, per an X post from Foul Territory TV. “There’s no gray area. If you play for the Yankees, you know exactly who’s rooting for you. If you’re playing for the Mets, you know exactly who’s rooting for you. Even down to like, you want into a restaurant, the first thing they tell you is whether they’re a Yankees or a Mets fan.
“And I think that was just really cool to kind of feel. The stark difference, and everyone’s living so close to each other,” Bader continued. “You kind of never know what to expect, but every day in New York… it is always going to present just high energy at all times.
“And in regards to the organizations, they’re both incredible organizations. Getting the opportunity as a New York kid to play for both was just an absolute gift,” he added. “I really don’t know how else to say it, there’s no other words for it. I just tried to make the absolute most out of it at every time, and I think when I look back on it, I’m just really proud of being able to put those uniforms on in front of a lot of my friends and family who ever since day one… I told them I’m going to play for the Yankees, I’m going to play for the Mets and play professionally in this city.”
It’s awesome to hear the genuine love and respect Bader has for these two New York teams.
**Harrison Bader Compares the Mets and the Yankees: A Look at His Unique Experience in New York**
Harrison Bader’s journey through Major League Baseball (MLB) has been anything but conventional. The 30-year-old outfielder, born and raised in Bronxville, New York, has had the rare opportunity to play for two of New York’s most iconic baseball teams—the New York Yankees and the New York Mets—giving him a unique perspective on the rivalry between these two storied franchises. Known for his elite defensive skills and his ability to make highlight-reel plays in the outfield, Bader has spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Yankees, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Mets, before signing a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Minnesota Twins for the 2025 season. However, it’s his brief but memorable stint in New York, particularly in Queens with the Mets in 2024, that has been a focal point of discussion in recent months.
During his 2024 season with the Mets, Bader made a significant impact with his glove and his bat. Despite his offensive numbers not being stellar—he posted a .236 batting average with a .657 OPS and 12 home runs—Bader’s defensive prowess was undeniable, and he remained one of the top outfield defenders in all of MLB. His time in Queens, although short, was filled with a sense of pride, especially given his deep-rooted connection to the city and its baseball culture. Bader’s New York journey, however, wasn’t just about his time with the Mets. Having also played for the Yankees in 2022 and 2023, he’s had a firsthand view of the cultural and organizational differences between these two teams, as well as the city’s divided fan base.
**Bader’s Reflection on Playing for Two New York Teams**
Bader’s appearance on Foul Territory TV on March 17, 2025, gave fans a glimpse into his thoughts and experiences from his time with both the Yankees and Mets. When asked about the most noticeable differences between the two teams, Bader did not hesitate to address the city’s divided loyalties. “The biggest difference is obviously New York is divided when it comes to their baseball teams,” Bader remarked. “There’s no doubt about it. There’s no gray area. If you play for the Yankees, you know exactly who’s rooting for you. If you’re playing for the Mets, you know exactly who’s rooting for you.”
This comment underscores one of the most distinct characteristics of New York baseball: the rivalry between the Yankees and Mets. While both teams share the same city, they represent different worlds of baseball culture, traditions, and expectations. For players like Bader, who are fortunate enough to don the uniforms of both teams, the division between the fan bases is apparent in every aspect of their experience. The moment you step out on the field, the allegiance of the crowd is clear, and it’s almost impossible to remain neutral in this city when it comes to baseball.
“It’s really cool to kind of feel that stark difference,” Bader continued. “Everyone’s living so close to each other, and you kind of never know what to expect, but every day in New York… it is always going to present just high energy at all times.” Bader’s words capture the essence of the city itself—always alive, always buzzing with energy, and always divided when it comes to its love for baseball.
Bader’s recognition of the constant “high energy” in New York highlights the intensity that accompanies playing in this baseball mecca. Whether you’re wearing the pinstripes of the Yankees or the blue and orange of the Mets, the pressure to perform is immense, and the passion of the fan bases is unwavering. For Bader, this environment wasn’t just a challenge; it was an opportunity to thrive and showcase his abilities in front of family, friends, and a fan base that knows no bounds when it comes to its loyalty.
**The Unique Experience of Playing for New York’s Baseball Giants**
For Harrison Bader, playing for both the Yankees and the Mets wasn’t just about baseball—it was also about fulfilling a lifelong dream. As a kid growing up in Bronxville, a suburb of New York City, Bader was undoubtedly surrounded by the fervent devotion of New York baseball fans. He often spoke about how he had always dreamed of playing for both of these iconic teams, and in his own words, “Getting the opportunity as a New York kid to play for both was just an absolute gift.”
The significance of that statement cannot be understated. While countless players dream of playing in the major leagues, few are fortunate enough to have the chance to play for two of the most storied franchises in the game. And while Bader’s time in Queens was brief, it was filled with personal pride. The chance to play professionally in his home city, in front of a crowd that includes his family and friends, is something Bader considers to be an irreplaceable experience. His reflection on this personal achievement is both humble and grateful: “I really don’t know how else to say it, there’s no other words for it. I just tried to make the absolute most out of it at every time, and I think when I look back on it, I’m just really proud of being able to put those uniforms on in front of a lot of my friends and family.”
Bader’s time with the Mets, though short-lived, was memorable not only for his defensive excellence but for the joy of playing in a city that meant so much to him. He made a point to emphasize how meaningful it was to wear the Mets uniform and contribute to the team’s success during his season in Queens. Despite the challenges of dealing with injuries and adjusting to a new role, Bader’s enthusiasm for playing in New York never wavered. “I’m just really proud of being able to put those uniforms on in front of a lot of my friends and family who ever since day one… I told them I’m going to play for the Yankees, I’m going to play for the Mets and play professionally in this city.”
**The Yankees: A Historic Legacy and Intense Expectations**
Of course, Harrison Bader’s first taste of New York baseball came with the Yankees, where he joined the team in 2022 after being traded from the St. Louis Cardinals. For Bader, donning the iconic pinstripes of the Yankees was a surreal experience. The Yankees represent not only the most successful baseball franchise in history but also an organization steeped in tradition, pressure, and high expectations. Playing in Yankee Stadium, under the bright lights of the Bronx, is a dream for many players—and for Bader, that dream was realized.
The Yankees’ fan base, known for its passionate and demanding nature, has come to expect nothing short of excellence from the team. For a player like Bader, who prided himself on his defensive capabilities, the pressure to perform was heightened, as the Yankees’ legacy demands that every player live up to the lofty standards set by legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Derek Jeter. Despite this immense pressure, Bader thrived with the Yankees. His elite defensive ability became a key asset for the team, and his energy in the outfield helped bolster the Yankees’ lineup. Playing for the Yankees is not just about individual achievements; it’s about contributing to the team’s storied history and keeping the franchise’s winning tradition alive.
Bader’s experience with the Yankees was also marked by the cultural significance of the team within the city. As a New Yorker himself, Bader understood the weight of representing a team with such a rich history and an insatiable fan base. “If you play for the Yankees, you know exactly who’s rooting for you,” Bader said, capturing the essence of what it means to be a part of this iconic franchise. The sense of unity and pride among Yankees fans is something that is hard to replicate in other cities, making Bader’s time with the team all the more special.
**The Mets: A New York Baseball Experience with a Different Vibe**
While the Yankees represent a legacy of greatness and an expectation to win championships year in and year out, the Mets offer a different experience, marked by its own unique history and passionate fan base. The Mets, often considered the “underdogs” of New York baseball, have had their share of ups and downs throughout their existence. However, the team has built a loyal and fervent following that rivals the Yankees in its intensity.
For Bader, the opportunity to play for the Mets was a chance to experience a different side of New York baseball. “If you’re playing for the Mets, you know exactly who’s rooting for you,” he said, acknowledging the city’s division when it comes to its baseball allegiance. Mets fans, known for their unwavering support despite the team’s struggles at times, offer a different kind of energy than what Bader encountered with the Yankees. The Mets represent a kind of resilience—fans continue to support their team, often through thick and thin, creating a sense of loyalty and community that is unique to Queens.
Bader’s brief stint with the Mets allowed him to see firsthand the difference in energy and atmosphere between the two teams. While both the Yankees and the Mets share the same city, their cultures, fanbases, and expectations differ in significant ways. “It’s really cool to kind of feel that stark difference,” Bader said, reflecting on how each team has a distinct identity in New York’s baseball landscape. For Bader, experiencing both sides of this New York rivalry was not just a privilege, but an eye-opening experience that enriched his baseball journey.
**A Final Reflection on Bader’s Time in New York**
In his comments about the Mets and the Yankees, Harrison Bader expressed nothing but love and respect for both organizations and their respective fan bases. His time playing for both teams allowed him to fully appreciate the intricacies of New York baseball, from the unrelenting energy of the city to the differing atmospheres of Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. It’s rare for a player to have the chance to wear the uniforms of both of New York’s major league teams, and Bader made the most of it.
For Bader, this journey wasn’t just about playing for two iconic teams—it was about living out a dream, representing his hometown, and contributing to the legacies of two of baseball’s most famous franchises. Whether in the Bronx or Queens, Bader embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, gratitude, and pride.
As Bader moves on to his next chapter with the Minnesota Twins, his time in New York will always remain a cherished part of his career. His insights into the Mets and Yankees offer a rare perspective on the inner workings of these two powerful baseball organizations, and his reflections on his experience as a New York kid playing for both teams remind us all of the special connection between baseball and the city of New York.
**Conclusion**
Harrison Bader’s journey through New York baseball has been one of growth, learning, and embracing the culture of the city. Whether wearing the pin
stripes of the Yankees or the blue and orange of the Mets, Bader made an indelible mark on both fan bases, and his love for the city and its baseball teams is evident in his reflections. His experiences have given him a unique perspective on what it means to play in New York, and his gratitude for the opportunity to wear those uniforms is a testament to his passion for the game and his hometown.
