Eddie Boison has been “The Cowbell Man” for the New York Mets since 1981. He has become a mainstay at Citi Field and can be seen traversing the stadium throughout the game, often attempting to invigorate the crowd.
The story of how Eddie originally became “The Cowbell Man” is one that revolves around music and a passion for the Mets, spanning back many years.
“My friends and I would go out to the stadium and play tunes. One time I came out with the cowbell,” Boison said. “Everyone was going ‘Let’s go Mets’, so I did a rendition of that. People started to clap along with it and so it began.”
The atmosphere at baseball stadiums is undoubtedly an important factor in any team’s home-field advantage. This is largely created by the fans, an aspect that Eddie understands well, considering he has been a Met fan since 1963.
“I continue to do it for the fans,” Boison said. “I’m the type of person where I like to see the place become lively. When it’s too quiet, me getting the fans motivated can help.”
Boison has an abundance of great memories of being a Mets fan. As many other long-time Mets fans would likely say, the championships in 1969 and 1986 rank near the top. For Boison, the game following 9/11 is a very special memory.
“One of my favorite memories is the 9/11 game when Mike Piazza hit a home run to beat Atlanta,” Boison said. “That is the biggest memory of all because it was about New York coming back.”
While the Mets have not had as much success over the past few years, Boison has still been going strong by attending nearly every home game. He will look to keep going even past this season.
“Hopefully I can do it for a couple more years,” Boison said. “I’m going to be 67 years old and have been doing this every day for 43 years. It really is a miracle.”
The Mets have had a drastic turnaround this season and enter the second half in playoff position. The fans have seemingly been rejuvenated as the team has starkly turned their whole season around.
“I think pitching is the most important thing,” Boison said. “Right now we don’t have a number one starter, but hopefully Senga comes back and can be that guy.”
Kodai Senga, who went 12-7 last year with a 2.98 ERA, is expected to return shortly.
Boison has been a mainstay at Mets home games for a long time. If you are ever at Citi Field, keep an eye (and ear) out for the distinct man banging a cowbell.
