Animal Lover, Family Man: James Alfred Stoddard Of West Milford Dies, 49 Animal Lover, Family Man: James Alfred Stoddard Of West Milford Dies, 49
Animal Lover, Family Man: James Alfred Stoddard Of West Milford Dies, 49 James Alfred Stoddard, Jr., 49,  of West Milford left us too early on July 24, 2019. Growing up as the only boy in a large Italian family, there was no shortage of attention spent on this active, fun-loving and adventurous young man. Having lost his father, James Stoddard, Sr., at an early age, “Jim Jim,” as he was lovingly known, was raised as “The Prince” by his doting family—and rightly so. A child of the '70s, Jimmy loved music, with KISS being a particular favorite. Jimmy took every opportunity to enjoy them whether it be a concert, book signing or a fan meet and greet. He and h…
Video: 'Kidcaster' From Westchester Gets Shot At Stardom In Mets' Broadcast Booth Video: 'Kidcaster' From Westchester Gets Shot At Stardom In Mets' Broadcast Booth
Video: 'Kidcaster' From Westchester Gets Shot At Stardom In Mets' Broadcast Booth An 11-year-old from Westchester took center stage for SNY as he joined the New York Mets' broadcasting team as its newest “kidcaster.” Larchmont's Caden Philip won the channel’s annual Kidcaster contest, and starred in the SNY booth with the team’s award-winning broadcast team, calling play-by-play in the bottom of the third inning of a 4-0 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday, July 25 at Citi Field. Decked out in a button-down shirt and blue and green striped tie, Philip, who pitches for his Little League team and recently threw a no-hitter, had announcers Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez…
New LIRR Station At Bellmont Park Will Be Built In Connection With Construction On Isles' Arena New LIRR Station At Bellmont Park Will Be Built In Connection With Construction On Isles' Arena
New Lirr Station At Bellmont Park Will Be Built In Connection With Construction On Isles' Arena Developers and the New York Islanders are all aboard as they plan to construct a new Long Island Rail Road station at Belmont Park as part of their proposed $1.3 billion arena and entertainment complex in Elmont. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday, July 8, that the Belmont Park Redevelopment Project is calling for the first full-time LIRR station in nearly 50 years, "helping mitigate traffic concerns and providing a new amenity to the Elmont community." Cuomo also released an analysis of the project's potential economic impact, which determined the new arena, hotel, an…
AMAZIN' (VIDEO): Lodi Boy, 6, With Blood Disorder Meets Mets, Gets Foul Ball At Game AMAZIN' (VIDEO): Lodi Boy, 6, With Blood Disorder Meets Mets, Gets Foul Ball At Game
Amazin' (Video): Lodi Boy, 6, With Blood Disorder Meets Mets, Gets Foul Ball At Game A 6-year-old Lodi boy with a rare blood disorder not only went to his first-ever New York Mets game: He got to meet the players, as well as baseball legend Mike Piazza, sat in the dugout -- and even collected a foul ball among other "amazin' " souvenirs. "What are the odds of a foul ball coming off the bat right at us?" said Bergen County Prosecutor's Chief of Detectives Robert Anzilotti, who led the effort to make the dream come true for A.J. Vigliotti. A.J., who was born with Beta Thalassemia -- also known as Cooley’s Anemia -- was selected as the office's Chief For the Day event, held tw…
Let's Go, Mets: Bergen Prosecutors Want To Give Lodi Boy, 6, With Blood Disorder 'Amazin' Day Let's Go, Mets: Bergen Prosecutors Want To Give Lodi Boy, 6, With Blood Disorder 'Amazin' Day
Let's Go, Mets: Bergen Prosecutors Want To Give Lodi Boy, 6, With Blood Disorder 'Amazin' Day Surrounded by other emergency vehicles -- their lights flashing and sirens screaming -- the Bergen County prosecutor's crime scene van pulled up to the Lodi home of 6-year-old A.J. Vigliotti. Detectives had important news for A.J., who was born with a rare blood disorder called Beta Thalassemia, also known as Cooley’s Anemia: They selected him to be their Chief for a Day at the annual event organized by the county sheriff's office. They also promise to make his wish come true of seeing his very first New York Mets game. A.J. and others affected with Cooley's Anemia must undergo monthl…
Here's When Mets' New Ban On Backpacks At Citi Field Will Start Here's When Mets' New Ban On Backpacks At Citi Field Will Start
Here's When Mets' New Ban On Backpacks At Citi Field Will Start Beginning soon, peanuts and Cracker Jack will still be featured at Citi Field, but backpacks will be banned. In an effort to enhance safety and expedite efforts to get into the ballpark, New York Met officials announced on Friday that beginning on Monday, May 20, backpacks will be banned from the stadium. Fans will still be able to bring purses, tote, drawstring and messenger bags, and soft-sided coolers that don't exceed 16-by-16-by-8 inches to the field. The team noted that exceptions will be made for backpacks used for medical reasons. Backpacks purchased inside Citi Field during th…
Yankees, Mets Show Off New Food Items On Their Menus Yankees, Mets Show Off New Food Items On Their Menus
Yankees, Mets Show Off New Food Items On Their Menus The Yankees and the Mets are hitting a home run with a variety of new additions to their stadiums’ menus. Yankee Stadium’s menu is chock full of traditional American eats like ribs and Buffalo wings with a unique array of chef-inspired sauces and dry rubs, the team announced. Also new on the Yankee Stadium menu are specialty milkshakes: the Tres Leches shake, made with tres leches cake, churro and condensed milk, is the newest addition. The stadium offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Those who are in the mood to grab a drink during the game can do so at the City Wi…
73-Year-Old Mets Media Legend -- Jay Horwitz Of Clifton -- Takes New Gig With Team 73-Year-Old Mets Media Legend -- Jay Horwitz Of Clifton -- Takes New Gig With Team
73-Year-Old Mets Media Legend -- Jay Horwitz Of Clifton -- Takes New Gig With Team Clifton native Jay Horwitz, who is in his 39th season as the vice president of media relations for the New York Mets, is transitioning into a new role with the team. The 73-year-old will be at the helm of alumni relations and the official team historian effective Oct. 1, the Mets announced Wednesday. Horwitz -- formerly the PR director for Fairleigh Dickinson University -- was interviewing for the media relations position in 1980 when he spilled orange juice on general manager Frank Cashen, MLB.com reports. Horwitz was certain he wouldn't be offered the gig after that -- but he was, and we…
Matthew Dickman Of Carlstadt Dies, 24 Matthew Dickman Of Carlstadt Dies, 24
Matthew Dickman Of Carlstadt Dies, 24 Matthew James Dickman of Carlstadt died at home surrounded by his family on Aug. 17. He was 24 years old. A graduate of Henry P. Becton Regional High School, Matthew was an avid New York Mets fan and enjoyed golfing, fishing, cooking and spending time with family and friends.  He was predeceased by his grandparents, William Beatty, Joan Dickman and Robert Dickman, Sr. Matthew is survived by his parents, Linda (nee Beatty) and Robert H. Dickman, Jr.; siblings Alyson R. Dickman and her fiancé Jordan Vega, and Gregory R. Dickman; and grandmother Patricia Beatty,  He is also survived by his …
VIDEOS: Police Release Bodycam Videos Of Ex-Met Lenny Dykstra's Arrest VIDEOS: Police Release Bodycam Videos Of Ex-Met Lenny Dykstra's Arrest
Videos: Police Release Bodycam Videos Of Ex-Met Lenny Dykstra's Arrest Police in Linden have released bodycam footage from last month's arrest of former New York Mets centerfielder Lenny Dykstra. Dykstra was carrying cocaine, Ecstasy and pot when he was arrested before dawn Wednesday for threatening an Uber driver with a gun the night of May 23, authorities said. "Dude, I'm a convicted felon. I can't own a firearm," Dykstra, 55, says, adding that the driver was "crazy" and trying to kidnap him, driving 100 miles per hour. The 47-year-old driver claimed otherwise.  "He told me he was going to shoot me and put it to the back of my head…
Midland Park Pitcher Hailed As Hero After Being Hit In Head With Ball Midland Park Pitcher Hailed As Hero After Being Hit In Head With Ball
Midland Park Pitcher Hailed As Hero After Being Hit In Head With Ball An 11-year-old Midland Park boy who was struck in the head with a batted ball while pitching in a major tournament in Maryland over the weekend is being hailed the hero of the game. Ralph Warner, a fifth grader at the Highland School, was named the "Player of the Game" as he recovered in the ICU with a broken skull and two brain bleeds after Saturday's game at the Cal Ripken Baseball Tournament in Aberdeen, MD.  Ralph's team (11U) was the first in Midland Park history to make it to the champion section of the tournament. The game ended in a rain delay.  "My guy, feeling bett…
Ex-Mets Star Lenny Dykstra Charged With Putting Gun To Uber Driver's Head Ex-Mets Star Lenny Dykstra Charged With Putting Gun To Uber Driver's Head
Ex-Mets Star Lenny Dykstra Charged With Putting Gun To Uber Driver's Head Troubled former New York Mets centerfielder Lenny Dykstra was carrying cocaine, Ecstasy and pot when he was arrested by police in Linden before dawn Wednesday for threatening an Uber driver, authorities said. The 47-year-old driver headed to police headquarters and leaned on the horn, then ran from the car toward officers who seized Dykstra, 55, just before 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, Lt. Christopher Guenther said. Moments earlier, he told police, Dykstra “put a weapon to his head and threatened to kill him” when the former World Series champion refused Dykstra’s commands to change the original de…