On a sunny Saturday afternoon at Bull’s Eye Sports Pub, 2073 Flatbush Avenue, the past met the present in a haze of BBQ smoke and baseball memories, as the smell of slow-cooked ribs and the sound of ’80s music filled the air. Mets legends Mookie Wilson and Tim Teufel—heroes of the unforgettable 1986 World Series—returned for the Wilson Family’s annual cookout on August 23rd, turning the pub into nostalgia of yesteryear.
Fans lined up not just for the all-you-can-eat Southern BBQ, but also for the chance to spend time with two heroes of the 1986 World Series championship team. For Mets fans, it felt like stepping back in time. “We tell them about those old teams,” Teufel said with a smile. “That’s what I really loved — the camaraderie. The game was more exciting then, and of course, nothing compares to winning the World Series.” He still proudly wore the World Series championship ring, on display for all to see, as he signed autographs non-stop.
Wilson, always the fan favorite and master of the grill, bantered with everyone about those fond baseball moments. Asked about his most memorable games, he smiled and recalled the battles with the Cardinals: “Win or lose, I loved playing St. Louis. That rivalry was always fun.” Then, with a glint of pride, he added, “How can you not remember Houston? That series was unbelievable. And of course, the glory of bringing a championship home to Queens and winning it all in New York— that’s what you play for.”
But this day wasn’t just about baseball — Wilson and his family, quite the all-star lineup, worked the grills, serving up ribs, chicken and sides that had fans raving. “I love the ribs, but I’m gonna go with the chicken today,” Teufel joked as he made his plate.
The afternoon was relaxed and intimate, with plenty of laughter and memories shared. Wilson further reflected on his playing days, noting, “I always enjoyed competing in New York — even against the Yankees. The fans were rowdy, but that made it exciting. It was always about the energy.”
Even decades later, both men clearly cherish the bond with their fans. “That’s what makes events like this so special,” Teufel said. “It’s about connecting, reminiscing and enjoying the game all over again — together.”
Bull’s Eye owner Lou Matteo called the annual BBQ “a grand slam every year.” This year again, they hit their mark! The pub’s matron, affectionately known as Mama Donna, summed it up warmly: “It’s about family — our family, the fans’ families and the Mets family. That’s why this never gets old.”
For longtime fans, the day was a reminder of a golden era in New York sports. “They love the fans, and the fans love them,” one supporter said while posing for a photo with Wilson. “The ’86 Mets will always be magic for me.” One enthusiastic fan brought along a jersey already covered with the signatures of other ’86 Mets, determined to complete the collection one legend at a time.
And with the smoke from the grill still hanging in the summer air, it was clear that for at least one afternoon in Brooklyn, the magic of ’86 was alive again. Fans walked away with autographs, signed photos and memorabilia, selfies, smiles, full bellies and new memories of their time with the legendary Mets.
