On a sun-drenched, beautiful afternoon, the Bull’s Eye Sports Pub, at 2073 Flatbush Avenue, became the epicenter of nostalgia and sports history. The occasion? A Meet and Greet with 1986 Mets legends, Mookie Wilson and Tim Teufel, at the annual Mookie Wilson Family BBQ, held on Saturday, August 24th.
Fans, young and old, gathered to relive the glory days of one of baseball’s most memorable seasons, while indulging in all-you-can-eat Southern BBQ, autographs and memories that last a lifetime.
As the smell of delicious BBQ wafted through the air, Teufel, donning his 1986 World Series ring, greeted fans with a smile. He signed everything from baseball cards and pieces of the old Shea Stadium bleacher seats to the 1986 Mets yearbook and newspapers chronicling the team’s historic championship run. For many, holding a piece of Shea Stadium was more than just memorabilia—it was a connection to a storied past.
Nick Vlisiidis proudly showcased his piece of Shea when it was torn down, while Richie Deneke brought along his Shea bleacher seat and Jeanine Geoghegan her Daily News edition from the championship year. Another fan brought the Mets 1986 Yearbook. The energy was electric, with fans swapping stories of that magical season and sharing their own personal connections to the Mets.
Meanwhile, in the backyard of Bull’s Eye, Mookie was busy doing what he does best—making fans feel satiated. He was hitting a home run, but this time at the grill as master chef, proving that his talents extend far beyond the baseball diamond. As he sliced peppers and onions with the precision of a major league cook, it was clear that Mookie was a pro. This was more than just a BBQ; it was a celebration of family, friendship and the enduring bond between a team and its fans.
Lou Matteo, the owner of Bull’s Eye Sports Pub, was enjoying himself as much as his patrons, watching the day unfold. It was a perfect blend of good food, good company and unforgettable moments. “Mookie and Tim are not just legends on the field—they’re incredible people off the field as well,” Matteo said, reflecting on the event’s sunny summer success.
As the day went on, Mookie traded his grilling glove for a pen, joining Teufel in signing autographs and mingling with fans. The camaraderie between the two was evident, and their down-to-earth personalities shone through as they shared stories and laughter with everyone.
Chatting with the Canarsie Courier, Mookie dished about how the Wilson Family BBQ tradition began. “It all started about a year and a half ago on a fishing trip,” he shared, his eyes lighting up as he recounted the tale. “We’d been cooking for years—just for the love of it. But then we thought, why not turn this into something special, something we could share with others? And here we are today.”
For Mookie, the BBQ is more than just an event; it’s a way to connect with fans and keep the spirit of the 1986 Mets alive. “We’ve been doing this officially for about a year and a half now, but honestly, I’ve been grilling for as long as I can remember.”
Reflecting on his time with the Mets, Mookie was quick to highlight the camaraderie and the memories that have stayed with him over the years. “Winning the World Series was something special, but it’s the moments with the team, the shared experiences, that really stick with you. That’s what I’d tell young players today—enjoy the game for what it is and cherish those memories.”
No doubt fans left Bull’s Eye Sports Pub with full stomachs, signed memorabilia and hearts full of nostalgia. The Mookie Wilson Family BBQ was not just an event—it was a tribute to a golden era of baseball, a celebration of community and a reminder of the lasting impact of the 1986 Mets.
