Long Island Booze Baron Martin Silver is riding to the rescue to buy the New York Mets, whom he's sure are broke, so that they "don't fall into the wrong hands." Like, with someone who doesn't taunt people with poultry?
Despite Fred Wilpon's claims to the contrary, Silver, owner of Syosset-based Star Industries, is sure that the Mets are nearly bankrupt from Wilpon being one of the victims in Bernie Madoff's $50 billion Ponzi scheme. Silver is putting together a team of partners with the intention of offering $600 million to $700 million for the team. Forbes magazine has put the value of the Mets at $824 million, says the New York Daily News.
"If Mr. Wilpon is in so much trouble. ... It's like real estate, it comes down in value," said Silver, who in June sent Wilpon five whole chickens to express his displeasure over the firing of manager Willie Randolph.
The Daily News says that Silver is part-owner of a Wilmington, Del., minor league baseball team, which I assume is the Wilmington Blue Rocks; home of fibrous vegetable mascot Mr. Celery.
Mr. Celery and Mr. Met on the same field, with unlimited access to free liquor? I am so rooting for this to happen.
I'll Save The Mets, Says Long Island Liquor Mogul Martin Silver [New York Daily News]