Sad news for the Mets: Seymour Weiner, World War II veteran and viral superfan of the team, dies at 98
Seymour Weiner, who became a social media sensation after being honored by the Mets at their 2024 opening game, has died at the age of 98. The team and his family confirmed the news and celebrated his legacy as a veteran, activist, and baseball fan.
Seymour Weiner rose to prominence in March 2024 when he was honored as a “Veteran of the Game” during the New York Mets’ opening game. The moving tribute, which featured team icons such as Mookie Wilson and John Franco, was just the beginning of the online fame that would follow. Weiner, a Brooklyn resident and World War II veteran, joined the army in 1945, determined to fight against the Nazi regime as an 18-year-old Jewish youth.
His path to military service wasn’t easy, as he struggled with high blood pressure. However, after following the advice of a nurse at Grand Central Station, he successfully enlisted in the military and was sent to Italy as part of the occupying forces, where he worked on communications equipment. He was honorably discharged in 1947. Throughout his life, he maintained a strong connection to the Mets and witnessed the team’s ups and downs, watching them play even in their final days.
From war hero to viral icon
The tribute to Weiner not only moved the audience, but also made him a social media sensation. The contrast between his noble career and the humorous nature of his name attracted the attention of thousands of users, who shared memes, comments, and humorous tributes. His daughter, Beth Weiner, explained that her father welcomed the unexpected fame, stating that he enjoyed the attention and affection he received from the fans.
In April, the Mets even organized a $1 hot dog promotion using Weiner's image in the advertisement. Fan creativity took his image to new levels of virality, including montages with his face on rapper Lil Yachty's body. Although he was unable to attend that game due to health reasons, his family was in attendance and was enthusiastically received by the crowd, who chanted his name as if he were a baseball star.
Seymour Weiner was a veteran of World War II and is recognized for his heroic participation. Photo: NBC News
An unforgettable memory for the Mets and their community
Beth Weiner emphasized the deep bond her father maintained with the New York team until the very end. In his final days, he continued to follow the games on television or by phone, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty. “The day before he passed away, the Mets scored 19 runs. I told him, 'You're doing this for my dad,'” she recounted. The Mets organization also expressed its condolences over Weiner's passing and assured them that they would pay tribute to him.
Beyond his relationship with baseball, Seymour Weiner was remembered as a social activist committed to the values of patriotism, inclusion, and social justice. Born into poverty during the Great Depression, the son of immigrants and with learning disabilities, he managed to overcome adversity and become an admired figure. He is survived by his daughter Beth and his grandchildren Juliette and Jonathan Wilder. The online community, along with the Mets, continues to celebrate his life with messages of affection and admiration.
