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Let's get one myth set aside.

I don't hate the Mets. In fact, there have been plenty of Mets that I've liked. Doc, Darryl, Seaver, Koosman, most of their broadcasters, especially Lindsey, Ralph, and Murph, Polar Bear, deGrom, and others.

What I hate are stupid fans. Not the ones that I've highlighted many times, but well, like Donna above. You can follow the thread beginning here. I've decided to write a letter to this troubled soul.

This image doesn't seem to have anything to do with sports, right?

Dear Donna,

Sat, Sept. 11 is supposed to be a remembrance for all New Yorkers of the horrible day we experienced as a nation 20 years ago. The fact that the game is at Citi Field and features both the Mets and Yankees is supposed to be a good way for the rival fan bases to come together as NewYorkers.

I'm so sad and sorry that you have Yankees Derangement Syndrome or whatever it's called. You're one of them. EVERYTHING, to you, is about the Yankees. They live in your skull. It's sad and, certainly, pathetic. 

Look, let's not compare franchises, Donna. We know how that will turn out (even since 1962). Let's instead look into the whole "The Mets' reaction to 9/11 was better than the Yankees" stuff.

1) Can we say, at the top, it's not a competition? Where's your disdain for the Knicks? Jets? Giants? Devils? Islanders? Rangers? Nets? Heck, I'm pretty sure the Liberty existed at that time. What about them? So, again, why is it about the Yankees?

2) Just because the Mets were waving pom-poms about their reaction doesn't mean other teams didn't do anything. The Rangers, for instance, have long been great when it comes to police and firemen and the iconic shot of Mark Messier wearing the helmet of fire Chief Ray Downey is forever etched in memories.

3) I realize some of you narrative is directed by Bobby Valentine, who ripped the Yankees (unnecessarily) in an interview about their response to Sep 11. That's classic little brother issues and, also, flat-out wrong. It wasn't Bobby V's finest moment, and I like Bobby.

"Let it be said that during the time from 9/11 to 9/21, the Yankees were [AWOL]," Valentine said on WFAN. "You couldn't find a Yankee on the streets of New York City. You couldn't find a Yankee down at Ground Zero, talking to the guys who were working 24/7."

Oh, Bobby.

4) Perhaps ask Bernie Williams where he was because he told the story of visiting Lower Manhattan.

5) I've also read other accounts,  but this sums it up nicely.

"So what did the Yankees do for New York City in the days following September 11th, besides a team donation of $1 million, further donations from individual players (which they specifically said would not be publicized in the media), hosting a blood drive, hosting a memorial service, making the stadium locker rooms available to police, fire, and EMT workers, and donating food, clothing, and equipment to personnel working at Ground Zero and families of the victims?

On Sept. 15, they chartered three vans and visited the Javits Center, a staging area for volunteers and rescue workers."

6) Shea Stadium was used due to its large parking lots and access to get items into midtown and onto Lower Manhattan.

7) Did you know, as much as George Steinbrenner loved attention, he actually avoided the spotlight when it came to most charitable things? Google "George Steinbrenner charity work" and look at how woefully misinformed you are.

8) Where was the prayer service post-9/11. Oh, that's right. Yankee Stadium.

9) I realize some of this is because, at least at first, Mike Piazza's home run flew a little under the radar because the big, bad Yankees took over in October, with a stirring comeback against Oakland (and some Hall of Famer named Derek Jeter making a flip play). Then an American League Championship conquest over a 116-win Seattle Mariners squad. Then the President threw a strike of a ceremonial first pitch. Then Tino Martinez. Then Jeter (Mr. November). Then Scott Brosius.

Then they lost.

10) In truth, Donna, they can all exist. The Piazza home run. The Jeter "Mr. November" home run. Scott Brosius and Yankee Stadium shaking (I was there). Messier and the helmet. The Jets. Giants. All of it.

11) We're all New Yorkers/Tri-State sports fans, you dolt. Sorry, I made it to point 11 before saying that. But you're exactly what's wrong with this, Donna.

Sep 11 is a day that lives within all of us, especially those of us who lived through it. I like that the two teams are coming together in this regard. I like that it's a night for New York and fans all over. 

You don't get to choose.

Take the "L," Donna. Focus on New York.

Seek help.

Here endeth the lesson.

Love, Rob