Whatever wintertime holiday you celebrate—or if you celebrate no holiday at all—a Happy Whatever from the Amazin' Avenue family to yours.
A Mets winter tradition—apart from disappointing fans by spending too little money, too much money, or money in the wrong places—is their annual holiday party, ostensibly an inclusive solstice celebration that nevertheless features a Mets player in Santa Claus regalia. This year was no different, as Daniel Murphy donned the fat suit and Zack Wheeler played the part of Santa's most loyal elf.
Here's a look back at the past decade of Mets Santa Clauses.
John Franco played Santa Claus at the Mets annual holiday party for several years in the early aughts before passing the torch to Mike Cameron in 2004. Willie Randolph as Santa's elf. (Mets.com coverage).
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Kris Benson donned the fat suit and beard in 2005. Anna Benson was also there. Not pictured: elfPaul Lo Duca. (Mets.com coverage).
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David Wright brought along the oldest elf in the North Pole, Julio Franco, in 2006. (Mets.com coverage).
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John Maine sat in as jolly Saint Nick with clumsy do-nothing elf Oliver Perez in 2007. (Mets.com coverage).
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In 2008, Mike Pelfrey played the tallest, skinniest Santa to date, with Francisco Rodriguez and John Maine as elves. (Mets.com coverage).
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In 2009, Jeff Francoeur had to bring along four elves — Angel Pagan, Jose Reyes, Jon Niese, and Bobby Parnell— in order to accommodate the Christmas wishes of all of the beat writers. (Mets.com coverage)
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Wright was back in the fat suit in 2010, flanked by $30+ million worth of elves: Jason Bay, Ike Davis, and Carlos Beltran. (Daily News coverage)
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Daniel Murphy had his turn as Kringle in 2011, with help from Jon Niese and Justin Turner. (Mets.com coverage)
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John Franco reprised his role as Mets Santa Claus in 2012, with Ike Davis returning as his elf. (Newsday coverage)
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In 2013, Daniel Murphy was back in the fat suit with newcomer Zack Wheeler as the trusty elf. (Mets.com coverage)
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