FLUSHING — A Mets fan was barred from Citi Field for a no-brainer during Johan Santana's historic no-hitter.
Thirty-three-year-old Rafael Diaz will also have to pay $5,000 in fines and will have to perform 100 hours of community service for running onto the field after the June 1 game against the St. Louis Cardinals and embracing the celebrating Mets players.
“The defendant’s antics have resulted in a criminal record, the paying of thousands of dollars in fines and civil penalties, and — perhaps the worse punishment for any true Mets fan – precludes him from ever again visiting Citi Field," said Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown in a statement Thursday. "He has now learned the hard way that the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the New York Mets have zero tolerance for those who interfere with the play of America’s pastime.”
Diaz will have to pay $1,000 to the city and $4,000 to the Mets organization following the stunt. If he fails to comply with any part of the sentence he will face a minimum of 15 days in jail.
