Teams 
In an age when texting and email are the more popular ways to communicate, Amazin' Calls takes the old-fashioned route - a phone call that allows players to have a conversation with people from all walks of life who have their own special story.
At selected games throughout the 2011 season, the Mets hosted guests at Citi Field who were called by a Mets player in the days leading up to the game. The thrill of speaking with a player was just the start for our VIP, who then met the player on the field, watched the game from field level seats, and saw their names in lights on the scoreboard - recording it all with a portable video camera, courtesy of Verizon, the presenting sponsor of Amazin' Calls.
Guests were chosen for a variety of reasons, such as a 'thank-you' for an extraordinary accomplishment or to provide a respite from a challenging illness or personal loss. They all enjoyed a day at the ballpark, just for them.
The following is the rundown of Mets players and their Amazin' Calls recipients from the 2011 season
Since being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, 17-year-old Alex Boothe, from Mendham, NJ, has raised over $100,000 for cancer research.
John Falcone's son, a police officer in Poughkeepsie, NY, died a hero when he was shot in the line of duty after saving a three-year old child. The two shared a love of the Mets and attended many games at Shea Stadium.
The Mets heard about Jillian Belio,an eight-year old twin girl from Woodhaven, Queens, from the Starlight Children's Foundation, a long time partner of the Mets. Jillian has suffered from ulcerative colitis since the age of three.
While watching a Mets game during the 2010 season, Paul Bell heard SNY announcers discussing the signs of autism as part of Autism Awareness Day at Citi Field. Realizing that his son exhibited those same symptoms, three-year-old Adrian was enrolled in the Little Village School on LI after tests confirmed he was autistic. The Bell family attended this year's Autism Awareness Day.
Andrew Levy, 13, has endured seven surgeries and was awaiting another in June when he received a call from Jason Bay. Andrew has kept a smile on his face throughout the challenges he has faced living with cerebral palsy.
John Kalaboukas lost his 11-year-old son, Thomas, to cancer two years ago. He created the Thomas Kalaboukas Foundation to raise awareness and money for families with children suffering from blood diseases.
This year's James Gordon Bennett Medal winner, the highest honor for a member of the FDNY, was firefighter Peter Demontreux from Ladder 132. He saved two victims from a burning brownstone in Brooklyn on August 30, 2010. Peter's family accompanied him to Citi Field on Father's Day.
Last December, Terry Collins, Jason Bay and Ike Davis visited Cohen Children's Hospital on the campus of North Shore-LIJ Medical Center. Brendan Sullivan had brain surgery to remove a tumor less than 24 hours before their arrival and came to life when he was told in ICU that the Mets were there. Seven months later Brendan met them once again on the field at Citi Field.
Daniel Gambardella, Jr., 16, lost his father when he was killed by a drunk driver on a Long Island parkway last April. Dan Sr. would travel across the state to see Danny play baseball for North Babylon High School.
Just 10 days after the death of his older brother while away at college, Nick Morrissey, 17, pitched for his St. Rose HS team (NJ), inspiring many fans and friends. He now pitches for Sacred Heart College in CT.
Matthew Roberts, 6, suffers from muscular dystrophy. He made sure his call from Daniel was on speaker phone so that his entire family could share it with him, and the game later on that week.
Thomas Heaney is a regular visitor to the United Cerebral Palsy center at the Queens Center for Progress in Jamaica. At 38 years old, his developmental challenges do not prevent him from extraordinary volunteer work at various senior centers throughout Queens.
Julie Campano, a 16-year-old student at Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica, has been an outstanding volunteer at New York Hospital Queens since 2008, logging more than 400 hours of her time. She has worked as a visitor guide (helping patients find their way around the hospital) and does clerical work in the pre-admissions area of the hospital.
Ray Goffio, from Brooklyn, is a staunch supporter of the FDNY and first responders to the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Wall of Remembrance at MCU Park, which recognizes those from Brooklyn who lost their lives on 9-11. A Red Cross volunteer at Ground Zero, he was named an Honorary Chief of the FDNY for his service.
After years of neglect at home, Juan weighed just 43 pounds at 12 years old when he arrived at the YMCA Sleepaway Camp via his foster agency eight years ago. It opened him to experiences he never could have imagined and restored his childhood. He became active in the Y Leaders Club before becoming a Counselor in Training, completing this past summer as Senior Counselor. At 20 years old, Juan is studying criminal justice with plans to join the NYPD and works part-time at the Y, which he credits with turning his life completely around.
Henry attends P.S. 92 in Corona, Queens, and participates in the Mets Power Lunch program, which has greatly improved his reading skills. At 12 years old, he is the oldest child in his family, helping his single father with his four younger sisters and brothers. Henry was recommended by the principal at PS 92 to have this day at Citi Field as reward for how he has 'stepped up to the plate' to help his dad and siblings.
View Entire Gallery »
