Mets plan surprising performance ahead of NLCS Game 5

Prior to NLCS Game 5 on Friday, New York Mets fans will be treated to a special musical performance at Citi Field.

On Thursday night, the club announced that four-time Grammy-winning Motown group The Temptations will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Citi Field before the Mets take on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Immediately following the national anthem, they will perform their iconic hit “My Girl,” which became the group’s first No. 1 song in 1964.

“My Girl” has special meaning for Mets fans as it has been star shortstop Francisco Lindor’s walk-up song since mid-May, coinciding with the team’s turnaround. Lindor has encouraged fans to turn his walk-up into a singalong, occasionally even taking a timeout before his punches so they can serenade him longer.

In the first inning, Lindor takes his time getting into the box so fans can sing the first verse and chorus – even after the music fades. Both fans and the organization have fully embraced this unique tradition, which has been well received by the crowd in recent weeks and created a lively atmosphere at packed Citi Field.

Throughout this season, the Mets have explored creative ways to entertain their fan base, from veteran utility infielder Jose Iglesias performing his hit song “OMG” in a postgame concert to installing a purple seat at Citi Field in their honor by Grimace, whose ceremonial first pitch started the team’s seven-game winning streak in June and became a symbol of their magical run.

Last year, billboard The magazine ranked The Temptations No. 1 on its list of the 100 Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of All Time. Of the original members from when the group was formed in 1960, only 82-year-old Otis Williams remains, who owns the rights to the group’s name. The other four active members joined between 1983 and 2022.

They will sing the anthem at 4:53 p.m. ET, exactly 15 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Her performance of “My Girl” follows immediately afterwards.

New York is down 3-1 in the series and is on the verge of elimination. A win on Friday would move the series to Los Angeles for Game 6, with Game 7 potentially following if necessary.