The striking artwork titled “OMG” created by Jerome McCroy, a 48-year-old artist from Ridgewood, Queens, took center stage during the Mets’ unexpected turnaround in their 2024 season. Known on Instagram as @Jaymaccustoms, where he boasts 14,000 followers, McCroy is both a passionate artist and a lifelong Mets fan. His involvement with the team came at a crucial time, and the art piece he designed, though simple in its execution, resonated deeply with players and fans alike. The phrase “OMG,” emblazoned across a hand-painted sign, became a rallying cry, uniting the team and symbolizing a shift in the energy surrounding the Mets’ season.

The Origins of “OMG”: McCroy’s Inspiration

Jerome McCroy had always been captivated by the ups and downs of his beloved Mets. Growing up in Ridgewood, Queens, McCroy spent countless summer days watching the team play, attending games at Shea Stadium and later Citi Field, reveling in both their victories and agonizing defeats. It was a lifelong connection, one built on hope, passion, and a deep emotional investment in the team’s success. McCroy, whose art often reflected the urban culture and the spirit of New York, found in the Mets a perfect embodiment of the city’s resilience—gritty, determined, and always fighting for that elusive victory.

As an artist, McCroy was known for taking everyday experiences and emotions and translating them into bold, visually striking works. His Instagram account, @Jaymaccustoms, showcases everything from graffiti-inspired murals to custom designs for sneakers and streetwear. But his heart had always been with the Mets, and when their 2024 season took a turn for the worse, McCroy felt compelled to do something. To him, the team’s struggles mirrored the challenges he often faced in his artistic career—moments of doubt and frustration, only to be followed by creative breakthroughs.

In July 2024, McCroy decided to channel his emotions into an art piece specifically for the Mets. He wanted it to be something simple, yet impactful—something that would catch people’s attention and, more importantly, boost the morale of the team. The result was “OMG,” a hand-painted sign that encapsulated the collective shock, frustration, and hope that Mets fans were feeling. But “OMG” wasn’t just an expression of exasperation; it was also a challenge—a reminder that miraculous things can happen when you least expect them.

From Art to Rallying Cry: “OMG” Becomes a Mets Symbol

When McCroy finished the “OMG” sign, he didn’t initially expect it to gain much traction beyond his circle of followers on Instagram. However, a mutual connection led the piece to the Mets’ clubhouse, where the players and staff were immediately taken by its raw, emotional resonance. The phrase “OMG” began to appear in the background of team photos, and players were seen wearing custom “OMG” T-shirts during pre-game warm-ups. The phrase perfectly captured the sentiment of a season on the brink—an acknowledgement of both the unexpected challenges and the possibility of redemption.

The timing couldn’t have been better. In the weeks following the introduction of the “OMG” sign, the Mets began to show signs of life on the field. Injured stars returned to the lineup, the pitching staff started to find its rhythm, and the team began to string together a series of improbable victories. As the wins started to pile up, the phrase “OMG” began to take on a life of its own. What had started as a simple piece of art had transformed into a rallying cry, one that unified the players and the fans alike.

The impression of “OMG” extended beyond the team’s internal dynamics. Fans quickly embraced the symbol, with many creating their own versions of the sign and bringing them to games. Social media lit up with posts featuring the hashtag #OMGmets, and McCroy’s artwork became a defining image of the Mets’ improbable comeback. The once-doubting fanbase began to believe that, despite all odds, the team might actually make a run for the postseason.

The Role of Art in Sports: McCroy’s Unexpected Influence

The story of Jerome McCroy and his “OMG” sign is a testament to the power of art in unexpected places. Sports and art may seem like disparate worlds, but McCroy’s contribution to the Mets’ resurgence highlights the ways in which creativity can inspire and energize even the most unlikely of communities. In a sport where statistics, strategy, and athleticism often dominate the conversation, McCroy’s artwork served as a reminder that emotional and psychological factors play a crucial role in success.

For McCroy, the success of “OMG” was both humbling and exhilarating. As an artist, he had always aimed to create work that spoke to people, but he never imagined that one of his pieces would have such a profound effect on a professional sports team. The experience not only boosted his profile—his Instagram following surged as “OMG” gained popularity—but also solidified his belief in the transformative power of art.

In interviews following the Mets’ turnaround, McCroy reflected on the journey: “I just wanted to give the team something that would remind them of their strength, their resilience. Sometimes you need to look at the struggles and just say, ‘OMG, we can turn this around.’ It’s been amazing to see how something as simple as a sign could have such a big impact.”

The Mets’ Remarkable Resurgence

As the 2024 season drew to a close, the New York Mets completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent baseball history. After languishing in the bottom half of the standings for much of the summer, the team rallied in the final months of the season, winning key games and securing a spot in the playoffs. Though the players’ improved performance was the main factor in their success, many in the clubhouse credited McCroy’s “OMG” sign with helping to shift the team’s mindset. It became a constant reminder that no matter how bleak things seemed, there was always a chance for redemption.

The team’s resurgence culminated in a dramatic playoff run, one that saw them reach the National League Championship Series (NLCS). Though the Mets ultimately fell short of a World Series berth, their comeback story captured the hearts of baseball fans across the country. For many, the 2024 Mets will be remembered not just for their on-field performance, but for the unique role that an artist and his sign played in their turnaround.

While the Mets’ 2024 season may be over, the legacy of Jerome McCroy’s “OMG” sign lives on. The artwork has become a symbol of resilience and hope, not just for the team, but for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. McCroy himself has continued to receive recognition for his contribution to the Mets’ success, with media outlets profiling his work and his role in the team’s resurgence.

For McCroy, the experience has been transformative. His Instagram account, @Jaymaccustoms, has grown in popularity, and he has been approached by other sports teams and organizations interested in collaborating with him on similar projects. But more than the attention and accolades, McCroy is proudest of the fact that his art made a tangible difference in the lives of others.

“I’ve always believed that art can change the way people think and feel,” McCroy said in a recent interview. “To see that happen on such a big stage, with the Mets and their fans, has been incredible. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that journey.”

As the Mets prepare for the future, the impression of “OMG” will be felt for years to come. Whether hanging in the team’s clubhouse or emblazoned on fan merchandise, McCroy’s artwork has become a permanent part of the Mets’ lore—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for a turnaround.

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