Nick Cunningham, also known as “Cowbell Man,” is a 29-year-old Cyclones enthusiast. A long-time Bay Ridge resident, he attends almost every Cyclones game, where he patrols the stands, rhythmically banging a cowbell with a drumstick. He is casual in his attire, usually dressed in a Cyclones jersey and jeans.
Cunningham’s game demeanor includes near constant movement around the park and a boisterous voice that frequently shouts, “Let’s go Cy-Clones!” His attire and appearance were functionally appropriate for his self-chosen role as “Cowbell Man.”
Yet, the Cyclones brass had an idea. As a part of Singles Night at Keyspan Park on July 30, Cunningham was selected to have a makeover by a Brooklyn beauty salon. Earlier that day, “Cowbell Man’s” dirty blond locks were given a new cut by a hair stylist, and he was fitted in a dark blue suit. Before and during the game, he was hidden from the crowd until his appearance in the seventh inning.
When he was introduced to the crowd, he was nattily groomed, with a sharp new hairstyle and beautiful suit. Indeed, the transformation was miraculous. Here was “Cowbell Man” looking like “Trump Man,” and even Cunningham’s normally energetic actions seemed to become measured and sophisticated as he quietly modeled his new look for the stunned crowd.
As soon as Nick’s moments on the field were over, he bounded into the stands, reclaimed his cowbell from “Monkey Lady,” its temporary holder, and began loudly ringing the bell. The sight was incongruous, the now “GQ” looking Cunningham bounding around the ballpark ringing a cowbell. Within a few minutes, he disappeared and then came back into view. The suit was gone, replaced by his Cyclones jersey and his blue jeans.
Cunningham was smiling broadly as he bounded up the steps of Section 5, “Cowbell Man” once more.
Dante’s weather
“See, I told you so!” crowed Dante Brinkley to no one in particular as he walked into the Cyclones dugout and stared out at the rain pouring down on Keyspan Park’s grounds crew.
“I predicted rain all weekend, and I was right,” chuckled Brinkley about an hour before the 6 pm Saturday game on July 31.
Was Dante’s prediction merely one that he made to a few teammates? Hardly. It was made on the WB Morning News, shown on New York’s Channel 11 the previous day at 8:30 am.
As that week’s guest Friday weather forecaster on the show, Brinkley went out on a limb and forecast rain for the entire weekend, and since it rained Friday, Brinkley was now two-for-two in predictions. (Rain in Brooklyn on Sunday, while Brinkley was in Aberdeen, Maryland, would subsequently make the Cyclones outfielder 3 for 3.)
Brinkley, 23, is done with baseball; he’s a natural for television. Nobody minds Brinkley’s bragging because, when he does it, he’s funny enough to crack up the faces on Mount Rushmore.
“Predicting the weather is a lot easier than playing baseball,” said Brinkley.
Carter to manage
This season, Gary Carter has been concentrating on helping the catchers in the Mets system. Next season, Carter confirmed, he will be managing in the Mets farm system.
“I wanted to be available to my family when I retired in 1992, so now that they’re pretty much grown, it leaves me with the time to make the commitment to managing.”
Where would he manage?
“It’s up to the Mets where they place me,” said Carter. “I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes.
“My burning desire is to get the New York Mets back to the top in this city, and I’m excited to be a part of the organization no matter where they place me next season.”
A vote for Gil
Gary Carter had to wait long after his retirement to be selected to the Hall of Fame. How does he feel about a former Brooklyn catcher who many feel belongs in the Hall of Fame?
Of course, we’re talking about the Dodgers’ Gil Hodges, who came up to the Brooks as a catcher, but was shifted to first base.
“Do I think Gil Hodges is a Hall of Famer?” asked Carter.
“Absolutely. I didn’t get to see him play. But for his dedication not only as a player, but as a manager. When that opportunity comes up for me to vote, he’s on my ballot.”
August 7, 2004 issue
