The death of disgraced financier Bernie Madoff spurred a flurry of responses among Mets fans and journalists on social media on Wednesday.
Madoff's death, combined with the recent sale of the team by the Wilpon family, seemingly marks the end of a dark episode in team history.
The Wilpons claimed to have incurred steep losses as one of the many victims of Madoff's infamous Ponzi scheme, and the Mets subsequently seemed to spend more like a mid-market franchise.
The Amazin's have enjoyed modest success in the decade-plus since the Madoff scandal exploded -- most notably a World Series appearance in 2015 -- but their rebuild under Sandy Alderson was protracted and methodical, and for many fans, the purse strings were frustratingly tight in free agency.
Many were all too pleased to see the Wilpons depart. Here's what they were saying about Madoff.
Veteran sportswriter Howard Megdal, who authored a book about the Wilpons' dealings with Madoff, said the financier's story was a "cautionary tale." Maury Brown called it the end of a "sad chapter."
Madoff ruined "thousands of lives" in addition to nearly sinking the Mets, Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post wrote.
The Mets have "finally" emerged out from under the cloud of the Madoff episode, according to Filip Bondy of the Daily News.
Madoff's Ponzi scheme "screwed the Mets" for years, declared a Deadspin headline, while amNewYork said his death propelled the Mets further from their "dark ages."
In an odd bit of symmetry, former Mets COO Jeff Wilpon appeared alongside Gov. Cuomo on Wednesday at a news conference regarding a coronavirus vaccination site on Long Island.
Madoff's passing didn't come up, according to reporters, but several journalists made note of Wilpon's appearance.
Some jokingly suggested Mets fans should celebrate Madoff now that they're under new ownership.
Others weren't so sure about glossing over Madoff's crimes.
Of course, it wouldn't be social media without the gags.