Eight days after wearing a green elf suit and hat to entertain children alongside pitcher Steven Matz’s Santa Claus at Citi Field, Mets outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers.
The role of elf appears to be something of a jinx for Mets players. Three years ago, coming off a Cy Young Award-winning season, pitcher R. A. Dickey played the role of the elf. He was traded to Toronto six days later.
Pitcher Kris Benson dressed as Santa for the 2005 party at Shea Stadium, and Anna Benson, then his wife, drew attention by wearing a low-cut Santa costume.