Jeff McNeil spent his day off watching another master of his craft.
The Mets’ All-Star infielder/outfielder was at Coney Island on July 4, serving as a judge for the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, and watching Joey “Jaws” Chestnut win the crown for the 12th time by scarfing down 71 hot dogs.
“It was a lot of fun. Interesting to see,” McNeil said Friday before the Mets opened a series with the Phillies at Citi Field. “I definitely wanted to experience it and, at the same time, it’s kind of gross.”
The two talked before the competition, and Chestnut, who on Sunday visited Citi Field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, told McNeil he wasn’t even hungry.