The angry Mets fan who channeled the frustration of thousands of commuters when he raged against NJ Transit following a crippling train derailment is reaping the rewards of his viral outcry.
The folks at Excedrin gave Frank Fleming tickets to Friday night’s Mets game against the Marlins and a private car to get there. They’re also handed him some of the pain-relieving drug “in case his opening day headache remains.”
On Monday, Fleming crossed paths with a News 4 New York crew as he was racing to catch an Uber at the NJ Transit station in Secaucus. His quick, fiery outburst was caught on camera.
“New Jersey Transit is the absolute worst! I’m not going to get to my game now because they are incompetent!” he said.
The moment of rage went viral as fellow commuters found solace in his frankness following two derailments in as many weeks. The derailment has made a mess of NJ Transit, LIRR and Amtrak service for days.
Scott Yacovino, Senior Brand Manager Excedrin, said the company saw the video of Fleming and felt his pain.
“While we can’t guarantee a victory, we can guarantee he won’t have another headache trying to get there,” Yacovino said.
Fleming ultimately got to the game, but it took him more than five hours instead of the usual two hours and he missed the pomp and circumstance and the first pitch.
A devout sports fan, Fleming runs the blog SportsEcyclopedia.com. He said he takes off every year for the opener and has only missed one opening day since 1998.
“I was bummed out that I missed the opening day ceremonies, but luckily my friends at Excedrin relieved my headache with tickets for Friday night’s game behind the dugout and a driver to make sure I get there,” Fleming said.
My train is currently reversing OUT OF penn station. This is not a drill. Happy Monday morning. Thanks for everything as always @NJTRANSIT
— Alyssa (@alyssabraee) April 3, 2017
(1/3) My #NjTransit train lurched forward 3 times then made a bizarre crashing or air pressure release sound. Everyone has to exit from the
— Ruth Hochberg (@Ruth_Hochberg) April 3, 2017
Best part was the train coming to a crashing halt, felt like we hit another train on the platform. Felt great on my knees hitting the seat
— Brick Lobster (@brickwalters55) April 3, 2017
In the actual car of @NJTRANSIT train that derailed in Penn Station.. still on train.. interesting morning pic.twitter.com/ZGYyX2CcJW
— Matt Kassel (@MattKassel) April 3, 2017
@CBSNewYork @NBCNewYork Still on derailed @NJTRANSIT train with work crews outside pic.twitter.com/h7VdrLDYh0
— DKWints (@dkwinters91) April 3, 2017
That free ride to the game will certainly come in handy. Officials still haven't said definitively whether or not rail service will be back to normal by Friday.
