Among the greatest benefits of the Internet: 1) Something we can’t talk about. 2) RandBall. 3) The ability to perhaps make it so paying customers at Shea Stadium had to hear Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” at every home game. Oh, it was so close. An Internet vote fueled by the clever readers of Fark.com made the late ’80s pop “standout” the winner, but the Mets are wise to their ways. From the NY Post, via Deadspin (and courtesy of the Hootie), with the bold all ours (see, we do some work):

The Mets will have a runoff to determine their new eighth-inning sing-along tune. The organization received 5 million votes on its Web site after inviting fans to choose from among 10 selections to potentially replace Sweet Caroline. An issue arose, however, when FARK.com readers bombarded the Mets with gag votes for a write-in candidate: Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up.

The Astley tune actually won. Rather than commit to that as the new eighth-inning tune since it probably doesn’t reflect the fan base’s wishes, the Mets will play the top six selections once apiece during the first six games of their home stand. The one that draws the largest crowd response will stick. The other songs that made the cut, in descending order: Livin’ on a Prayer, Bon Jovi; I’m a Believer, The Monkees; Movin’ Out, Billy Joel; Sweet Caroline, Neil Diamond; and Build Me Up Buttercup, The Foundations.

The Mets suggested the Fark tune winning didn’t necessarily result in the runoff, saying the contest rules stipulated Internet voters would “help decide” the outcome.

So much for having a sense of humor, Mets. To read more about this fine topic, please go here or here.

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