NEW YORK (AFP) –
Comedian Bill Maher, a New York native and life-long supporter of the New York Mets, revealed that he has purchased a minority ownership stake in the Major League Baseball club.
The 56-year-old television show host said he made the purchase months ago, but would not say for how much. Shares of the club were put up for sale after the Mets suffered financial setbacks in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme scandal.
“I think it’s a great investment,” Maher said.
Maher was on the field for a pre-game ceremony on Sunday, his first in-person look at his investment, one in which he plans to be a silent partner despite his reputation for taking on any controversial topic.
“It’s the first time I’ve been in New York since then,” he said. “I have enough stress in my real job. I don’t need to worry about this.”
The Mets revealed in March they had sold 12 minority stakes in the club for $240 million, a boost that allowed the club to repay a $25 million loan from Major League Baseball, a $40 million bank loan and have operating funds.