Sunday, November 15, 2026
In a village where baseball loyalties may be divided, the Mets and Yankees have finally found some common ground — a horse.
Cedarhurst officials and residents gathered at Andrew J. Parise Park in Cedarhurst last Sunday to dedicate the Hybrid Horse, a restored fiberglass sculpture celebrating New York’s two Major League Baseball teams, and to honor the legacy of the village’s late mayor, Andrew J. Parise.
The ceremony marked the realization of a vision more than a decade in the making, transforming a familiar village landmark into a symbol of unity, community pride and remembrance.
“Only in Cedarhurst could we bring Yankees fans [and] Mets fans together, and actually get them to agree on something,” Assemblyman Ari Brown, Cedarhurst’s deputy mayor, said.
“Today is much more than about a horse,” Brown added. “It’s about history, generosity, friendship, and a wonderful community that never forgets the people who make it special.”
The fiberglass horse, which features the Mets colors and logo on one side and the Yankees on the other, was part of Nassau County’s 2002 public art project, “Horse of a Different Color.” Frank Cristo purchased the sculpture — which originally showcased only the Mets’ colors, blue and orange — and displayed it outside his restaurant, Matteo’s, on Broadway in Hewlett. When Cristo opened another eatery, Mezzanotte, in Cedarhurst in 2013, he donated the horse to the village.
Parise, who was mayor at the time, envisioned an equine redesign that would represent both baseball franchises. He suggested that one side of the horse be repainted to represent the Yankees. But his vision remained unfinished when he died in February 2015.
For years the sculpture stood in Parise Park and became popular with visitors. Children climbed on it, families posed for photos with it and the horse gradually became part of Cedarhurst’s identity.
But time took its toll. The fiberglass began cracking, and the sculpture showed signs other of deterioration.
Mayor Benjamin Weinstock said that Cristo’s son, Frank Jr., approached village officials six months ago with a proposal to restore the horse and fulfill Parise’s vision. Frank Jr., along with the sculpture’s creator, John Novello, a local artist; Hakan Mavruk; Brown and village officials planned the restoration.
Northstar Autobody restored the sculpture and created its custom two-sided design, while artist J.O. Jerusalem produced the graphics.
Village Public Works Superintendent Guy Marino, Deputy Superintendent Anthony Marino and Nick Ortiz constructed the brick pedestal that supports the horse. Weinstock said that additional landscaping, including fencing and shrubbery, would be installed around the monument.
The finished sculpture pays tribute not only to the Mets and Yankees, but also to two celebrated team captains: David Wright of the Mets and Derek Jeter of the Yankees.
For Frank Cristo Jr., who spoke on behalf of his family, the dedication represented the fulfillment of a promise to Parise and a celebration of the values that connect Cedarhurst residents.
“What stands before us today is much more than a fiberglass statue of a thoroughbred horse,” he said. “It represents a vision, a legacy, and most importantly, the spirit of community that understands the value of unity, tradition and togetherness.”
Cristo recalled how Parise approached Novello with the idea of incorporating both baseball teams into the design, recognizing that their rivalry could illustrate a larger message about community. “To some, the Mets and Yankees represent one of New York’s greatest rivalries,” Cristo said. “But to Mayor Parise, they represented an opportunity to demonstrate something far more important.”
He emphasized that the sculpture’s message extended beyond baseball, representing the relationships and traditions that define Cedarhurst. Weinstock echoed that sentiment, describing the horse as a landmark that has brought generations of residents together.
“Over the years, this horse has become so much more than a piece of public art,” Weinstock said. “It has become a beloved local landmark and a special part of our community’s identity.”
For Brown, the dedication was ultimately about preserving Parise’s legacy and recognizing the people who helped bring his idea to life.
“Mayor Parise had a vision, the Cristo family had the generosity, and a wonderful group of people had the determination to finish the job,” Brown said. “Today, we simply don’t dedicate a horse. We fulfill a promise and honor a legacy.”
Brown offered a fitting conclusion to the celebration. “Two teams, one horse, one community,” he said.
