Date: April 21, 2026 l Reporter: Usman Adebayo
A bizarre and attention-grabbing scene unfolded outside Citi Field in New York as a self-proclaimed voodoo priest carried out a ritual in an attempt to reverse what fans are calling the “Curse of the Mambino,” believed to be behind the New York Mets’ recent poor performance.
The unusual event comes as the New York Mets struggle through a difficult stretch, having suffered an 11-game losing streak that has pushed the team to the bottom of the National League East standings.
According to reports, the ritual was conducted by a man identified as Michael Washington, also known as “Tata Tilk,” who arrived at the stadium dressed in ceremonial attire and equipped with objects including a goat skull, bones, and other items typically associated with spiritual practices.
Washington claimed the team had been affected by a negative force following a visit by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani earlier in April. During that visit, the mayor hugged the team’s mascots, an act that some fans jokingly blamed for triggering a streak of bad luck now referred to as the “Curse of the Mambino.
Fans have been divided over the situation. While many view the idea of a curse as humorous or symbolic of the team’s struggles, others have embraced the spectacle as a desperate but entertaining attempt to turn the season around. One fan reportedly said that if such rituals could help the team win, they would be willing to accept it.
The mayor himself has responded lightheartedly to the controversy, joking about the nickname “Mayor Mambino” and expressing continued support for the team despite the speculation surrounding his visit.
Sports analysts, however, point to more conventional explanations for the Mets’ struggles, including performance issues, team dynamics, and competitive challenges within the league. Historically, baseball has seen many so-called “curses,” often used by fans to explain prolonged losing streaks or disappointing seasons.
Despite the skepticism, the voodoo priest confidently predicted a turnaround for the Mets, even going as far as forecasting a playoff run and superiority over their rivals.
As the team prepares for upcoming games, attention remains fixed not only on their performance on the field but also on the unusual off-field efforts aimed at changing their fortunes. Whether the ritual has any impact remains to be seen, but for now, it has added an unexpected chapter to an already turbulent season.