SVU's Peter Scanavino Was All Smiles Meeting the Mets' Mascots on MLB Opening Day
The SVU icon was spotted enjoying the first day of the MLB season at the Mets vs. Pirates game.
Spring in New York City means baseball is back and the streets are alive as ever, something Law & Order: Special Victims Unit icon Peter Scanavino knows better than most.
The SVU icon, who spends much of the year filming across Manhattan's bustling city blocks, recently traded a set call for a seat in the stands, taking in the New York Mets game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26. Best known to fans as 16th Precinct A.D.A. Sonny Carisi, Scanavino stepped out to enjoy the classic ballpark atmosphere at Citi Field. While Scanavino is usually seen buttoned up for an explosive courtroom showdown, the actor looked right at home among the fellow Met fans, embracing a more laid-back look for the outing.
In a video posted on Law & Order's Instagram, Scanavino can be seen enjoying beloved mascots Mr. and Mrs. Met, snapping a photo of the MLB mascots with a look of glee on his face.
"Get Mrs. Met a spot on the squad!" reads the caption on the post, which caught the attention of many SVU fans.
Watch the adorable moment, here!
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There's a cherished authenticity that comes from Scanavino's attendance at the Mets game, considering he's become such a familiar face, not just on screen but to fans who spot the production crews out in the wild.
Peter Scanavino and Mariska Hargitay love rooting for the Mets
It's a fitting crossover considering Scanavino's day job often puts him right at the heart of the Big Apple's day-to-day rhythm. SVU has long been known for its on-location filming, with cast and crew often crossing paths with New York citizens excited about the on-set action.
Scanavino's outing for the MLB's 2026 kick-off was far from his first time connecting with SVU fans while enjoying quality time at the ballpark. Ahead of the Season 21 premiere of SVU, Scanavino and his longtime co-star, Mariska Hargitay, attended a 2019 Mets game in honor of Hargitay being tapped to throw the game's opening pitch. After the high-stakes pitch, the Law & Order icon revealed that Scanavino had taught her how to do a full round-up, but she ultimately held back.
"It was incredible," Scanavino laughed while chatting about the unexpected "curveball" on the sidelines. "I was blown away."
"I had a blast," Hargitay said. "Next time, should there be one, I'm going to throw it a little harder."
A known baseball fan, when asked about his favorite Mets player of all time, Scanavino revealed that he was a big fan of Darryl Strawberry, an MLB legend who played for the New York Mets from 1983 to 1990. "That was my guy," Scanavino said, revealing he used to collect baseball cards of the Mets icon and that he's enjoyed getting back into the sport in recent years.
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Whether he's walking briskly to the courthouse or grabbing a quick moment with a fan while enjoying the sights of the Big Apple, Scanavino's connection to New York City is undeniable. Seeing him unwind at the ballgame feels like a continuation of Carisi's passion for the city, just with far fewer legal briefs.
Watch MLB's Opening Week on NBC & Peacock
Catch a full breakdown on the MLB games airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock this week, below:
Opening Day on NBC & Peacock (Thursday, March 26)
Thursday, March 26: Pirates at Mets, 1 p.m. ET - NBC & Peacock
Thursday, March 26: Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 8 p.m. ET - NBC & Peacock
Sunday Night Baseball (Season Debut)
Sunday, March 29: Guardians at Mariners, 7 p.m. ET - Peacock
Peacock “Game of the Day” (Streaming Exclusive)
Thurs., March 26: Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros, 4:10 p.m. ET - Peacock
Fri., March 27: Kansas City Royals at Atlanta Braves, 7:15 p.m. ET - Peacock
Sat., March 28: Tampa Bay Rays at St. Louis Cardinals, 2:15 p.m. ET - Peacock
Sun., March 29: Texas Rangers at Philadelphia Phillies, 1:35 p.m. ET - Peacock
As always, watch Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
