Steven Matz

Kirk Nieuwenhuis is the latest victim of the Mets' bizarre elf curse

Published Dec. 23, 2015 5:00 p.m. ET

foxsports

NEW YORK -- Serving as an elf at the New York Mets' holiday party can be dangerous to one's tenure with the team.

Eight days after wearing a green elf suit and hat to entertain kids alongside pitcher Steven Matz's Santa Claus in Citi Field's Acela Club, outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis was claimed off waivers by Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Three years ago, pitcher R.A. Dickey played the role of the elf. Six days later, the NL Cy Young Award winner was traded to Toronto.

Pitcher Kris Benson dressed as Santa for the 2005 party at Shea Stadium, and then-wife Anna Benson drew attention by wearing a low-cut Santa costume. Six weeks later, the pitcher was traded to Baltimore.

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Steven Matz

New York Mets

Major League Baseball