NY Mets cheesed off by ‘rickrolling’ stunt

One of the latest - and strangest - web phenomena has claimed its highest-profile victim yet. 'Rickrolling' started last year when hundreds of cheeky internet users began putting up links which tricked people into going to a video of Rick Astley's 1987 worldwide hit, Never Gonna Give You Up. Now, it appears that the New York Mets have fallen victim to the global prank.

In the spirit of interactivity, the baseball team asked their fans to select a new theme song on the Mets' website. But instead of choosing one of the rousing American anthems on offer, such as Jon Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer, Astley's cheesy tune came from nowhere to garner 5m votes. Mets bosses were understandably bemused: why would New Yorkers choose a song by a former pub singer from Newton-le-Willows to boost crowd morale at every Mets game next season?

It turns out that online sites such as digg.com were urging their users to vote for Astley (pictured). On Monday the single, made by Eighties pop producers Stock, Aitken and Waterman, appeared to be the clear winner. (Continued below)

The Mets have refused to play ball, however, and announced an old-fashioned run-off between the top six numbers, including Astley, Bon Jovi and the Monkees' I’m a Believer. Over the next week, the one drawing the loudest response from the Shea Stadium crowd will be declared the winner.

Other high-profile victims of 'rickrolling' include the Church of Scientology and Hillary Clinton. It is not known what Astley thinks of the practice but his record company seems pleased. They are now releasing a greatest hits album.