The story was released in late March 1985. Mets fans were overjoyed at their luck in finding such a player, and flooded "Sports Illustrated" with requests for more information. Many people fell for the prank. A New York sports page editor complained to the Mets' public relations director for allowing "Sports Illustrated" to break the news. Two general managers called Commissioner of Baseball Peter Ueberroth asking about Finch. The "St. Petersburg Times" sent a reporter to find Finch, and a radio talk show host claimed he saw Finch pitch.