<P> Today the name enjoys exclusive ubiquity in literature and speech referring to New York City, and is used with regularity by journalists and news - headline writers across the English - speaking world . </P> <P> The term "big apple" was used by Frank Sinatra in conversation with opera singer Dorothy Kirsten on an episode of the NBC radio program Light Up Time on 28th March, 1950 . </P> <P> In Evita, Buenos Aires is referred to as "B.A., Buenos Aires, Big Apple" in the song Eva, Beware of the City . This line, produced by lyricist Tim Rice, does not appear to reflect any pre-existing usage . </P> <P> The New York Mets baseball team have featured a "Home Run Apple" that rises whenever a Mets player hits a home run . It has become a symbol of the Mets baseball team, recognized throughout Major League Baseball as an iconic feature of the Mets' stadiums . It first appeared in Shea Stadium, and the original can still be seen on display at Citi Field, outside the Jackie Robinson Rotunda . Citi Field now uses a new apple, one that is much larger than original . </P>

Where did the big apple name come from