Dear Mets Fans,
First of all, congratulations! Your team not only made the playoffs, but will soon be playing for a World Series title. I clearly don't have to stress the magnitude of your team's accomplishment, considering the amount of space you've occupied on my social media newsfeeds. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, and I certainly am not criticizing you for it, because if my Yankees were in the World Series (again), I'd be doing the same thing.
As you've probably noticed, by now, a season like yours attracts an onslaught of criticism from haters and bitter rival fans. Be nice to the haters, you spent over three decades in their shoes. The last thing I'd ever want to do (as a Yankee fan) is jinx the Mets, but seeing as how it's been a while since you guys have tasted a championship, I thought I'd take this opportunity to remind you of a few things. On behalf of fellow Yankee fans, nationwide, here's what you need to remember if you manage to pull out this title.
1. Avoid saying things like "I told you this would be our year!"
It's the Rex Ryan effect. Promising a championship at the beginning of every season does not make it any more impressive if it happens. Even a broken clock is right twice each day.
2. You are still New York's other team.
You might just be bringing a World Series trophy back to New York, but please don't claim you're doing it for the city. The city has almost 30 of them already -- one more is just another one for the shelf.
3. Be nice to the bandwagon fans.
Congratulations, you were a Mets fan when they sucked, if only they made a trophy for that. Seeing all of these bandwagon Mets fans coming out of nowhere may be frustrating, but get used to it, it's something good teams have to deal with. If you really can't handle the fair weather fans, you could always go back to rooting for a perennially average team that always manages find a way to choke in the Fall. No? I didn't think so.
4. Legend is a strong word. Use it wisely.
I'll be the first to admit, Daniel Murphy has been a juggernaut this postseason. He may be turning in a legendary postseason performance, but don't call him a legend yet. I know it's been a while since the Mets have boasted a "legend," in fact the word "Mets legend" just sounds weird. "Yankee legend" just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?
5. David Wright < Derek Jeter.
I'm sorry, but someone has to say it. I've heard too many comparisons. "He's our Derek Jeter." is like saying Carmelo Anthony is the Knicks' Tim Duncan. David Wright is a star, and he absolutely deserves a ring for sticking with the Mets for his whole career, but don't belittle Jeter's accomplishments by comparing the two.
6. I hate to do this -- well, actually, I don't but 27 > 3.
Assuming they manage to pull this one out and every single one after that for a while, it will still take at least two and a half decades to catch up to New York's real team. I know you guys hate when we bring it up, but think about it...what other statistic really matters in assessing the quality of a sports franchise? Hall of Famers? Combined record?
Now, I'm sure I speak for all of my fellow Yankee fans in wishing your organization the best of luck in the World Series. It's the least we can do, considering you've all been so supportive of our championship runs, right?
You might be wondering why I've taken the time to write this letter. You'll probably accuse me of being a bitter Yankee fan, and maybe even jealous. I'll admit it, of course -- I'm bitter. New York's B team somehow managed to outlast my Yankees this year.
