Dating back to 1962, the Mets have had a very long and somewhat unfortunate story. On April 11, 1962, the Mets played their first-ever game as a major league franchise against the St. Louis Cardinals. Over the course of nine innings, the Mets scored 4 runs and the Cardinals scored 11. Two days later, the Mets played their first home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Again, they lost. The Mets scored 3 runs while the Pirates scored 4. Ten days later, when the Mets and Pirates once again competed against each other, the Mets had their first franchise win, beating the Pirates 9 to 1. After a long and hard season, the Mets finished 40 – 120 (last place in the NL), which isn’t a surprise considering it was their first year.
Two years later, in 1964, Shea Stadium (originally named Flushing Meadow Park) was opened. With a capacity of 57,333 fans, it took 29 months and $28.5 million to build. On April 17, 1964, the Mets played their first game at Shea against the Pirates. Unfortunately, this game resulted in a loss (4-3 Pirates). This year, the Mets did do a little better, finishing 59-103 (however, this was not good enough, and the Mets once again finished last in the NL).
This is where things get exciting. The year is 1969, the date is September 10, and the Mets are finally in first place for the first time in team history! Two weeks later the Mets clinch the National League East Championship (over the St. Louis Cardinals). On October 4, the Mets play (and win!) their first post-season game! Two days later the Mets sweep the Atlanta Braves and win their first National League Championship. The Mets advance to the World Series (a club first). On October 11, the Mets play their first World Series game against the Baltimore Orioles. On October 6, the Mets win their first-ever World Series!
The next year the Mets go 83-79 (finishing third in the NL). Three years later, in 1973, the Mets advance to the postseason for the second time in franchise history. The Mets win the National League East and receive their second NL pennant.
Thirteen years later, in 1986, the Mets go back to the World Series! Before we get to the World Series, the Mets played the Houston Astros in the National League Championship (a third in franchise history) on October 15. After 16 innings, the Mets defeat the Astros 7-6. Ten days later a miracle happens. Mookie Wilson (NYM’s outfielder) hit a ground ball that trickled past the Boston Red Sock’s first baseman, Bill Buckner, forcing a run-in. The Mets win 6-5! (This forces game 7 of the World Series). The Mets eventually win 8-5! The Mets are now the World Series Champions for the second time in franchise history!
Skipping head to 1997, the Mets and the Yankees play each other for the first time during the regular season. In 1999, the Mets once again make it to National League Division Championship! That year the Mets entered the playoffs as the NL wild card winner.
The following year, in 2000, the Mets advance to the World Series! As do the Yankees. This is the first Subway Series (World Series) since 1956. Unfortunately, the Yankees won the Series 4-1. Five years later in 2005, the Mets won the NL East. This is a feat that would take another 10 years to repeat. In 2009, Citi Field replaced Shea. In 2015, against all odds the Mets went to the World Series against the Kansas City Royals. The Mets were dominating all the way up to the World Series, where Kansas took the first two games. The Mets came back strong in game three winning 9-3. Then the Royals won the next two games, taking the title.
The Mets have had 53 years in professional baseball, with multiple division championships and several World Series appearances. The future is full of possibilities. Here is to the 2016 season!
