Mets History

The Mets gained the Wild Card spot for the second straight year in 2000. In the NLDS they swept, the San Francisco Giants as Bobby J. Jones pitched a 1 hitter in the lat game, which made the Mets eligible to contend for NLCS. The Mets faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS in which Mets lefty Mike Hampton pitched 2 complete shutouts earning the NLCS MVP honors, and sending the Mets to make their 4th World Series appearance. The Mets team this time was relatively young that rematched with the Yankees in a so-called Subway Series in 44 years. The Yankees were undefeatable and went on to beat the Mets in 5 Games. In 2001, the team suffered the free agent loss of pitcher Mike Hampton. The Mets offensive unit started the season on a very poor note. Even Mike Piazza average dipped to .250. By August, the Mets fell 14 games below .500. In September, following the attack on the World Trade Center, the Mets felt the individual loss unlike other teams. One reason probably the team took attacks personal could be the use of the New York Skyline in its logo.

The Mets offered their courteous services to rescue workers who were using Shea Stadium, as a parking lot and even decided to donate 1 game's salary to the families of the victims. After a hiatus of ten days, during the regular season playoffs, Mike Piazza’s mammoth 2-run 8th inning HR led Fireman and Police jumping out of their seats kept the other spectators hooked on to their seats. Though the joy was immense, but it lasted very soon. The Mets finished the season with an 82-80 record. In 2002, Mets Al Leiter defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks and becames the first Major League pitcher to defeat all 30 teams. In September the Mets missed the first game of a doubleheader to the Marlins making a new National League record with their 15th straight home defeat. Mets manager Bobby Valentine received the prestigious Branch Rickey Award for his unselfishly contributions to the community and becoming a role models for others. He became the first non-player to receive this honor. The Mets finished the season in last place with a disappointing 75-86 record, In 2003, the Mets acquired Tom Glavine as a free agent to start the season with some productivity.

But the matters became worse when Mike Piazza suffered a serious groin injury. The Mets with a fear of finishing the season in last place decided to go for a youth movement. Jose Reyes became the top prospect of the team and brought some enthusiasm among the players. He batted over .300, and became an instant hit among the fans. But soon he was sidelined due to an ankle injury and Piazza who returned from injury struggled badly to regain his form. The Mets finished the season in last place with a record of 66-95. In 2004, the Mets finished the season in 4th place with a 71-91 record. Following the season Manager Art Howe was fired, and Willie Randolph, signed as the Mets new Manager. The Mets are based in the political division of Queens in New York City. The team came into existence in 1962. After the departure of Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants, the National League wanted a team to represent the New York City. In 1960, the National League expanded and awarded a franchise to New York. The new team became known as Mets or Metropolitans. George Weis became the president and general manager of the team and Casey Stengel became the head coach.

The Mets in their inaugural season delivered the league’s worst record, which was indeed worst record for any team. In 1969 they became the “Miracle Mets” after winning their first National League Championship. They even bested the Baltimore Ravens in the World Series, led by Tom Seaver, the franchise's most successful player. Prior to the start of 1965 season, the team shifted to their current official ballpark, the Shea Stadium. Prior to the start of 1972 season Yogi Berra signed as a team’s new manager. He guided the club, which helped the Mets to transcend from last place to first place finish in the East Division in 1973. Seaver won his second Cy Young Award, and the Mets beat the Cincinnati Reds for the NL pennant, but were swept by the Oakland Athletics in the World Series. From 1974 to 1983, the Mets finished no better than third place putting together a young lineup of first baseman Keith Hernandez, outfielder Darryl Strawberry, and pitchers Ron Darling and Dwight Gooden. Strawberry and Gooden helped the Mets to second-place finishes in 1984 and 1985. In 1986, the Mets won a franchise-record 108 games and their third NL pennant. The Mets won another division title in 1988 and placed second in 1989 and 1990 before dropping to the bottom of the division from 1991 through 1993. In 1999, the Mets once again made the playoffs. The highlight of the season was Ventura who belted a grand slam in both games of a May 20th Double Header against the Milwaukee Brewers. The mascot of the team is Mr. Met and the logo of the team is intertwined 'N' and 'Y' in orange, on blue field designed by cartoonist Ray Gatto. The shape of the logo and its stitching is symbolic of the Mets team that represents all five boroughs