5
2012
From Left Field: Mets Dominate Opening Day Historically
An article by 
Based on the Mets 50-year history of mostly losing records, trends would normally dictate that the team would have a losing record on Opening Day.
However, it’s the complete opposite. The Mets have a 30-20 record in the season’s first game—a .600 winning percentage.
Maybe there’s just something about Opening Day that gets the team amped. But actually, the Mets lost their first six Opening Days and eight of their first nine.
Starting in 1971 though, the Mets rattled off a streak of eight consecutive Opening Day wins. They would up winning 12-of-13 starting that year.
So if you take away the first nine years of existence, the Mets have a 29-12 record—a .707 clip.
Compare that number to the Mets all-time record of 3,811-4,149 (.479) and there is definitely something to be said about the team’s performance on Opening Day.
Hopefully, that trend continues today as the Mets take on the Braves. If Johan Santana can keep the team in the game through six innings, maybe the offense can muster an attack against Atlanta starter Tommy Hanson.
If history serves us, there’s a 60 percent chance the Mets win today. Now they just need to win some other games throughout the season to try to improve the .479 mark.
Numbers aside, baseball is back! Get excited!
About the Author: Jim Mancari
Jim Mancari hails from Massapequa, N.Y. He recently earned a Master's degree in Journalism at Hofstra University. He is a devout Mets fan and takes pride in his team, despite their lack of success over the last few years. Like all Mets fans, Jim has plenty of hope. He also writes as the sports reporter for the Brooklyn Tablet newspaper and the senior editor of metroBASEBALL Magazine. Click my name to view my personal website.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 42 | 30 | .583 | - |
| Phillies | 35 | 37 | .486 | 7.0 |
| Nationals | 34 | 36 | .486 | 7.0 |
| Mets | 27 | 40 | .403 | 12.5 |
| Marlins | 22 | 48 | .314 | 19.0 |
Last updated: 06/19/2013
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Well Jim I think what you may be seeing is just how important that 10th player in the stands is especially in a town like NYC (but is important anywhere you go!)
You can not deny the power of a full house in inspiring players to do their best. As they say in physics energy can not be destroyed merely transformed. The energy of a large crowd gets transformed into players performance.
I know many think winning inspires crowds but it does go both ways! Crowds can also inspire wins!
One of the few guaranteed sellouts every year is Opening day! To some it’s a tradition, other just a great thing to do to take advantage of the warm weather. Regardless of the reasons they go, being there and excited about the return of baseball is a powerful energy especially for a NYC team to help make that first day a winner!