Tag: Robin Ventura

Mets Madness Series Preview: 2022 Mets vs. 1999 Mets

MMO’s partnership with Out of the Park Baseball (OOTP) continues as our 16-team Mets Madness bracket is well underway. Next up, MMO and OOTP pit the 2022 Mets team against the 1999 Mets team. Jack Ramsey, MMO and Mets Minors writer, is set to control the 1999 team, while James Villani, MMO editor and writer, will control the 2022 team. Each round will be best-of-seven. We will be posting...

OTD 1999: Ventura’s ‘Grand Slam Single’ Caps NLCS Epic

Robin Ventura finished his major league career with 18 grand slams. But it’s a hit that only looked like a grand slam which is his signature Mets moment and a unique ending to a 15-inning, five-hour and 46-minute postseason classic. For a team that spent three weeks walking a tightrope, Game 5 of the National League Championship Series against the rival Atlanta Braves was the latest (and...

Mets Best Free-Agent Signing No. 8: Robin Ventura

This offseason, we’re looking at the Mets’ history with free agency: their best uses of money and their worst. Number 10 was among the most underrated Mets ever and Number 9 was another pitcher who charted a unique road to stardom. Next is a third baseman remembered for one of the greatest moments in franchise history.  His career as a Met lasted just three years. He was fully...

Steve Cohen Once Again Nails The Celebration of Mets’ History

Saturday will live long in the memory of New York Mets’ fans of all ages. This as Old Timers’ Day finally returned to Citi Field. It was a truly special day and one that perfectly illustrated just how committed owner Steve Cohen is to honoring and celebrating the franchise’s rich history and past. If there’s been one consistent trend since Cohen took ownership over the...

Mets and Braves: A Rivalry Renewing

It’s not very often that these two teams are (at least) good at the same time. Taking out the late 1990s and early 2000s, it’s even rarer. But when the quality of the clubs is near equal, the intensity between the Mets and Braves is red-hot. That doesn’t necessarily equate to balance, as when Atlanta reigned as perennial NL East champs, New York was often nothing more than a...

OTD 2000: Eighth Inning Rally Over Braves Capped By Piazza’s Homer

More often than not in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Braves got the better of the Mets. That dominance extended into the 1999 NLCS when Atlanta overcame New York in six games to advance to their fifth World Series trip of the decade. At Shea Stadium 22 years ago, just when it looked like the end result would be all-too-familiar, the Mets managed to get the Braves’ number. Ten, to be...

OTD 1999: Bobby V Goes Incognito

During his years as manager—first with the Texas Rangers and then with the Mets—Bobby Valentine gained a well-earned reputation for finding his way into the spotlight. Many referred to him as “Top Step” Bobby. In a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, he affirmed that reputation and sort of dispelled it altogether. It’s hard to be a Mets fan and not be familiar with the sight of...

OTD 1999: Ventura Caps NLCS Epic with “Grand Slam Single”

Robin Ventura finished his major league career with 18 grand slams. But it’s a hit that was a grand slam in theory which remains his signature Mets moment — a unique finish to a 15-inning, five-hour and 46-minute postseason classic. For a team that spent three weeks walking a tightrope, Game 5 of the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves served as a pinnacle for the Mets’ late-season...

OTD 2000: Bobby Jones Tosses One-Hitter in NLDS Clincher

He had been part of the Mets organization since 1991, began with the major league club in 1993, was an Opening Day starter in the mid-90s, and an All-Star in 1997. By the time they reached the postseason in 1999, Jones was one of the longest-tenured players. But when it came time to make up the playoff roster, Jones — who had a 5.61 ERA in just 12 appearances — was left off. Getting the chance...

OTD in 2000: Piazza Homer Caps Thrilling Comeback Against Braves

The greatest comeback in Mets history? Game 6, 1986 World Series — obviously. The largest deficit ever overcome by a Mets team? That would be September 2, 1972 in Houston — making up eight runs on the Astros. What took place on a Friday night in June at Shea Stadium 21 years ago doesn’t hold the same significance as the ‘86 Fall Classic and not quite the depth of recovery in ‘72 at...

Shoebox Memories: 2003 Topps Stadium Club Mike Piazza

With all due respect to James McCann, he’s no Mike Piazza. On this Shoebox Memories, the chosen subject is from the 2003 Topps Stadium Club set produced by Topps in November 2002, just in time to be given as gifts under the tree. While most sets are released the following year with stats and pictured from the previous season, this set contains stats from 2002, during which Mike Piazza...

Shoebox Memories: 2002 Fleer Jay Payton

The card above is from the 2002 Fleer set.  I came across it recently while cleaning out and organizing baseball cards that haven’t been seen by the author in quite some time. What was the date of the game played?  Can we determine the exact play in the game?  Was Jay Payton safe on the play?  Who is the umpire, and who is the opposition player also shown on the card?  Did the Mets win the...

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