The Mets of the late 90s are remembered for the acquisition of Mike Piazza in May 1998, Robin Ventura’s “Grand Slam Single,” and the postseason run of 1999. But the foundation for a winning culture began during a season in which they had low expectations and little experience with success. Bobby Valentine’s first full year as Mets manager may have been his most...
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Mike Piazza was the driving force behind consecutive playoff appearances and a National League pennant. He ensured the Mets were an annual contender once he came over from Los Angeles to the Big Apple, hitting 101 homers and 313 RBIs through two-plus seasons. He was already a local sports icon, but September 21, 2001 carried an entirely different significance. Piazza lifted the spirits of broken...
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The 18-year wait for a division title ended on a Monday night at Shea Stadium, but it was a certainty for months. The Mets took over the NL East lead on April 6th and never gave it back, maintaining a healthy margin all summer long. Their superior play was rewarded with a postseason clinching earlier than any other team and occurred after a 4-0 win over the Florida Marlins. José Valentín...
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The Mets couldn’t have picked a better time for its second four-game losing streak. By dropping three straight in Philadelphia and one of two in St. Louis, they delayed their inevitable crowning as National League East champions—ensuring that victory party would be held in Queens. The Shea Stadium grounds crew wished it happened somewhere else. This wasn’t a matter of if, but when....
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The concept of interleague play has diluted over time. The Subway Series was no different. Initial and inevitable hype generated by a regular season Mets-Yankees match-up went down in recent years despite it having meaning to some fans. When both teams are playing at a high level it usually rises to the occasion too. The three games at Citi Field last season felt like the old days—infused with...
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