If the rookie performance of Dwight Gooden as a 19-year-old was a revelation, 1985 was nothing short of extraordinary. For an organization that’s boasted such mound artists as Tom Seaver and Jacob deGrom, Dr. K’s second big-league season remains the closest thing to “pitcher” perfect. A 24-4 record, a 1.53 ERA, a 229 ERA+, a 0.965 WHIP, and 268 strikeouts. Hang those...
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What more can be said? In books, in films, and in memories, October 25, 1986 is among the greatest days in the history of the universe for Mets fans and among the worst for Red Sox fans (albeit it’s a lot easier for them to take now). What unfolded in the bottom of the 10th inning has been relived and dissected to a tremendous degree. But how did it get there? Here’s a brief recap of...
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It would’ve been difficult for anything to exceed the hype of the first World Series pitting two New York teams in 44 years, but the personal clash between the Mets power-hitting catcher and the Yankees’ most renowned starting pitcher did just that. Few hitters gave Roger Clemens as much trouble as Mike Piazza. The two faced off 25 times. Against a pitcher who would strike out more...
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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...
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Six months earlier, such a scenario would have defied comprehension. For a civilization which recently witnessed a moon landing, the Mets — cellar dwellers for the better part of their first seven years — were on the brink of an accomplishment registering as much awe as what took place 239,000 miles from earth. Even 100 regular-season wins and a sweep of the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS did not...
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