The Knicks now stand just one win away from their first title since the 1972-73 season. That season’s Knicks team was led by point guard (and now beloved analyst) Walt “Clyde” Frazier and veteran forwards Dave DeBusschere and Bill Bradley. Franchise stalwart Willis Reed gritted through injuries, rounding out the starting five with shooting guard Earl Monroe. The Knicks breezed through the Baltimore Bullets in five games before battling with League MVP Dave Cowens and the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series. The Celtics rallied back from a 3-1 series deficit to extend the series, but back in Boston for Game 7, Frazier dominated with 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while New York’s defense held Boston to a weak 37% shooting night.

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Knicks matched up against Wilt Chamberlain’s Lakers, and much like this year’s series, every game went down to the wire. The Knicks nearly pulled off a huge comeback in the fourth quarter of the series opener, ultimately falling, 115-112. In Game 2, the Knicks survived an onslaught from Jerry West and Jim McMillan, evening up the series with a 99-95 victory behind Bradley’s 26 points and backup big man Phil Jackson’s 17 points off the bench. Game 3 was a defensive battle, with Reed finding his vintage form to rack up 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Knicks to an 87-83 win.

In Game 4, the Knicks built a 13-point lead in the first quarter and withstood a late rally by the Lakers, thanks in large part to DeBuscherre’s 33 points and another strong showing from Reed, who scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Back at The Forum in Game 5, the Knicks faced a halftime deficit, but a dominant 32-18 run put the Knicks ahead for good, securing the team’s second NBA championship with a 102-93 victory. Reed, who posted 18 points and 12 rebounds in the finale, won Finals MVP, while Monroe and Bradley each scored over 20 points, and Frazier chipped in 18.

Since then, the Knicks have gotten close to glory a couple of times. In the 1994 Finals, the Knicks took a 3-2 series over the Houston Rockets, but Hakeem Olajuwon dominated the final two games in Houston to hand New York a series defeat. In the strike-shortened 1999 season, the Knicks stunned the league by becoming the first eight-seed to make the Finals. However, the Spurs’ duo of 22-year-old Tim Duncan and grizzly veteran David Robinson was far too much to handle, as the Knicks fell in five games.

The Knicks are on the verge of avenging that 1999 Finals and putting 27 years of frustration in the rearview mirror. At every turn, the whole city has been behind them. Wednesday’s comeback was another example of this team’s resilience, and now they just have to finish the job.

The post Knicks Stand One Win Away From First Title Since 1973 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Frost Bank Center – San Antonio, TX

ABC

I inherited the Mets from my dad, but he wasn’t a basketball fan. Albert, a friend in fifth grade, showed me his basketball card collection and was stunned at my ignorance. “You don’t know who Magic Johnson is?!”

Albert was a Lakers fan and I probably would have went along with that except when I got home I couldn’t watch them on TV. So I watched Bernard King, Rory Sparrow and Louis Orr. I also got into college basketball and my 10-year-old eyes were confident Patrick Ewing was a monster who would lead whatever lucky team got him to a dozen or so championships.

I remember watching the draft lotto where the Knicks won the right to select Ewing first overall. And I remember all of the highs and lows that followed. The Knicks beat the Hornets in the second round of the 1993 playoffs. I was home from college, watching the series clincher with a friend, Sam, and the broadcaster said tickets to the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals would go on sale at Madison Square Garden the next morning.

Sam and I knew what we had to do. So did a few thousand others. When we got to the front of the line after an overnight outside MSG, the East finals were sold out, but we got tickets to every potential NBA Finals home game. They were $40 apiece. The Knicks lost in the East finals to the Bulls that year. We got a refund.

Sometimes, in the era between Ewing’s departure and Carmelo Anthony’s arrival, I’d be watching a Knick game and ask myself why? (Maybe you’ve had that thought watching the Mets at times over the years?) Did I think there’d be a quiz at a Knicks parade some day if they ever win a championship? (Hey, name a forward from 2008 or go home you fake fan!)

Well, I just watched because I love the Knicks. And I hope there’s a parade later this month. I’m ready to be quizzed.

Knicks Lineup

PG Jalen Brunson

SG Josh Hart

SF Mikal Bridges

PF OG Anunoby

C Karl-Anthony Towns

Brunson is averaging 26.9 points per game in the playoffs, third best in the league. Bridges is shooting 58.6 percent from the field in the playoffs to lead the Knicks starters. The Knicks are 12-2 in the postseason, riding an 11-game winning streak. When they were up 20 in the clincher vs. the Cavs my 16-year-old daughter said she’d never seen me so happy. And that actually made me sad. I’d like to think I looked happier watching her at a piano recital or a gymnastics competition. Way to spoil the moment, kid.

PHoto Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Spurs Lineup

PG De’Aaron Fox

SG Stephon Castle

SF Devin Vassell

PF Julian Champagnie

C Victor Wembanyama

Wembanyama is the best defensive player in the league by a wide margin. He is averaging 3.5 blocks per game in the playoffs. (Second is Ausar Thompson of Detroit at 1.8 blocks per game.) But more than the blocks, his presence deters players from driving to the hoop. It’s sort of like an outfielder or a catcher with a great arm who no one wants to run on. He is averaging 23.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game as well.

Game Notes

The teams have played seven times in the Wemby era, with the Knicks winning four. Neither team has won on the other’s court. The Knicks haven’t been to the finals since 1999, when they lost to the Spurs in five games. They are seeking their first title since 1973 and third overall.

The Spurs’ last trip to the finals was in 2014 when they beat LeBron James’ Heat. They are seeking their sixth title and it would be their first without Tim Duncan.

Check out our roundtable picks for the final’s winner.

Three Things to Watch For

1. Who does Wemby guard? If the Spurs put him on Towns, a threat from the 3-point line, that opens up driving lanes for Brunson and others. I think the Spurs will mix up their defenses and try to put Wemby on Hart at times so he can patrol the paint. Hart is the worst 3-point shooter in the Knicks starting lineup, but left alone he can knock down shots.

2. Mitchell Robinson’s right pinkie. The Knicks are not being forthcoming about how their backup center hurt his pinkie (or maybe it was his hand) at some point in the last 10 days. They said it didn’t happen in a game or at practice. There are rumors it happened at home and speculation the injury is the type that occurs when someone punches something hard. He was seen practicing Tuesday with a protective guard.

3. The benches. For the Knicks, Landry Shamet was a major factor in the Game 1 win vs. Cleveland. He went a ridiculous 11-f0r-12 from 3-point range in the series. Deuce McBride, who hit seven three-pointers in Game 4 vs. the Sixers, can heat up, too. For San Antonio, Dylan Harper (alum of Rutgers, son of NBA guard Ron Harper) averaged 12 points per game on 46 percent shooting in the Western Conference Finals. Keldon Johnson can light it up, too.

Go NY G0!

The post NBA Finals Game Chat: Knicks vs. Spurs, 8:30 PM appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Before the series kicks off, let’s get the MMO predictions for who will win the series and win the MVP award.

Mike Mayer

I’ll start and get the rest of the folks upset at me. Spurs in 6 with Wemby as the MVP. The Knicks have been on a nice run, but the East is weaker than the West, and the Spurs are just the better team. It’ll be a great series for NBA fans and the start of a long, successful stretch for a young, talented Spurs team. I should add that I’m not a Knicks fan and despite my prediction, I do hope the Knicks win to make my dad and my friends happy!

Dave Melendi

Knicks in 7 with Brunson as the MVP. The Knicks match up well with the Spurs. Towns can shoot, which pulls Wemby away from the hoop and allows Brunson and others to do their thing. Yes, the Knicks caught breaks with the Celtics and Pistons losing. And even the Thunder might have been a tougher matchup. But after 53 years, a few breaks were overdue.

Johnluke Chaparro

Knicks in 6. OG Anunoby with MVP. I’ve never seen a Knicks team so adept at shooting threes like this one has in a long time. Everyone seems to be on point with everything else, too. The defensive scheme they employ allows for aggressive offensive chances, in which Brunson, Bridges, and OG space. Landry Shamet and Jose Alvarado have also been money in their minutes. They are aggressive and tight on the court like no team I’ve seen, and they’ll be well rested against a battle worn Spurs team. Good series for sure but I think the Knicks give this city the title its been waiting for since my parents were young.

Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki

Knicks in 6, Jalen Brunson MVP. The Knicks are the only team that seemed to have a handle on the Spurs during the regular season – including a 25-point beatdown victory when the Spurs were at their hottest in March. While it will be difficult to contain Wemby, the Knicks have more depth on their roster, with players such as Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Deuce McBride and Jose Alvarado all being starting-caliber players. Plus, the Knicks’ defense should be able to keep the rest of the Spurs’ lineup at bay. This will be by far the toughest test the Knicks will face, but they’ve proven time and time again that they are up to the challenge.

Christian De Block

Knicks in 6 with Jalen Brunson winning NBA Finals MVP. San Antonio is fantastic. Getting to the NBA Finals is a remarkable feat, especially for a team as young as the Spurs. But the Knicks will find a way. I think their extended rest will play a role as the series goes on. Jalen Brunson will have his hands full with Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell, but he will be up for the challenge. This team is ready to end their title drought and I think they will against a Spurs team that will be a force for a very long time.

Patrick Glynn

Knicks in 6 is boring. How about Knicks in 5???? Jalen Brunson and the fellas have lost just six times since March 11. That’s it. (One of those was the final game of the season without starters playing.) They’ve been the clear best team in basketball since then, on offense and defense. Rest will be their friend. Brunson will be MVP. I can’t believe this is happening.

Brandyn Pokrass

Knicks in 6. The magical playoff run comes to a close with a championship. Brunson shines, KAT cements himself as having one of the most important playoff runs in franchise history, and OG and Mikal provide key plays. Mitchell Robinson, even with the injury, plays a key role in deterring Wemby. Add in the bench production, and New York sits on top of the basketball world for the first time in a long time.

The post MMO Roundtable: Who Will Win the NBA Finals? appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Information

When: 6:30 pm ET; San Francisco, California

Where To Watch: NBC

Odds (as of writing): Seattle -4.5, O/U: 45.5 (FanDuel)

Matchup

The Seattle Seahawks finished the regular season at 14-3 and came out of the loaded NFC West. In the playoffs, Seattle defeated the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams as the No. 1 seed. The Seahawks, led by an elite defense and the resurgent Sam Darnold at quarterback, as well as offensive player of the year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, are looking for the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. Their first since 2013. This is the first time they have played in the big game since 2014.

Meanwhile, the New England Patriots have surprised everyone this season despite being the benefactor of an incredibly easy regular season schedule and path to the Super Bowl. Coach of the year Mike Vrabel and MVP runner-up Drake Maye led the Patriots to a 14-3 record in the regular season. The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos in the playoffs. After a quick rebuild, New England returns back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018.

Important Statistics:

• Points per game
  • Patrios: 28.2 (2nd)
  • Seahawks: 28.4 (3rd)
• Points per game allowed
  • Seahawks: 17.2 (1st)
  • Patriots: 18.8 (4th)
• Strength of schedule (per PFF)
  • Seahawks: 11th
  • Patriots: 31st
• Leading Passers
  • Drake Maye (NE): 4,394 yards, 31 TDs, 8 INTs
  • Sam Darnold (SEA): 4,048 yards, 25 TDs, 14 INTs
• Leading Rushers
  • Kenneth Walker III: 221 carries, 1,027 yards, 5 TDs
  • Treyevon Henderson: 180 carries, 911 yards, 6 TDs
• Leading Recievers
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 119 receptions, 1,793 yards, 10 TDs
  • Stefon Diggs: 85 receptions, 1,013 yards, 4 TDs

You can find our picks here via this link.

The post MMO Super Bowl LX Thread: Seahawks vs. Patriots appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Super Bowl LX is happening Sunday, February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots are facing off in a rematch from 11 years ago. In case you forgot what happened in that Super Bowl, Tom Brady and the Patriots beat Russell Wilson and the Seahawks in a 28-24 victory.

The game is also a nightmare for the Jets fans. Not only are their arch-rival, the Patriots, in the Super Bowl, but their former QB, Sam Darnold, led the Seahawks to the big game.

The game will be broadcasted on NBC and streamed on Peacock, plus other services that carry NBC like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirectTV. It’ll also be available in Spanish on Telemundo. Kickoff’s happening shortly after 6:30 pm ET.

So, who are you betting on this Sunday? Here’s what we think.

Michael Mayer

I’ll take the Seahawks winning 24-17. Sam Darnold is the MVP with two TD passes. All I really know is Jets fans lose either way.

David Melendi

I’ll go with Seattle in an ugly game dominated by defense, 13-10. MVP is Leonard Williams.

Chris Bello

I have the Seahawks defeating the Patriots 17-10 in the Super Bowl. Sam Darnold wins the MVP and throws a couple TDs.

Matthew Tutrone

Seahawks over Patriots 21-10. Defense wins championships, and Seattle has the league’s best. Drake Maye and the Pats have a bright future, but I just don’t think they’ll be able to get much going in this matchup. The Seahawks having a veteran game manager like Sam Darnold and an elite WR in JSN should give them enough juice on offense to comfortably win this game.

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki

Personally, I don’t think this matchup is that close. The Seahawks posted the league’s best record in the toughest division. The Patriots seem to be a year ahead of schedule and have had a very easy path to the Super Bowl. I’m going with the Seahawks, 31-16, Jaxon Smith-Njigba MVP

Johnluke Chaparro

I’ll keep it simple: as a Jets fan, I hate the Pats. Seahawks over New England 27-17. MVP goes to my boy Sam Darnold, justifying my thoughts that they shouldn’t have traded him in the first place.

Allison Waxman

I’m good conscience, I will never pick the Pats. Seahawks over New England, 17-13. MVP? Old school Cooper Kupp comes out to play.

Rafael González

24-20 Seahawks. An elite defense finally catches up to Drake Maye, but Darnold still takes home the MVP, throwing for all 3 of Seattle’s scores.

Michelle Ioannou

Hi, it’s me, your resident New England Patriots fan. How nice it is to be back in the big game!! You know I have to go for the Pats, should I say 28-24 for old times sake?

James Villani

34-16, Seahawks. Patriots have been skating by all season taking advantage of what they were given in an AFC that had one of its worst seasons in years. Seahawks have been taking it to the teams they’re better than all season long. For MVP? An under-the-radar option: Kennth Walker III.

Did You Know?

• There will be a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy flyover during the pregame in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
• Bad Bunny is headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. He’s making history as the first performer to headline the show primarily in Spanish.
• Charlie Puth will be singing the National Anthem, Brandi Carlile will sing “America The Beautiful” and Coco Jones will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
• This is the second time the San Francisco 49ers’ home stadium’s hosting the Super Bowl. The first time was back in 2014 for Super Bowl L when the Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10.
• The Patriots will be wearing all-white uniforms, and it’s the first time they’ll wear this all-white jersey and pants combo in a Super Bowl.
• A 30-second commercial spot during the big game costs around $7 million-to-$8 million.
• The cheapest get-in price for the game is around $6,085, with the average ticket price at $9,649. The most expensive ticket for this game is $57,834.

The post MMO Super Bowl LX Staff Predictions appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

For 19 years, Metsmerized Online has prided itself on providing daily quality content to die-hard Mets fans, and we look forward to continuing to do so for a long, long time. We know earning your trust as your go-to source for anything Mets is a privilege and that none of this would be possible without you, so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

A special thank you to our entire staff for working tirelessly behind the scenes every day to bring this all to life!

I sincerely hope you all have a truly blessed Christmas and enjoy the time spent with friends, family and loved ones. God bless and have a happy and safe holiday season.

Make sure to enter our Juan Soto bobblehead giveaway!

The post Merry Christmas From MMO appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The spirited debate and differing opinions are really what makes MMO such a special place. Everyone has the same end goal, but when you have so many presidents of baseball operations in the comments thread, you often have many different ways to get there, and that’s okay!

I can’t help but think that Thanksgiving is placed perfectly on the baseball calendar. A much-needed pause after a long season for all of us to reflect on what we’re grateful for before kicking off the winter meetings and making our wish lists for 2026. I know we all can’t wait to see what shiny new free agents (Kyle Tucker would be great) we’ll have to cheer for (and scream at next year) – but for at least one day – let’s make sure we take the time to reflect on all the important things we have in our lives that we’re genuinely grateful for.

From our table to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

The post Happy Thanksgiving From MMO appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Information

When: 6:30 pm ET

Where: Caesars Superdome; New Orleans, LA

Where To Watch: Fox; Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady

Odds (as of writing): Chiefs 1.5, o/u 48.5 (per FanDuel Sportsbook)

Matchup

The Chiefs were propelled by a 15-2 regular season record to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They then took down the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills to get to the big game. They will be going for the first three-peat run in league history (post-merger). This is their fifth Super Bowl appearance in the last six years. Winning Sunday’s game would bring them their fourth title over that time.

The Eagles are back to the big game after a very strong 14-3 regular season. Unlike the Chiefs, the Eagles were not the No. 1 seed, so, they had to play three games to make it to the Super Bowl. Across these contests they defeated the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Commanders. This is their third Super Bowl appearance since 2017. They won their first post-merger championship in that 2017 contest, before losing to the Chiefs in 2022.

Important Statistics 

• Points per game
  • Eagles: 27.2
  • Chiefs: 22.6
• Points per game allowed
  • Eagles: 17.8
  • Chiefs: 19.2
• Strength of schedule (per PFF)
  • Chiefs: 13th
  • Eagles: 30th
• Leading Passer
  • Patrick Mahones: 3,928 yards, 26 TDs, 11 INTs (KC)
  • Jalen Hurts: 2,903 yards, 18 TDs, 5 INTs (PHI)
• Leading Rusher
  • Saquan Barkley: 2,005 yards, 13 TDs (PHI)
  • Kareem Hunt: 728 yards, 7 TDs (KC)
• Leading Reciever
  • A.J. Brown: 67 catches, 1,079 yards, 7 TDs (PHI)
  • Travis Kelce: 97 receptions, 823 yards, 3 TDs (KC)

You can find our picks, here at MMO, via this link. Let us know who you think will win!

The post MMO Super Bowl LIX Thread: Chiefs vs. Eagles, 6:30 P.M. appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

You know that Super Bowl LIX  is happening Sunday, February 9. The Kansas City Chiefs return to the big game – again, and have the chance to make history by being the first team in NFL history to have three Super Bowl wins in a row (since the merger). They’ll be taking on the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Will Travis Kelce propose to Taylor Swift during the big game? That’s a question on lots of people’s minds, especially with Kelce’s coy remark when asked by a reporter earlier this week. For the record, it’s not on my mind, but I had to mention it. Speaking of other things I need to mention, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is the son of former Mets player Pat Mahomes, which you obviously already knew, and may be a reason you’re rooting for the Chiefs.

Mahomes isn’t the only Mets connection part of this year’s Super Bowl. Kevin Burkhardt, who we used to see at Mets games when he was with SNY, will be providing the play-by-play for the game. He’ll be joined by Tom Brady, who will be at the Super Bowl for the first time as an announcer. Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will be the sideline reporters.

The game is set to start at 6:30 PM EST. It’ll be broadcasted live on Fox, Fox Deportes, Relemundo, Tubi, the Fox Sports website and app, the NFL+ app, Hulu +Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV and Sling TV.

So, who are you betting on (figuratively or literally) this Sunday? Here’s what we think.

Mike Mayer

I’m picking the Eagles to win 27-21 with Barkley as the MVP with two TDs and over 200 yards rushing. This is mostly me trying to speak it into reality lol.

Johnluke Chaparro

As much as I loathe Kansas City, I cannot, in my right mind, root for Philadelphia. Kansas City over Philly 35-21. Super Bowl MVP: Travis Kelce, because, of course

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki

I agree with Johnluke, I honestly wish both teams could lose. I’ll go with the Chiefs winning 30-24, Xavier Worthy MVP.

Andrew Steele-Davis

I think the Eagles are a better team than they were two years ago, and you can make a compelling argument that they have the more talented roster overall. However, Mahomes and the Chiefs were built for the biggest stage. They are chasing history and they always find a way to get it done.

I actually think this could morph into somewhat of a shootout, and I trust Mahomes way more than I do Jalen Hurts. Plus, I don’t think you can underestimate the Travis Kelce factor. When the lights are at their brightest, he knows how to deliver. KC for the historic three-peat. KC 39-27 Eagles, Mahomes MVP.

David Melendi

Chiefs always seem to find a way to win close games. KC 29-27, Mahomes MVP.

Patrick Glynn

Who in their right mind would ever bet against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs? It’s a losing game. 31-30 Chiefs with Mahomes as the MVP.

Mojo Hill

Yeah, I’m not enthusiastic about either team, but I’ll go with the son of a Mets legend who’s proven himself on this stage already. Chiefs win 38-14, Patrick Mahomes MVP.

Chris Bello 

I’m picking the Chiefs to defeat the eagles 24-21 Sunday. The Eagles will definitely be ahead 21-17 and Patrick Mahomes will get a holding call to go his way on the last drive of the game. This was the Patriots way, now it’s the Chiefs way. But this time it’s being used for good to beat the city of Philadelphia.

Allison Waxman

Sigh, can both teams lose? Chiefs 21, Eagles 20. Eagles botch the two-point conversion. MVP: The refs. I mean Mahomes.

Michelle Ioannou

Why do I feel like I’m always being forced to pick between these two teams? I do think the Chiefs will make history and win it 27-21. MVP will go to Mahomes.

Christian De Block

As a Cowboys fan, I don’t have the ability or the willingness to pick the Eagles. Not to mention that it would be a mistake to pick against Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs win 27-23, with the MVP being Mahomes, of course.

Did You Know…

Kendrick Lamar is headlining the Halftime Show. He’s won 22 Grammys, which is the most for any rapper. SZA will join him on stage, and there will likely be other guests, too.

This isn’t Kendrick Lamar’s first time performing at the Super Bowl. He was part of 2022’s halftime show along with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige and Eminem.

Jon Batiste, who is a Louisiana native, will sing the national anthem.

Trombone Shorty and Christians inger Lauren Daigle will perform “America the Beautiful.”

Ledsisi will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

This year, the commercial hit a record of $8 million for 30 seconds of air time.

This is the seventh Super Bowl appearance for the Chiefs and the fifth for the Eagles. The last time the two met in the Super Bowl, Kansas City won.

83,000 fans are expected to be at the Big Game, Taylor Swift included.

This is the 11th time New Orleans is hosting the Super Bowl.

After the Super Bowl, Fox will air the premiere of season 3 of “The Floor,” hosted by Rob Lowe.

The post MMO Super Bowl LIX Staff Predictions appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

This was our first full season without Joe D. I think he would’ve gotten a kick out of the team. I think he really would’ve liked Sean Manaea, José Iglesias, “OMG,” Grimace, Seymour Weiner and his distant cousin Max, the Rally Pimp—all of it. What a fun season we had!

Some of us writers got to meet up at a game back in April. It was the one where the Mets got blown out by the Royals on a cold Saturday. Starling Marte dropped an easy fly ball and Bobby Witt Jr. made himself known. Gino D came along (and let’s be honest, hosted the thing). I think this year turned him into a Mets believer, which is a miracle in itself.

Just to solidify the great moments from this year, here’s a real quick running list of some of my favorite moments from this year:

• Francisco Lindor‘s home run in Atlanta capped the best sporting event I’ve seen in person in 31 years. (Nimmo’s pimp job shouldn’t be forgotten.)
• José Iglesias performing “OMG” on the field.
• The Team Meeting™
• Juan Soto
• Honestly loved J.D. Martinez‘s cognitive reframing of the season. No one expects you to win now, so just have fun. It worked!
• Pete Alonso‘s damn postseason home run. It’s the reason half the fan base still wants to give him nine figures.
• Sean Manaea walking off the mound at Citi in the NLCS.
• Juan Soto
• Jeff McNeil screaming at Rhys Hoskins in the opening series. Set up a storyline we never knew we needed.
• Jesse Winker‘s Fourth of July home run (and all the years previous) also set up a storyline we never knew we needed.
• Juan Soto
• The Luis Torrens tag.

That wasn’t as quick of a list as I wanted. But the point stands: what a fun year. Next season is around the corner—seven weeks until pitchers and catchers report! It might be better. It might be more fun. It might have less pink crop tops. It might have more pink crop tops. But it will be different, and that’s alright. And we’re glad all of you readers will stick around!

Happy New Year!

P.S. #adfree subscription coming in 2025????? Stick around and find out.

The post Thanks for Reading, Readers! appeared first on Metsmerized Online.