It’s that time of year as we embark on the much anticipated delayed start to the regular season, when many of us look ahead and circle some important dates. And while there are a veritable plethora of highlights and lowlights awaiting us, there are few dates that stand out above the rest. Keep in mind, plenty could make an honorable mention list based on personal preference. But here are five dates that are begging to be circled on your Mets calendar.
Opening Day 2.0 – April 7, 2022
Despite the bad blood and awful optics the sport induced during the winter lockout, baseball is back and we’re ready to move on. Opening Day is still a holiday for many. The originally scheduled opener was supposed to be March 31 at Citi Field. Instead, the boys in orange and blue will travel south to D.C. on April 7 to take on the Nationals. Unfortuantely, Jacob deGrom will not be making the start because of an injury. Youngster Tylor Megill will get the ball on Opening Day. The Mets will still look to expand on their league leading .650 (39-21) Opening Day win percentage this Thursday.
Home Opener/Jackie Robinson Day/Seaver Statue – April 15, 2022
April 15 will not be your typical home opener. This date will envelope a triad of special occasions. In addition to serving as the Mets first 2022 game at Citi, April 15 has been deemed Jackie Robinson Day since 2004, commemorating the remarkable bravery and impact on baseball by the legendary number 42.
However, this year’s installment of 4/15 adds a new honor and perhaps the highest organizational honor. George Thomas Seaver, New York’s most renowned Met, will be honored posthumously with a long overdue statue. Perhaps it’s fate that on this date the Seaver statue will be unveiled just outside the Jackie Robinson Rotunda entrance to Citi Field. Circle this date three times for three great occasions.
Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Mets @ LAA – June 10-12, 2022
It will be over five years this June since the New York Mets faced the Los Angeles Angels. In May of 2017, the Mets took the series two games to one with wins by both Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler in New York. Wheeler has since left the organization. More recently and perhaps more unexpectedly Noah Syndergaard has also left the team, turning down the $18.4 million qualifying offer to switch coasts. Lefty Aaron Loup had one of the best seasons in Mets history last season, but will also be a part of the Angels pitching staff in 2022.
This June, Syndergaard and Loup have a chance to face his former squad, and vice versa. What could accentuate this date is a matchup versus fellow ace and former rotation mate, Jacob deGrom. But that is just a prophecy for now. And let us not forget that the Angels have two of the most must-watch players in the game in Mike Trout and two-way player Shohei Ohtani. Circle this series. It should be a good one.
Keith Hernandez Number Retirement – July 9, 2022
On January 12, the New York Mets announced the forthcoming retirement of Keith Hernandez’s #17, a rarified honor for a Met. The organization had previously been stingy with retiring numbers, especially under the Wilpon regime. On July 9, Hernandez will be joining a very select group containing only three other players, #41 Tom Seaver, #31 Mike Piazza, and most recently #36 Jerry Koosman.
The Mets have additionally retired the numbers of two of their storied managers, #37 Casey Stengel and #41 Gil Hodges, the latter recently elected into Baseball’s Hall of Fame. And of course, all 30 organizations have retired the aforementioned Jackie Robinson’s #42 in perpetuity. On this summer Saturday in July, our colorful broadcaster and perhaps the best defensive first baseman in the history of the game will forever be enshrined in Mets lore.
Subway Series – July 26-27, 2022
Love or hate interleague play, the New York Mets v New York Yankees subway series always seems to bring it. Since its 1997 inception, the crosstown rivalry has brought endless highs and lows, and that’s not even including the 2000 World Series. Ever since Dave Mlicki’s nine hit, complete game, 6-0 shutout giving the Mets the early edge, the two shades of blue have battled for bragging rights ever since. Our most recent memory is Francisco Lindor’s three homer game in a 7-6 victory, last September 12. Circle these dates.
Bonus date: Old Timers’ Day on August 27 should be a great one as the Steve Cohen Mets continue to honor franchise history.
