Ask any fan of the New York Mets which MLB team owns the best Opening Day record of all-time and watch their eyes light up as they pound their chests and quickly blurt out, “Mets, Mets, Mets!”
Sure, the Mets have only two measly championships in 57 years of somewhat gut-wrenching and futile existence, but one thing they can’t ever take away from us is that sterling and incomparable 38-20 Opening Day record.
1. Mets: .655 (38-20)
2. Mariners: .605 (26-17)
3. Orioles: .593 (70-48-1)
4. Yankees: .560 (65-51-1)
5. Rockies: .556 (15-12)
What makes this Mets’ record all the more impressive is that they lost their first eight Opening Day games since their inaugural season in 1962. So essentially they’ve won 38 of their last 50 openers. Impressive!
About the only thing I didn’t hate during my recent bout with COVID-19 was that I didn’t miss Opening Day. To me that day and game is always special because of the connection it has with my dad. I look forward to Opening Day much the same way a kid looks forward to Christmas. I have my own tradition which includes Nathan’s hot dogs, a beer which I toast to my dad, and of course a box of Cracker Jack’s — although these days it comes in a bag!
I have no idea who or where we’re playing whenever baseball resumes, but the one thing I’m certain of is that the reigning National League Cy Young Jacob deGrom will be on the mound outdueling someone. Can deGrom do it again even in a virus-shortened season? Don’t bet against him.
Diamond Dust
Mets Hall of Fame broadcaster Lindsey Nelson was asked in the summer of ’69 what was the most memorable game he ever called. It was the Jim Bunning perfect game.
“When he got the side out in the eighth, you can imagine how the tension had built up to that point. All the people at Shea Stadium were well aware of what was happening. The interesting thing was that all the Mets fans — and they were mostly Mets fans — were actually pulling for Bunning to pitch the perfect game.”
“Now Bunning had just two outs to go… Everyone was on their feet. The Mets sent up Johnny Stephenson, their last lefthanded hitter. Bunning ran the count to 2-2 then he threw that third strike for his 10th strikeout and the perfect game and the place was utter bedlam.”
Lindsey was born on this day in 1919 and I’m betting he’s celebrating his birthday in a colorful blazer and drinking an ice-cold Rheingold with Ralph and Murph.
Metsmerized Hot Takes
Jeff McNeil will flirt with .400 in 2020 and win the National League batting title. Look for the Squirrel to be among the league leaders in runs scored and doubles.
Dominic Smith will find his niche in the DH role and have an impressive breakout season in the power department and be among the league leaders in slugging percentage. Look for Smith to hit double digits in home runs and give the Mets a lethal one-two punch with teammate Pete Alonso.
Finishing Touches
Big Sexy Bartolo Colon turned 47 on Sunday and I gotta tell you, I have no problem with the Mets bringing him back for his swan song. We always get some good production whenever we take a shot on an older 40-something guy looking to go out on top. Case in point Rickey Henderson, Gary Sheffield, Julio Franco and for you old timers, a fella named Willie Mays. So why not?
One Last Thing
I wanted to thank everyone for all your kind words and well wishes on my last article. This site means so much to me and your support has always fueled my desire to write. I love reading your comments and I’m hoping I can interact with you more in the coming days. I’m looking forward to seeing baseball return and writing about the exploits of our Mets. Until then, stay safe.
