Written by ZP Scott
There’s an enigmatic cloud that lingers over baseball every October. For a New York Mets fan like myself, this month brings an odd collection of feelings: resignation, nostalgia, and sometimes, a pinch of envy. The Mets, as any dedicated follower will attest, possess a unique ability to ignite passion in the hearts of their fans. However, when the orange and blue are notably absent from the October stage, what’s a Mets fan to do?
This year, with the captivating competition between the Phillies and Braves unfolding on the baseball diamond, I find my attention drawn toward the series. Yes, it’s quite the emotional quandary in the grand tapestry of NL East baseball. I mean, could there exist two organizations more imposing for a Mets enthusiast than Atlanta and Philadelphia? A thorough examination of my personal biases suggests not.
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
While both teams have their shadows and tales, the Braves, for some reason, exude a slightly darker aura for me. Perhaps it’s the zealous voices from their broadcasts, the unsettling episode of Marcell Ozuna and his unfortunately lenient punishment by the MLB, or maybe it’s the countless times the Braves have acted as the Mets’ formidable nemesis. Their reputation precedes them in the eyes of many a Mets devotee.
So, with all this history and rivalry, October’s peculiar magic finds me, a steadfast Mets fan, silently pulling for the Phillies. It’s a revelation that’s both surprising and indicative of the unpredictable nature of baseball. As trees shed their leaves in a poetic surrender to the impending winter, the post-season emerges in a spring-like renewal. My feelings toward teams may temporarily change during these sacred moments.
Meanwhile, the reshuffling at the Mets’ managerial helm and the buzzing discussions about potential game-changers for the upcoming season lend a curious air of expectation. Sitting at this crossroad of reflection and anticipation, I find hope — albeit one shadowed by trepidation. It’s a dance, really, between the hard truths of the past and the enchanting unknown of the future. One could argue that the life of a Mets fan is somewhat reminiscent of a Scotsman trapped in medieval times, tethered beneath the yoke of the English crown. Every shimmer of hope, every tantalizing hint of an extraordinary season, often feels overshadowed by an overpowering external force ready to dampen our parade.
So in these quiet October days, many Mets folks, including myself, find solace in the sport’s smaller joys — rooting for individual players, blessing the moments of other teams, and just basking in the sheer unpredictability of it all. For, at its heart, baseball is indeed a game of fleeting moments. While no one can truly predict which moment will be theirs to cherish, the eternal optimist in every Mets fan whispers: “Perhaps ours will be next year.”
* * * * * * *
This MMO Fan Shot was contributed by ZP Scott. Have something you want to say? Share your opinions with the best and most diverse Mets community on the web! Send your Fan Shot to [email protected]
