As the Mets battle for a spot in the 2021 post season, let’s recall that September 10, 1969 was an important date in one of their past playoff pursuits. On that date, the New York Mets found themselves in first place for the first time in franchise history, on their way to a World Series title.
Being in first place was quite an achievement for the Mets, who were in their eighth season. Their past had been, well, something less than successful. Here are the team’s final records and standings from 1962-1968:
1962: 40-120, 10th place in the National League of ten teams (before division play, which began in 1969)
1963: 51-111, 10th place
1964: 53-109, 10th place
1965: 50-112, 10th place
1966: 66-95, 9th place
1967: 61-101, 10th place
1968: 73-89, 9th place
The Mets had been on a tear since the middle of August, chasing down the Chicago Cubs, who were fading quickly. The Mets were ten games behind the Cubs on August 13th, yet when they began their doubleheader against the Montreal Expos at Shea Stadium on September 10, they were just a half game out, poised to leapfrog Leo Durocher‘s squad.
The Mets won game one by a 3-2 score in 12 innings. Jim McAndrew had made the start for New York, and pitched eleven innings (imagine that), allowing two earned runs on just four hits. Ron Taylor came on in the twelfth inning, and tossed a scoreless frame, setting up the walk-off in the bottom half.
Tommie Agee was retired on a fly ball to lead off, and then Wayne Garrett struck out. Cleon Jones started the rally with a two-out single, and Rod Gaspar walked, both off Bill Stoneman of the Expos. Ken Boswell was up next, and his single to center field won the game and launched the Mets to the top of the standings for the first time, where they would remain for the rest of the season. The Cubs’ loss that day gave the Mets a full game lead heading into the nightcap.
The Mets completed the sweep in game two by a 7-1 score. Nolan Ryan went the distance, letting up one earned run on three hits, walking four and striking out eleven. Garrett, Jones, and Boswell each drove in a run in support of Ryan, and the Mets were rolling toward a 100-62 record and their first post season appearance.
Gil Hodges‘ crew went on to clinch the National League’s eastern division on September 24, win the National League pennant against the Atlanta Braves on October 6, then defeat the Baltimore Orioles to bring home the trophy on October 16.
The 2021 Mets are battling for their postseason hopes this September. A ride like the one the 1969 Mets had from September through the middle of October would be most welcome right now.
