When we tune into a baseball game, watching the game itself is only half of the story. We watch countless games day in and day out in hope of witnessing a truly historic baseball moment that will be revered and held close to our hearts for the rest of our lives. One aspect of these moments that seals the true amazement in our minds every time we think of them are the announcers that broadcast the event as it unfolds before the eyes of millions. They have the responsibility of speaking on the spot and putting into words what every viewer is thinking.
When the play-by-play begins, we are locked onto the television, a focus nothing can break. When a broadcaster views these astonishing plays, the sheer excitement in their voice shows you that they cannot even believe what has just unfurled on the diamond. Whether it is Vin Scully watching Mookie Wilson round first while watching his grounder go through Buckner’s legs or Gary Cohen witnessing Endy Chavez extending his arm over the left field wall, successfully completing one of the greatest catches in the history of postseason baseball, their reaction behind the microphone creates a memory we will remember and recall for years to come.
Here are some of those moments in Mets history we cherish through the mic:
The 1969 Miracle Mets behind Jerry Koosman in the bottom of the ninth, their future manager, Davey Johnson, steps up as the only thing standing between the Amazins and their first World Championship:
After an amazing two out comeback to tie the Red Sox in game 6 of the 1986 World Series, Mookie Wilson hits a grounder to first that sneaks right between the legs of Bill Buckner to win the ballgame:
Game 6 1986
Jesse Orosco slams the door as the Mets win their first World Series Championship since 1969:
Mets Hold Off RedSox
With the Mets tied in the tenth inning versus the 100-game winning Diamondbacks, Todd Pratt hit a solo walk off homer to send the Mets to their first NLCS since 1988:
In the bottom of the fifteenth of game five of the 1999 NLCS down 3-2, Robin Ventura hit what is now known as the “Grand Slam Single” because Ventura’s teammates did not allow him to complete his run around the bases:
Robin Ventura Grand Slam Single
Following the 9/11 terror attacks, the Mets played their first game at Shea since the tragedy, with the game tied in the 8th inning, Mike Piazza stepped to the plate in an ending not even Hollywood could write any better:
Mike Piazza 911
Game seven of the 2006 NLCS, Oliver Perez pitching and gives up a long drive off the bat of Scott Rolen. With the left fielder Endy Chavez tracking the ball, pulls the ball back into the park, completing one of the best catches in the history of the game:
Endy Chavez Catch
I wanted to include a few other pieces of Mets History like the Black Cat Game or Agbayani’s walk off homer, but I could not find a recording with decent sound quality. Sorry if the recordings are not very clear, I recorded them myself.
Lets get back to talking about Mets baseball. Hope you enjoy!
