More often than not in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Braves got the better of the Mets. That dominance extended into the 1999 NLCS when Atlanta overcame New York in six games to advance to their fifth World Series trip of the decade. At Shea Stadium 22 years ago, just when it looked like the end result would be all-too-familiar, the Mets managed to get the Braves’ number. Ten, to be...
The greatest comeback in Mets history? Game 6, 1986 World Series — obviously. The largest deficit ever overcome by a Mets team? That would be September 2, 1972 in Houston — making up eight runs on the Astros. What took place on a Friday night in June at Shea Stadium 21 years ago doesn’t hold the same significance as the ‘86 Fall Classic and not quite the depth of recovery in ‘72 at...
It isn’t much of a surprise Mike Piazza regularly dealt with the occupational hazards that come with the territory of being a major league catcher. As the 1999 postseason ratcheted up, Piazza’s strong but weary body broke down. He was only able to produce one extra-base hit, albeit a dramatic homer in Game 6 of the NLCS. As the Mets embarked on a second consecutive postseason berth,...
A Mets-Yankees game carries with it certain importance, especially within the New York City area. But Saturday, July 8 brought added historical significance. June 11’s rainout created a unique day-night doubleheader: an afternoon game at Shea Stadium followed by an event game in the Bronx – the first time in 97 years the same teams played on the same day in two different ballparks....
Few hitters gave Roger Clemens as much trouble as Mike Piazza. The two faced off 25 times. Against a man who would strike out more than 4,000 batters over his lengthy big-league career, Piazza struck out twice. He batted .364, had an on-base percentage of .440, and a slugging percentage of .955. He hit four home runs, each of them carrying some kind of importance. This dual evolved into a...
