The Mets have experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows over the years. For devoted fans, the cherished moments outnumber the heartbreaks. Founded in 1962 as the New York Metropolitans, the Mets are the city’s other storied franchise across the East River in the borough of Queens. Growing up in New York City, my grandmother had a window that faced the stadium, and one of my most enduring memories of those times was being able to look from the window across the East River and see Shea Stadium. During games, you could behold the bright lights from the majestic Stadium. The voices of Tim McCarver and Ralph Kiner resonated in my mind even if the game wasn’t on WOR-TV. The memories are vivid, because they are from right after the Mets amazing 1986 World Series victory. The Mets come back in seemingly hopeless positions, is one of the things that really drew me into baseball as an entertaining and beautiful sport.
So our post is a reminder of what it truly means to be a Mets fan, and that is, to always have hope in the midst of tragedy. That’s what what happened when they played the Red Sox in 1986. They were in a sense of hopelessness, yet they came back with two runs in the Ninth to best that Red Sox and become the 1986 World champions. In all honesty, it is this beautiful memory that more than makes up for the sad moments I’ve seen.
The curtain now rises on 11 moments that for decades, have made us cringe. Some have even cried, so we’ll admonish. But our blog post is not a celebration of their tragedies but rather their efforts to become great and failing, but never giving up hope that better times will come. And they will.
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1. The 1993 Season
The 1993 season was a tumultuous chapter in New York Mets history, marked not only by injuries and inconsistent performances but also by the team’s unfortunate record of losing 103 games. The high number of losses highlighted the considerable challenges faced by the Mets that year, reflecting a period of adversity and struggles on the field. It was a sad season for both players and fans alike. Let’s not forget Anthony Young. I was happy the 27-game losing streak finally ended, but somehow, muddled in their losing season and in the heart of summer, some everyone was still…grieving. Maybe grieving is too harsh of a word, because it’s only a sport, but suffice to say, 1993 was forgettably bad. I went to three games that season, the first official Colorado Rockies game on Opening Day on April 5th, and a Mets and Dodgers against the Marlins at Joe Robbie Stadium. The Mets won both games, and even though the season felt painful, it was a highlight for me on many fronts, she’s such as witnessing Dwight Gooden pitch on Opening Day, and meeting Ramón Martínez and John Franco after games. They were very nice to fans and those experiences made me appreciate baseball even more.
2. Final Game at Shea Stadium (2008)
The final game at Shea Stadium, which took place in 2008, was an emotionally charged and bittersweet moment for New York Mets fans. The stadium, steeped in history and memories, hosted its last game on September 28, closing a chapter in Mets lore. As fans filled the stands, a sense of nostalgia permeated the air. The Mets faced the Florida Marlins in a game that held symbolic significance. Unfortunately, the Mets lost that final game, 4-2. The loss added a layer of sadness to an already poignant occasion. The defeat, coupled with the realization that Shea Stadium would no longer be the Mets’ home, intensified the emotions of the fans. The closing of Shea Stadium marked the end of an era, and the somber atmosphere resonated with the loyal fanbase as they said farewell to a venue that had witnessed both triumphs and heartbreaks throughout the team’s history.
3. Mets Lose the 1988 NLCS
The 1988 National League Championship Series (NLCS) was a heartbreak for New York Mets fans. Facing the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Mets entered the series as favorites but struggled to overcome a resilient Dodgers team. Despite standout performances from individual players, including Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, the Mets fell short. Orel Hershiser’s stellar pitching for the Dodgers and Kirk Gibson’s iconic home run in Game 1 became defining moments, leading to the Mets’ defeat and a missed opportunity for a World Series appearance.
4. Mets Lose the 1999 NLCS
In 1999, the New York Mets faced the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series (NLCS). The series showcased intense competition, but the Braves ultimately proved formidable opponents, denying New York a chance at the World Series. The NLCS loss marked a poignant moment for Mets fans, as the team fell short of advancing to the pinnacle of baseball glory. The 1999 season, though filled with memorable performances, ended on a note of disappointment and left fans longing for future postseason triumphs.
5. Mets Lose the 2006 NLCS
The 2006 National League Championship Series (NLCS) was a pivotal moment for the New York Mets. After a successful regular season, they faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS. Despite a spirited effort, the Mets fell short, missing out on a chance to return to the World Series. The series loss left fans with mixed emotions, reflecting on the highs of the season and the disappointment of falling just short of the ultimate goal.
6. Mets Collapse With 7.5-Game Lead in First Place With 17 Games Remaining
In a stunning turn of events during the 2007 season, the New York Mets experienced a heartbreaking collapse. Holding a 7.5-game lead in first place with only 17 games remaining, optimism turned to despair as the team faltered down the stretch. This unexpected downturn cost the Mets a playoff spot, leaving fans bewildered and the organization reevaluating its strategies. The collapse of 2007 stands as a somber chapter in Mets history, highlighting the unpredictable nature of baseball and the emotional rollercoaster it can bring.
7. Mets Lose the 2000 World Series
In the 2000 World Series, the Yankees faced the Mets in a best-of-seven playoff, marking the 96th edition of the World Series. Known as the “Subway Series,” it was a historic matchup between crosstown rivals—the two-time defending champion Yankees and the NL champion Mets. The Yankees secured their third consecutive championship, winning 4-1, and clinched their 26th overall title. The Yankees became the first team in baseball to win three consecutive championships since the 1972–1974 Oakland A’s. Game 5 at Shea Stadium on October 26, 2000, was a pivotal moment. Mariano Rivera, the Yankees’ iconic closer, delivered a dominant performance in the ninth inning, sealing their victory. As the final out was secured, Rivera jumped on the mound. That was a very painful moment for me as a Mets fan. The Yankees were on our home turf, and they not only beat us, but they did it at Shea.
8. Mets Lose the 2015 World Series
The Mets Doug Harvey was on the mound for the mets, and we’re hoping to win their first championship in 29 years, when the leader of hitter hit and inside the park Grand Slam home run. Perhaps this was an omen of things to come, as the Mets were outscored by Kansas City and lost the Series in five games. Mets fans were disappointed in the loss. This series felt quite devastating also because the previous month they had been no hit, so the pain of that lingered for me at least even into the playoffs. But it was a great run, and I was happy to see the Mets return to the World Series after their loss to the Yankees in 2000.
9. Lenny Dykstra and Mookie Wilson Collide in the Outfield
In the somber chapter of Mets history in 1987, a poignant incident unfolded on the evening of June 5. The Mets were in the midst of a game against the Pirates, marking Dwight Gooden’s first start after a stint in drug rehab. Amidst the anticipation, outfielders Mookie Wilson and Lenny Dykstra blindly pursued a fly ball hit by Sid Bream. Tragically, the collision between Wilson and Dykstra resulted in a stark moment of impact, as their faces collided while both reaching for the ball. Wilson managed to catch the ball, but the haunting nature of that collision lingered, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of Mets fans and players alike. I remember this game well because not only did we met fans get to see Gooden pitch for the first time in the 1987 regular season, but two days later, I attended, in the same series, a double header, the first time I’d never been to Shea Stadium.
10. Terry Pendleton’s Ninth-Inning Home Run Stuns the Mets
On September 11, 1987, in a crucial game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets at Shea Stadium, the Cardinals, trailing by three runs in the ninth inning, orchestrated a stunning comeback. Terry Pendleton’s memorable home run off Mets pitcher Roger McDowell tied the game at 4-4, shifting the momentum dramatically. The Cardinals went on to secure a victory in the 10th inning, ultimately solidifying their lead in the division and paving the way for their triumph in both the division and the pennant.
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11. The 1990 Season
The 1990 New York Mets baseball season unfolded with high hopes but ultimately ended in disappointment. Managed by Davey Johnson, the Mets showcased a roster with notable talent, including Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry. Even with the individual brilliance of key players, the team faced challenges, and a late-season slump dashed their playoff aspirations. As the regular season drew to a close, the Mets found themselves in a tight race for a playoff spot. Their hopes were further dimmed by the surging Pittsburgh Pirates, who demonstrated consistency and resilience. The Pirates ultimately outperformed the Mets, winning the division by four games and securing a playoff berth. Mets fans were a disheartened. The 1990 season became a tale of missed opportunities for the Mets, as they fell short of postseason glory, while the Pittsburgh Pirates emerged as the stronger team.
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