new york mets history
new york mets history
Matching the success of cross-town rival the New York Yankees has been difficult for the New York Mets throughout the history of the two teams. The franchise has a dedicated fan base, but New York Mets tickets have typically gained entrance to a marginally successful team. With six postseason appearances in the team’s 44 year history, the Mets have been plagued by poor general managing in recent years. However, the 2006 season appears to be a very promising year for the team. The addition of first baseman Carlos Delgado and catcher Paul Lo Duca will add a crucial spark to the team’s offensive attack.
Shea Stadium, the Mets’ current home, is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the major leagues. With a capacity of over 55,000, the stadium in Flushing, New York hosts some of the most beloved traditions in baseball including the hoisting of a giant red apple each time a Mets’ player hits a home run. However, fans who wish to see a game at Shea should buy New York Mets tickets soon. Mets’ officials announced plans for a new facility, which is scheduled to open for the 2009 season.
The franchise won its first World Series Championship in 1969 under the leadership of manager Gil Hodges and star pitcher Tom Seaver’s 25-win season, defeating the Baltimore Orioles in five games. However, this title failed to establish a tradition of excellence for the Queens team, and the Mets made one postseason appearance in the 1970s. The team featured some of MLB’s most promising talent in the mid 1980s, including pitcher Dwight Gooden and outfielder Darryl Strawberry. Under the leadership of Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter, the team defeated the Boston Red Sox in six games to win the 1986 World Series. However, the team failed to achieve consistent success. Both Strawberry’s and Gooden’s careers were marred by personal problems that affected the team’s performance, too.
The Mets enjoyed success at the beginning of the decade with superstar catcher Mike Piazza’s boost to the batting order and appeared in the World Series in 2000. The team played in the “Subway Series”, battling their rival Yankees in five games before losing. While the team has not appeared in the playoffs since this defeat, the team posted a winning record for the first time in three years under the guidance of new manager Willie Randolph in 2005.
The biggest concern for fans as opening day for 2006 draws near is the team’s pitching rotation. Veteran hurler Pedro Martinez faces a toe injury, and Tom Glavine’s success has waned in recent years. However, four-time All-Star relief pitcher Billy Wagner signed with the Mets, and his presence as a closer will make the team’s pitching much stronger. The team will look to outfielders Carlos Beltran and Cliff Floyd for continued offensive production as the Mets battle against the traditional National League East favorite, the Atlanta Braves. Fans enjoy their New York Mets tickets as the team holds promotions all throughout the year for families. While the Braves have won the division for the last 14 years, this year’s squad in New York looks better than ever to make a run for the title.
