2013 New York Mets Preview
Check back in the Spring for the Mets 2013 Season Preview.
NEW YORK METS INFORMATION:
Founded: 1962
Location: New York City, New York
Stadium: Citi Field
Conference: National League
Division: East Division
Rivals: Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees
Notable Players: Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Gary Carter
New York Mets World Series Title: 2, last World Series title: 1986
New York Mets NL Championships: 4, last NL Championship: 2000
After the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants departed for the West Coast, the baseball mecca of America was suddenly left with only one Major League ballclub, the New York Yankees. Seeing a window of opportunity, attorney William Shea announced the formation of a third major league, the Continental League, which was slated to begin play in 1961. Fearing a direct threat to their own exposure, the American and National Leagues made a deal to expand and the New York Mets were one of two teams added to the National League. Drawing on the orange of the Giants and the Dodgers' blue as their color scheme, the Mets started down the long road to rival the history and winning tradition of their crosstown rivals.
The Mets limped out of the gate for the first few years of their existence, including their first year in 1962 when they only won 40 games. In 1969, after never finishing better than 9th in the standings, the Major Leagues switched to a divisional format and the Mets completed one of the most surprising title runs in sports history. Anchored by their two pitching aces Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan, the Mets would win 100 games for the first time and would make quick work of the Atlanta Braves in the very first National League Championship series. The Mets triumphed over the juggernaut Baltimore Orioles for the World Series victory, and newspapers gave them the title Amazin' Mets, which has stuck to this day.
After the Yankees took over the Big Apple during the 1970s, the Mets became the most popular ticket in town in 1986. The Mets were the bearded, working class players that differed greatly from the clean-cut Yankees, and for a time they were the biggest team in New York City. In 1986, the Mets featured a stellar lineup with all-time greats like Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden and Mookie Wilson. After surging through the playoffs, the Mets were down to their last strike against the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the World Series before catcher Gary Carter tied the game. Mookie Wilson's slow roller down the first base line through Bill Buckner's legs sealed the victory and helped the Mets cruise through Game 7 to capture their second title.
With the opening of their new ballpark Citi Field, the Mets look to continue their brand of winning baseball and remain a regular contender in the NL East.
See Also:
New York Mets playoff tickets
New York Mets Season Preview History