The Amazin' Mets of 1969

Two National League teams departed New York City when the Dodgers and Giants left the vicinity. Both teams went to California out on the West Coast. The Big Apple was without a National League host. An expansion four years later brought another team. Newspaper editor Joan Payson fulfilled a dream. Again, New Yorkers could see a National League game. A new team came to town, and the “Mets” was the team’s name. With uniforms of Giants orange and Dodgers blue, they took the Polo Grounds field in 1962. Many New York baseball fans had shown their loyalty despite the Mets’ new record for mediocrity. Winning only forty games and finishing dead last, the Mets were able to expunge the ghosts from the past. Again having a team in each league was a reason for joy and happiness in New York that first season. They moved to Shea Stadium in 1964. However, their losing ways continued a bit more. The Mets’ performance each season did not look too fine. They lost for seven straight years to 1969. However, all the Mets fans would get a big surprise. The team played quite well. The fans could not believe their eyes! Just past mid-season, they were standing in second place. The Mets won games, and were moving at a torrid pace. They soon caught and passed the first-place team from Chicago. The Mets stayed in first place with just a few weeks to go. Their pitching staff had Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, they also had Gary Gentry and Nolan Ryan. The Mets best hitters, Cleon Jones and Tommie Agee, were joined by Ed Charles, Donn Clendenon, and Art Shamsky. Together, they all formed a winning combination. A pennant and World Series win brought more elation!