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New York Mets History continued...
In October of 1961, the first ever expansion draft was held by the National League. The Mets spent $1.8 million to draft 22 players. Later that same month, the ground was broken for Flushing Meadows Stadium, where the Mets would play their home games. Then in November of 1961, the Mets logo was designed. It was designed by sports cartoonist Ray Gatto and has gone virtually unchanged throughout the history of the Mets franchise. The shape and the orange stitching, represent a baseball. The bridge in the foreground represents that the Mets, while bringing the National League back to New York City, represent all five boroughs of the city. The skyline in the background of the logo has special meaning. At the far left is a church spire. This represents Brooklyn, the borough of churches. The second building from the left is the Williamsburg Savings Bank, which is the tallest building in Brooklyn. The next building in the skyline is the Woolworth Building. After the general skyline of midtown comes the Empire State Building. At the far right of the logo is the United Nations Building. The Mets' colors are Dodger blue and Giant orange, paying tribute to the former National League teams in New York City. Blue and orange are also the colors of New York State.
On April 11, 1962, the Mets played the first official game in franchise history, an 11-4 loss to the Cardinals in St. Louis. Later, in that same month, the Mets played their first official home game at the Polo Grounds. This game was a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburg Pirates. Finally, at the end of the month, the Mets got their first win in franchise history, a 9-1 victory in Pittsburg. In their first year as a National League franchise, the New York Mets posted a 40-120 record, the worst record for any team in Major League Baseball in the 20th century.
In 1964, the New York Mets played their first official home game in the new Shea Stadium. The park was originally to be called Flushing Meadow Park, but was changed in order to honor the man who brought the National League back to New York City, William A. Shea. Shea Stadium had taken 29 months to build and cost $28.5 million. Shea Stadium was unique in that it was the first stadium capable of being converted from baseball to football and back using two motorized stands that moved on underground tracks. However, Shea Stadium is probably best known for the noise of the airplanes taking off from LaGuardia Airport.
In 1966, things began to turn around for the lowly New York Mets. A college pitcher named Tom Seaver was ready to enter Major League Baseball. His original contract, with the Atlanta Braves, was voided by then-commissioner William D. Eckert because the baseball season at USC, where Seaver was a student, had already begun when he signed with the team. Eckert decided that any other team that wished to match the Braves' bid for Seaver could feel free to do so. The New York Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cleveland Indians all were willing to match the bid. Eckert decided to throw the names of the teams in a hat and draw out the winner. The New York Mets were drawn and with that, they literally won a lottery to gain their future ace. In 12 seasons with the team, Seaver compiled a record of 198-124 with a 2.57 ERA. He also led the team to a World Series title and two National League Pennants. He holds the Mets' career marks for wins, ERA, starts, complete games, strikeouts and shutouts. For his career, Seaver won 311 games, compiling a 2.86 ERA. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his very first year of eligibility in 1992. He was also elected to the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1988.
In 1969, the Mets began what would be their most successful season as a major league franchise. They clinched the National League East Division for the first time in the history of the franchise with a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Shea Stadium. Then, in October, the Mets played their first postseason game, defeating the Atlanta Braves 9-5. The Mets went on to win the National League, giving them the chance to play for their first World Series title against the Baltimore Orioles. The Mets went on to defeat the Orioles for their first World Series title. The turnaround is regarded as one of the best in sports history. At the time, it gave hope to underdogs everywhere.
In 1972, the Mets acquired outfielder Willie Mays from the San Francisco Giants. Later on, in 1973, the New York Mets, behind the pitching of Seaver and Tug McGraw, won their second National League Pennant, defeating the Cincinnati Reds. With this victory, the New York Mets became the worst regular-season team to ever play in the World Series. They would lose that series to the Oakland Athletics.
In 1977, the New York Mets decided to trade their ace, Tom Seaver, to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for an infielder and two outfielders. Then, in 1980, the Mets were sold to a group headed by Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon. The purchase price was estimated at $21.1 million. At the time, it was the highest amount ever paid for an American professional sports franchise.
Starting in 1982, the Mets began to assemble a team overflowing with talent. They selected pitcher Dwight Gooden in the 1982 draft. Then, in 1983, they acquired first baseman Keith Hernandez from the St. Louis Cardinals. Again, in 1984, the Mets made a big move, acquiring catcher Gary Carter from the Montreal Expos. All of these moves led to the Mets clinching the National League East in 1986. The Mets then defeated the Houston Astros to win their third National League Championship. The New York Mets went on to win their second World Series, defeating the Boston Red Sox in dramatic fashion. In Game Six, the Mets came back from a two-run deficit, in the bottom of the 10th inning, when a ball went through Boston first baseman, Bill Buckner's legs. Then, in a rain-delayed Game Seven, the Mets defeated the Red Sox, 8-5. The Mets continued to enjoy minimal success in the late 1980's and early 1990's, although never returning to the World Series.
In 1997, the Mets experienced another historical marker. They played the New York Yankees in the first-ever regular season meeting of the two New York teams. The Mets came away with a 6-0 victory. The Mets made the playoffs again in 1999, this time as the National League Wild Card winner. They were led by catcher Mike Piazza, who they acquired from the Florida Marlins one year earlier.
The next round of success for the New York Mets came in 2000. They won their fourth National League Pennant by defeating the St. Louis Cardinals. The New York Yankees won the American League Pennant, setting up what became known as the Subway Series, between the Yankees and the Mets. The Yankees won the series four games to one. The series became one of the most memorable in the history of baseball.
In 2002, the New York Mets celebrated their 40th anniversary. They celebrated by having the fans select the “All Amazin' Team.” The team consisted of manager Gil Hodges, first baseman Keith Hernandez, second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo, short stop Buddy Harrelson, third baseman Howard Johnson, catcher Mike Piazza, outfielders Mookie Wilson, Lenny Dykstra and Darryl Strawberry, pinch-hitters Rusty Staub and Ed Kranepool, right-handed starter Tom Seaver, left-handed starter Jerry Koosman, right-handed reliever Roger McDowell and left-handed reliever John Franco.
Several former New York Mets players have been elected to the Hall of Fame. Among them are Yogi Berra, Willie Mays, Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver. Several former Mets players have also had their numbers retired. Among them are Gil Hodges (14), Casey Stengel (37) and Tom Seaver (41).
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