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Since their inception in 1962, the Mets have had their share of ups and downs. The organization struggled early on, from 1962-1968 the Mets were a disaster. In 1969, the Miracle Mets put together one of the most surprising seasons in baseball history. In their first winning season the Mets came from 3rd place to take the NL East title with a record of 100-62. They went on to shock the baseball world by winning their first ever World Series Title.
It was almost 20 years after their 1st World Series title that the New York Mets were Champions again. Another magical year for the Mets came in 1986 when they topped the Boston Red Sox in one of the most unforgettable World Series ever. Led by Gary Carter, Daryl Strawberry, Doc Gooden and company the New York Mets overcame a 3-2 series deficit and beat the Red Sox in 7 games.
In 2000, the Mets were back in the World Series, this time they were up against the cross-town rival New York Yankees. The series was never really close as the Yankees disposed of the Mets in 5 games. Since 2000, the Mets have struggled to find an identity. They have consistently fallen as prey to the perennially dominant Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
This pattern held true up until 2006 when the Mets finished on top of the NL East with a 97-65 record. After defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, they advanced to the National League Championship Series and lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a hard fought 7 game series.
In 2007 and 2008 the Mets failed to make the playoffs, falling just short of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East regular season standings. New York is hoping to have veteran Pedro Martinez back along with Johan Santana and Billy Wagner to keep a strong pitching staff. Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, and David Wright, lead a powerful lineup from top to bottom.
Looking ahead to 2009 the Mets will be a very exciting team to watch. This will be the year they move from the classic Shea Stadium into the New Citi Field. The new stadium seats 42,000 and is set to open April 3rd for an exhibition game.
Photo by Flickr user radiohead022