SNY has aired a few classic Mets games. They come in two flavors, there is Mets Classics, games from their storied past, and Ulti-Met classics which are games from this season. These games so far have included Pedro’s 200th win and Wright’s walkoff single against Mariano Rivera in the first of the subway series games. Mets Classics has given you what you would expect, games from the ’86 championship season. So far I have seen the Eastern Division clincher against the Cubs, a game I was at, a couple of times and I believe they have also shown the Lenny Dystra walk off homer in game 3 of the NLCS. They may have shown others but I am not aware of them.
But there is more to Mets history then just 1986. No question that was a magical season for those of us who are old enough to remember. But that was twenty years ago and while I know we are celebrating that anniversary I would like to point out that there have been a lot of other exciting Mets games over the years. We often get caught up in thinking because our favorite team has not won 26 World Championships like that other team in town that somehow we should not look back and enjoy some great Mets moments. This is why I submit that SNY should put together a series of classic Mets games that we can all enjoy. Since most TV series are sold in a package of 13 episodes, I have put a list together of 13 exciting and memorable Mets games that I would love to see again. These games are from the Mets teams of the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, what we would perhaps consider the Piazza era. The list of games is in chronological order.
Mets Classics
Game 1 – June 16, 1997 at Yankee Stadium
Mets 6, Yankees 0.
In this historic first ever regular season game against each other, Dave Mlicki of the Mets pitches a complete game shutout against the Yankees. This game is pre-Mike Piazza.
Game 2 – June 28, 1998 at Shea Stadium
Mets 2, Yankees 1
The Mets beat the Yankees in the bottom of the 9th for their first win ever over the Bombers at Shea Stadium.
Game 3 – April 28, 1999 at Shea Stadium
Mets 4, Padres 3
With Mike Piazza struggling in his first full season as a New York Met, he gets it going with a walk off two run bomb to right field against ace closer Trevor Hoffman.
Game 4 – July 10, 1999 at Shea Stadium
Mets 9, Yankees 8
In a wild see-saw affair on a Saturday afternoon, Matt Franco get the best of Mariano Rivera and for the first time in three years of inter-league play, the Mets clinch a series against the Yankees.
Game 5 – October 4, 1999 at Riverfront Stadium,
Mets 5, Reds 0
In a one game playoff for the National League wild card, Al Leiter pitches a complete game two hit shutout sending the Mets to the post season for the first time in 11 years.
Game 6 – October 9, 1999 at Shea Stadium
Mets 4, Diamondbacks 3
Todd Pratt hits a walk off homerun just out of the reach of Steve Findley in Center Field to win the NLDS.
Game 7 – October 17, 1999 at Shea Stadium
Mets 4, Braves 3
In the 15th inning, with the bases loaded Robin Ventura hit the now famous walk off grand slam single in game 5 of the NLCS against the Braves. The win forced the series back to
Game 8 – June 9, 2000 at Yankee Stadium
Mets 12, Yankees 2
The Mets pummel Roger Clemons in the subway series featuring a monstrous grand slam off the bat of Clemons killer Mike Piazza.
Game 9 – June 30, 2000 at Shea Stadium
With the Braves leading the Mets by a commanding score of 8 to 1, the Mets rally in the bottom of the 8th for 10 runs to stun the Atlanta Braves. The Mets win the game 11 to 8.
Game 10 – October 8, 2000
Mets 4, Giants 0 at Shea Stadium
Bobby Jones pitches a one hit complete game shutout, his shining moment as a Met. The Mets defeat the Giants and clinch the NLDS.
Game 11 – October 16, 2000 at Shea Stadium
Mets 5, Cardinals 0
Mike Hampton pitching a 3 hitter shuts out the Cardinals as the Mets clinch the National League Pennant for the first time since 1986.
Game 12 – October 24, 2000 at Shea Stadium
Mets 4, Yankees 2
The only win over the Yankees in the first ever Mets-Yankees subway World Series – hey why not, how many times has Yes shown the first and last game of that series. Gees!
Game 13 – September 21, 2001 at Shea Stadium
Mets 3, Braves 2
Baseball returns to
I would hope that as the Mets channel, SNY would seriously consider showing these games or other games especially during the winter months when it’s snowy and cold outside. I don’t know what the legal situation is with these games in terms of rights and who owns them. But if they can show games from 20 years ago, they should be able to gain access to these games. I have said many times in my blog and in other venues that the Mets must better celebrate their history. They need to step out of the shadow of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants and stop feeling inferior to the Yankees. These games I have outlined demonstrate how over a period of five years, the Mets were a very exciting and winning team. Let SNY know that you would like to see many more classic games.
