We talk with prolific sportswriter Wayne Coffey about his book, "They Said It Couldn't Be Done: The '69 Mets, New York City, and the Most Astounding Season in Baseball History." The longtime New York Daily News writer explains how the Mets shocked the world during a time of social upheaval and scientific discovery. The Mets went from worst-to-first just as the United States blasted off for the moon and found itself buried in the quagmire of Vietnam. Their hometown was going through tremendous difficulties as well, which is why it was the perfect time for the loveable losers to become the Amazin' Mets. Coffey describes how The Franchise, Tom Seaver, and one of the greatest managers in baseball history, Gil Hodges, changed baseball forever. Through the many magical moments like Tom Seaver's near-perfect game, a spooky black cat and miraculous World Series plays, the story of the '69 Mets is one for lovers of baseball, history and ripping-good yarns.

Coffey can be reached on Twitter @wrcoffey and his website is waynecoffeyauthor.com

Axelbank Reports History and Today is available on Twitter and Instagram @axelbankhistory

We do want to invite listeners to our Patreon page, to ask for your support in keeping the show going, which is www.patreon.com/axelbankhistory