New York Mets 101

Casey Stengel was the first manager of The Mets and the first to refer to them as "Amazin." George Weis the first GM of The Mets talked him in to taking the job. When he started in 1962 he had a winning percentage as a manager of almost .750. When he retired in 1966 it was down to .507. The Mets couldn't of asked for a better guy, he took things in stride and understood who and what he had to work with. A true icon. 

The Miami Series

We split the series. We won two games. More importantly the games Miami won, they didn't really win them we lost them. Changes are coming and things will happen fast after The Braves series. 

Hunt broke into the major leagues in 1963 as the Mets’ regular second baseman, batting .272 with 10 home runs, which would be his career high, and 42 runs batted in, which he would tie in 1964. That year, he also finished runner-up to Pete Rose for the National League Rookie of the Yea honors. In 1964 he batted .303 and became the Mets’ first-ever starting All-Star representative, the game being played in Hunt's home ballpark, the newly opened Shea Stadium. He was also an All-Star representative in 1966. Hunt was a spark that the Mets needed. Never afraid to get him uniform dirty he reminds me of our second baseman today and that's Jeff McNeil. 

The Cincinnati Series

Well we took 2 of 3 from the Reds. Shoddy defense and a lack of hitting cost us in game 2 in which Wheeler pitched a good game. A 4 and 2 road trip is just not enough to get it done when you need to gain ground on the red hot Brewers. 

It isn't often that one man could have such an impact on a team, but Tommie Agee did. Not one but two great World Series Catches. He was a difference maker in 1969. He left us far too early at the age of 58. 

The Colorado Series

Well we won 2 out of 3. But, MLB has to due something about these cross country trips after a Sunday night game. Matz flew ahead to rest up. I am still trying to figure this guy out and wonder if he'll be a piece of the 2020 puzzle. 

Jerry Grote was one of the best defensive catchers of all time. Not all round that would be Johnny Bench. But Grote could handle a pitching staff. We got him at just the right time. He was the catcher that brought Seaver, Koosman, Ryan, and Gentry along and helped turn them from throwers into pitchers. By the way his caught stealing percentage in 1969 was 56%. Unheard of by today's standards. 

The Dodgers Series

It's not over till it's over. I hope. Friday night Thor was awful, Saturday Jacob was great, Sunday the Dodgers did to us what great teams do; they win those one run ballgames. Wheeler also pitched great on Sunday as well. Our bullpen continues to suck. 

To the casual fan Ron Swoboda will always be remembered for the remarkable catch he made in game four of the 1969 World Series against the Orioles. To me he was more than that as I was growing up as a child. He was my hero, my guy. Win or lose when Swoboda did well I always had a good nights sleep. 

The Arizona Series  

Well we swept The D Backs,  convincingly. We have to keep pushing, pitching, and hitting. We're not there yet. My guess is the Dodgers are not going to lie down. The one problem is the bullpen. Even in mop up games we seem to have a problem throwing strike one and putting guys away.  

Well, they didn't tender Wilmer a contract for 2019 but they did Travis d'Arnaud. Then they DFA'd d'Arnaud. Wilmer loved being a Met and was a guy who could be counted on in a big spot. We all know about his reaction when he thought he was traded in 2015. He had a real heart for the game and this team. Wilmer comes to town tonight with The Diamond Backs with the season on the line. Will this move prove to haunt the Mets? 

The Phillies Series 

The Mets didn't win on Friday night The Phillies lost. In a word this team did not play pennant race baseball this weekend. Our only hope is for a sweep of The D Backs. 

When ownership sees the team as a cash cow, the manager sees the team as a stepping stone, and the GM is using the team to become executive of the year we as fans have a problem. As fans we support this team, and it is part of the fabric of our life. To Fred, Mickey, and Brodie, we don't see things as just a game. When our hearts break so should yours. 

The Nationals Series

 I want a closer and I want one now!

Through the game of baseball we learned as kids that conflict and confrontations are just part of life. We learned how to disagree and we now do it with the right attitude. The bullying epidemic must be eradicated but, the victims must be strengthened and to do that we need to help our kids find a field, a ball of any kind, and maybe a bat and glove, but most of all we have to teach our kids how to play again.

The Phillies Series

The Mets still don't know how to step on the neck of their opponents and sweep a series. The Braves did it a few weeks ago. If we want to win anything we have to get out the broom. 

Just spent 2 days at Hall Of Fame in Cooperstown. My very first visit. It was all I expected it to be and more. I wanted to share my experience in the podcast. On another note not sure if the Mets are done or not. I am guessing a poor performance against the Phillies this weekend will tell the story. 

What is it about Atlanta? They have been our nemesis for 25 years. You have to beat the teams in your own division if you want to win anything. The frustration that mounts with every loss to the Braves can almost be debilitating. The Mets have a way of providing hope, but at times not the goods. Sweeping the Indians gave us hope, then being swept by the Braves discouraged even the most devoted of Met fans. This team is truly amazin in so many ways.