RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed NL teams, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants. The team's colors combine the Dodgers' blue and the Giants' orange. For the 1962 and 1963 seasons, the Mets played home games at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan before moving to Queens. From 1964 to 2008, the Mets played their home games at Shea Stadium, named after William Shea, the founder of the Continental League, a proposed third major league, the announcement of which prompted their admission as an NL expansion team. Since 2009, the Mets have played their home games at Citi Field next to the site where Shea Stadium once stood.
In their inaugural season, the Mets posted a record of 40–120, the worst regular-season record since MLB went to a 162-game schedule. The team never finished better than second-to-last until the "Miracle Mets" beat the Baltimore Orioles in the 1969 World Series, which was considered one of the biggest upsets in World Series history. The Mets have qualified for the postseason nine times, winning the World Series twice (1969 and 1986), and five National League pennants.
Since 2020, the Mets have been owned by billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen who purchased the team for $2.4 billion.
The 1988 NLCS was a tumultuous series between the LA Dodgers and NY Mets. It went 7 games in the
Sports Rivals: 1988 NLCS | Dodgers vs Mets / The 1988 NLCS was a tumultuous series between the LA Dodgers and NY Mets. It went 7 games in the rain, sleet and hail and featured the likes of KIRK GIBSON, STEVE SAX, DOC GOODEN AND GARY CARTER. This series also pitted the to be 1988 Cy Young Award winner, NLCS MVP and […] The post 1988 NLCS | Dodgers vs Mets | Ep 10 appeared first on the Sports Rivals podcast.
On August 26, 1975, the New York Mets took on the San Diego Padres at...
1975 New York Mets vs San Diego Padres - Radio Broadcast / On August 26, 1975, the New York Mets took on the San Diego Padres at San Diego Stadium. The Mets, managed by Yogi Berra, were looking to stay competitive in the National League East while the Padres, under John McNamara, were trying to close the gap in the standings. The starting pitchers were rookie Craig Tate for the Mets and Bill Freisleben for the Padres. Tate, who had struggled during the season, was aiming to rebound and secure a much-needed victory for New York. The Padres were hoping to see offensive contributions from players like Dave Winfield and veteran slugger Willie McCovey to back up Freisleben.
The game opened with the Padres scoring an unearned run in the first inning, but the Mets quickly responded in the fourth inning, tying the game at 1-1 and then taking the lead with a key hit from Rusty Staub. New York built on their lead in the fifth inning, highlighted by clutch hitting from Dave Kingman and Wayne Garrett. Tate settled into a groove after the early run, scattering hits while limiting San Diego’s offense. The Mets added two more insurance runs in the seventh inning with a triple by Jerry Grote, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Padres threatened early but were held to just two runs, unable to break through against Tate, who pitched a complete game.
The Mets' 7-2 victory over the Padres kept them in the race in the National League East. Craig Tate secured his fifth win of the season, while Freisleben's struggles on the mound continued as he took his 14th loss. The Padres, despite some solid performances from their lineup, could not keep pace with the Mets’ consistent offense.
The New York Mets faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, September 23, 1970,...
New York Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies - Radio Broadcast / The New York Mets faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, September 23, 1970, at Connie Mack Stadium. The Mets, who had won the World Series in the previous season, were looking to regain their championship form, while the Phillies were in the midst of a rebuilding phase. On the mound for the Mets was Ray Sadecki, a seasoned left-hander who had been acquired from the San Francisco Giants in 1969. For the Phillies, Chris Short, a reliable veteran and two-time All-Star, took the start. This was a time when the league was witnessing a surge in offensive power, marked by an increase in home runs and batting averages.
The game kicked off with a back-and-forth between the two teams. The Phillies drew first blood in the first inning, capitalizing on a Mets' error. The Mets responded in the third inning to even the score. However, the Phillies took a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning, thanks to a two-run homer by Larry Hisle. The Mets clawed back in the sixth inning, tying the game at 3-3, only for the Phillies to regain the lead in the bottom half. The Mets' batters, however, were undeterred. In the eighth inning, Donn Clendenon hit a two-run homer, giving the Mets a lead they would not relinquish.
In the end, the Mets emerged victorious with a 5-4 win. The game was notable for its pitching changes, with the Mets using five pitchers and the Phillies three. Tug McGraw, who would later become a Phillies legend, earned the win for the Mets, while Dick Selma took the loss for the Phillies. Clendenon was the offensive star of the game, with his eighth-inning home run proving to be the game-winner.
The 1970 season was a mixed bag for both teams. The Mets, despite their victory in this game, could not replicate their championship run from the previous year, finishing in third place in the National League East. The Phillies, on the other hand, ended up in the cellar of the same division. However, this season marked the beginning of their slow climb to their first World Series title in 1980. As for the league, the season was dominated by the Cincinnati Reds, who won the National League pennant, and the Baltimore Orioles, who won the World Series. The 1970 season also saw Johnny Bench of the Reds and Boog Powell of the Orioles winning the Most Valuable Player awards in their respective leagues.
On May 1, 1970, a tightly contested matchup took place at San Diego Stadium...
1970 New York Mets vs San Diego Padres - Radio Broadcast / On May 1, 1970, a tightly contested matchup took place at San Diego Stadium between the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres. The Mets, led by their ace pitcher Tom Seaver, were looking to build momentum early in the season. San Diego, with Al Santorini on the mound, aimed to fend off the visiting Mets in front of their home crowd. This game came during a period when both teams were establishing their identities in the league, with the Mets still riding high from their miraculous 1969 World Series win and the Padres continuing their struggles as a relatively new franchise established in 1968.
The game's tempo was set by dominant pitching, with Seaver and Santorini both keeping runs off the board through the first two innings. The Mets broke the deadlock in the third inning when Bud Harrelson doubled and later scored along with Tommie Agee, driven in by a clutch single from Donn Clendenon. This burst gave the Mets a lead they managed to maintain throughout most of the game. The Padres responded in the sixth with a solo home run from Chris Huntz, but they struggled to capitalize further despite several opportunities, which included leaving runners in scoring positions in the later innings.
The Mets held on to win the game 2-1, a typical example of their season's reliance on strong pitching performances and timely hitting. Tom Seaver's excellence on the mound was a recurring theme throughout the year as he led the Mets with dominant performances, encapsulating the era's pitching-driven approach to the game. Although the Mets did not repeat their World Series appearance, they remained competitive, while the Padres ended the season at the bottom of their division, reflecting their ongoing growing pains as a franchise.
The 1967 baseball season witnessed intriguing developments for the New York Mets and the Houston...
New York Mets vs Houston Astros - Radio Broadcast / The 1967 baseball season witnessed intriguing developments for the New York Mets and the Houston Astros, two teams striving to find their footing in the competitive National League. As August rolled around, both teams were seeking to make a push for the playoffs.
For the New York Mets, the season marked a step forward in their relatively young history. In August, they showcased resilience and improvement, with standout performances from key players like Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, bolstering their pitching rotation. This revitalized pitching staff allowed the Mets to put up a stronger fight against their opponents and compete more convincingly. While their offensive capabilities still needed refinement, the Mets' progress throughout August was a promising sign for their future as a competitive force in the league.
On the other hand, the Houston Astros had a mixed experience in August. The team boasted strong pitching, thanks to the likes of Mike Cuellar and Don Wilson, who demonstrated their skills on the mound. However, the Astros encountered some challenges in their offensive lineup, resulting in a fluctuating performance during the month. Despite the hurdles, their overall performance showcased glimpses of potential, hinting at their ability to contend in the future.
As the season approached its conclusion, the New York Mets and the Houston Astros had both made strides to improve and prove their mettle on the baseball field. While the Mets demonstrated progress in their pitching department and resilience as a young team, the Astros showcased solid pitching talent but needed to address their offensive inconsistencies. The season rivalry between the two teams during August emphasized the competitive spirit and the determination to carve a path toward greater success in the future.
In the 1967 season, both the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves showcased considerable performance. The...
Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets - Radio Broadcast / In the 1967 season, both the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves showcased considerable performance. The Cubs, though talented, had a challenging season, ending 5th in the NL with a 87-74 record. Their inconsistency hindered a promising start, and they missed the postseason. Players like Ernie Banks and Ron Santo contributed solid performances, but the team's overall lack of depth was apparent.
Contrastingly, the Braves had a more successful year, finishing 7th in the NL with a 77-85 record. Hank Aaron and Phil Niekro were instrumental, with Aaron hitting .307 with 39 home runs and Niekro posting an ERA of 1.87. However, despite these individual achievements, the Braves couldn't secure a postseason berth, as they struggled with inconsistent pitching and defense.
In a captivating showdown at Shea Stadium on June 26, 1967, the New York Mets...
New York Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Full Game Radio Broadcast / In a captivating showdown at Shea Stadium on June 26, 1967, the New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in a night game that promised excitement. The Mets, with Bob Shaw on the mound, were looking to make a mark in their relatively young franchise history. The Pirates, with Steve Blass as their starting pitcher, were also eyeing victory. The game took place amid a season filled with its own narratives, including Roberto Clemente's stellar performance and the Mets' ongoing efforts to climb up from their expansion team struggles.
The game unfolded with a tense pitchers' duel, as both Shaw and Blass held the line through the early innings. The Pirates managed to break through first, with a run in the third inning, followed by a solo home run by Bill Mazeroski in the seventh. The Mets, however, kept the game within reach, showcasing resilience in their batting lineup. The real turning point came in the eighth inning when Ken Boyer hit a crucial two-run homer for the Mets, leveling the score. This set the stage for a dramatic ninth inning, where the Mets seized their opportunity to clinch a narrow victory.
The final score, Mets 3, Pirates 2, was a testament to the competitive nature of the 1967 season. This game, while just a single chapter in the long baseball season, was indicative of the Mets' fighting spirit and the Pirates' formidable play, reflective of Clemente's impressive season performance. As the season progressed, both teams continued to contribute to the rich tapestry of the 1967 baseball season, a year remembered for its close pennant races and memorable individual performances.
On Saturday, September 17, 1966, the San Francisco Giants faced off against the New York...
New York Mets vs San Francisco Giants - Radio Broadcast / On Saturday, September 17, 1966, the San Francisco Giants faced off against the New York Mets at Candlestick Park. The Giants handed the ball to their ace, Juan Marichal, while the Mets countered with Dennis Ribant. The 1966 season had been a challenging one for the Mets, who were still in the early years of their franchise and struggling to find consistent success. The Giants, on the other hand, were a more established team with a solid roster, including the legendary Willie Mays and the power-hitting first baseman Willie McCovey. As for the broader context of the season, the Baltimore Orioles were the team to beat in the American League, while the National League was being dominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The game started off as a pitching duel, with both Marichal and Ribant holding their respective opponents scoreless through the first three innings. The Giants broke the deadlock in the fourth, with McCovey launching a solo home run. He would add another solo shot in the fifth, giving the Giants a 3-0 lead. The Mets, however, would not go quietly. In the sixth inning, Ken Boyer and Al Luplow each hit solo home runs to cut the Giants' lead to one. Luplow would again come through in the clutch in the eighth, hitting a two-run homer to tie the game at 4-4.
The game remained tied until the tenth inning. Jim Hart led off the bottom of the inning with a solo home run to give the Giants a one-run lead. McCovey then solidified the Giants' victory with his third home run of the game, a two-run shot that sealed the 6-4 win for the Giants. The Mets' late-game rally, highlighted by Luplow's two home runs, was an exciting twist, but ultimately fell short.
In the grand scheme of the 1966 season, this game was a microcosm of the experiences of both teams. The Mets showed flashes of potential but struggled to put it all together, finishing the season in ninth place in the National League. The Giants, meanwhile, finished in second place in the National League, just 1.5 games behind the Dodgers. McCovey's three-home run performance was a highlight of his impressive season, in which he hit .295 with 36 home runs and 96 RBIs. Despite their strong season, the Giants fell short of the postseason, with the Dodgers representing the National League in the World Series against the Orioles.
On June 3, 1965, the New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field....
1965 New York Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Radio Broadcast / On June 3, 1965, the New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field. The Mets, struggling in the bottom half of the National League standings, were looking to gain some momentum mid-season. Starting for the Mets was Galen Cisco, aiming to improve his record, while Pittsburgh's starting pitcher was Joe Gibbon, who had yet to secure a win this season. The Pirates, featuring star players like Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell, were in contention for a strong finish and were looking to close the gap with the league leaders.
The game began slowly, with both teams held scoreless through the first two innings. The Mets broke through in the third inning, with Galen Cisco contributing both on the mound and at the plate. The fourth inning proved pivotal for New York, as they exploded for six runs, capitalizing on pitching struggles by Pittsburgh. Ed Kranepool and Joe Christopher led the charge with timely hits. The Pirates remained scoreless until a dramatic eighth inning, when Willie Stargell and Jerry Lynch each hit home runs to fuel a six-run rally, narrowing the gap significantly.
Despite the late surge by the Pirates, the Mets held on for an 8-6 victory. Cisco earned his first win of the season, and Dennis Ribant secured the save. For the Mets, the win was a small bright spot in a challenging season. The Pirates, despite the loss, continued to be competitive and had their sights set on the postseason, with Clemente and Stargell both having standout seasons.
On Sunday, October 4, 1964, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the New York Mets at...
New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / On Sunday, October 4, 1964, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the New York Mets at Busch Stadium I. The Cardinals' starting pitcher was Curt Simmons, a seasoned left-handed veteran who had been a key part of the team's rotation throughout the year. On the mound for the Mets was Galen Cisco, a right-hander who had struggled at times during the season. The Cardinals were in the midst of a tight pennant race, while the Mets, only in their third season, were still finding their footing in the league. The game held significant implications for the Cardinals, who were vying for a spot in the World Series. Meanwhile, the Mets were looking to play spoiler and finish their season on a high note.
The game started off as a pitcher's duel, with both teams failing to score in the first inning. However, the Cardinals broke the deadlock in the second inning, and the game quickly became a back-and-forth affair. The Mets' Charley Smith hit a solo home run in the fourth inning, and the team added two more runs in the fifth. The Cardinals responded each time, with key hits from their lineup, including doubles from Tim McCarver, Dick Groat, and Ken Boyer. The Cardinals' offense really took off in the sixth inning, with a two-run home run from Bill White, and they added three more runs in the eighth to pull away from the Mets.
In the end, the Cardinals triumphed with an 11-5 victory over the Mets, a crucial win in their pursuit of the pennant. The Cardinals' win, along with the Philadelphia Phillies' loss on the same day, clinched the National League pennant for St. Louis, marking their first return to the World Series since 1946. The win also highlighted the depth of the Cardinals' lineup, with multiple players contributing key hits. The 1964 season was a memorable one, with the Cardinals eventually defeating the New York Yankees in the World Series, while the Mets, despite their loss in this game, continued to build their team, culminating in a World Series win just five years later in 1969.
In the 1963 MLB season, both the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs struggled....
Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets - 14 inning thriller - Radio Broadcast / In the 1963 MLB season, both the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs struggled. The Cubs, managed by Bob Kennedy and Charlie Metro, finished seventh in the National League with a 82-80 record, continuing their multi-decade championship drought. Meanwhile, the fledgling Mets, in only their second season, had a rougher time. Managed by Casey Stengel, they finished last in the National League with a record of 51-111, one of the worst in MLB history.
On September 8, 1962, the Houston Colt .45s faced off against the New York Mets...
New York Mets vs Houston Colt .45s - Game 2 of DH - Radio Broadcast / On September 8, 1962, the Houston Colt .45s faced off against the New York Mets at Colt Stadium. The starting pitchers were Roger Craig for the Mets and Turk Farrell for the Colt .45s. At this point in the season, both teams were struggling, with the Mets in their inaugural season and the Colt .45s in their first year as well. The 1962 season was marked by the expansion of the league, with both the Mets and the Colt .45s being new additions. However, the Mets were infamous for their poor performance, finishing the season with a record of 40-120, the worst in modern MLB history. The Colt .45s, on the other hand, were faring slightly better, but still below .500.
The game began with a scoreless first inning, but the Colt .45s managed to score a run in the second inning, thanks to Bob Aspromonte's single and Bob Lillis's double. The Mets, however, came back strong in the third inning, scoring four runs on a walk by Elio Chacon and singles by Charlie Neal and Marv Throneberry. The Colt .45s responded with a run in the bottom of the third, narrowing the Mets' lead. The game then entered a period of relative quiet, with the Mets unable to score until the eighth inning and the Colt .45s adding a run in the sixth and seventh innings.
The back and forth continued into the eighth inning, with the Mets adding a run to their tally, but the Colt .45s responded with a run of their own, tying the game at 5-5. After a scoreless ninth inning, the game moved into extra innings. In the bottom of the tenth, the Colt .45s managed to score the winning run, ending the game with a 6-5 victory.
The game was a microcosm of the 1962 season for both teams. The Mets, despite showing flashes of potential, were unable to maintain their early lead, a pattern that was seen throughout their season. The Colt .45s, meanwhile, demonstrated their ability to fight back and secure a win, a trait that helped them finish the season with a more respectable record than the Mets. Despite the struggles of both teams, the 1962 season was a significant one for Major League Baseball, marking the beginning of expansion that would continue over the next few decades.
In the 1962 season, both the New York Giants and the New York Mets experienced...
San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets - Radio Broadcast / In the 1962 season, both the New York Giants and the New York Mets experienced contrasting fortunes in Major League Baseball. The Giants, led by manager Alvin Dark, showcased a strong performance, finishing the regular season with a commendable record of 103 wins and 62 losses. They featured standout players such as Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda, who contributed significantly to their success. However, despite their remarkable regular season, the Giants fell short in the World Series, losing to the American League champions, the New York Yankees, in a tightly contested seven-game series.
On the other hand, the newly formed New York Mets had a difficult inaugural season. Managed by Casey Stengel, the Mets struggled to find their footing, concluding the season with a disappointing record of 40 wins and 120 losses. Plagued by inconsistent performances and a lack of experienced players, the Mets faced significant challenges throughout the year. Despite the team's struggles, the 1962 season laid the groundwork for the Mets' future development and eventual rise to success in the years to come.
On April 11, 1962, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the New York Mets at Busch...
1962 New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals - Radio Broadcast / On April 11, 1962, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the New York Mets at Busch Stadium I, marking a notable early-season matchup. The game featured starting pitchers who faced the daunting task of navigating through lineups filled with potential. This encounter came at a time when the Mets, newly introduced to the league, were establishing their identity, while the Cardinals, with a storied history, aimed to continue their tradition of excellence. Significant for the Mets was their effort to carve out a foothold in the league against established teams like the Cardinals, whose lineup boasted seasoned players capable of explosive offense.
During the game, the Cardinals demonstrated their offensive strength early on, putting up a solid performance that included multiple multi-hit innings. Key players for the Cardinals, such as Roger Carr and Bert Jones, connected well, driving in crucial runs. The Mets, despite being outmatched, showed flashes of resilience, with players like Neal and Hodges contributing home runs. The game unfolded with the Cardinals consistently building on their lead, capitalizing on strategic hits and taking advantage of the Mets' fielding errors, which were indicative of their growing pains as a new team in the league.
The final score, Cardinals 11 and Mets 4, reflected the difference in experience and cohesion between the two teams at that point in the season. The Cardinals' ability to execute offensively and their efficient use of scoring opportunities highlighted their game strategy and depth. For the Mets, the game was a learning experience, underscoring the challenges of competing in the major leagues.
Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports
Tops-in-Sports interview with Don Zimmer / Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports during 1962
Leo Cloutier makes a person to person long distance call to Casey Stengel
in the early...
Casey Stengel on the phone w/ Leo Cloutier / Leo Cloutier makes a person to person long distance call to Casey Stengel
in the early fall of 1958 to invite him to attend the 1959 Manchester Baseball Dinner.