The New York Mets history takes a celebratory turn this week. This week has historic home runs from Mike Piazza and the ground breaking on Shea Stadium, but they take a back seat to the events listed below.
October 25th, 1986: On this date, the New York Mets were down to their last strike with two out in the 10th Inning and trailing by two runs in Game 6 of the World Series. The jumbo-tron scrolled a message "congratulation world champion Boston Red Sox".
This was supposed to be the coronation of Boston and the celebration of their freedom from the curse of the Bambino. Mookie Wilson and the New York Mets didn't get the memo.
With three consecutive hits by Gary Carter, Kevin Mitchel and Ray Knight, they inched to within a run. A wild pitch and a ball that rolled through the legs of Bill Buckner led to the greatest comeback in World Series history. We all know where we were on that day.
In fact, ESPN NY wrote an interesting article on that very topic. My description of this game can't do it justice. Perhaps the descriptions of fellow-bloggers, friends of Mack's Mets staff and ESPN journalists can.
One final word on this subject. We, as fans, always review that comeback in our minds again and again. Now, here's a new and fun way of viewing that 10th Inning. Enjoy.
October 26th, 1998: On this date, the Mets were able to secure free agent-to-be, Mike Piazza. They inked him to a then record seven year, $91 million deal. He responded by carrying the team into the World Series a few years later in 2000.
October 27th, 1986: The Mets concluded their improbable comeback in Game 6 with a come from behind victory to win the World Series. They took the lead on MVP Ray Knight's go-ahead home run and won the game 8-5. The iconic image (pictured above) of Jesse Orosco leaping into the air and then falling to his knees soon followed.
October 29th, 2010: The New York Mets hired Sandy Alderson after an extensive and highly publicized search for their new GM. His first order of business was to hire Terry Collins as manager. He quickly moved to solidify the pitching staff and lighten the team burden of the multiple large contracts that were in place from the previous administration under his predecessor, Omar Minaya.
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