ARE WE WITNESSING ANOTHER MIRACLE METS

BY MARK HALPERN

 If Estelle Getty was writing this, this is how it would open “Picture it flushing Queens 1969. The Mets were in third place and chasing the Cubs all season and on August 14th a Miracle began.” That magical season in 1969 proved that even being so far back, came back to not only win the pennant but, also went on to win the World Series. I could only imagine what Shea Stadium felt like. I had a season ticket to the Mets and there was a time the stadium got so loud you felt the stadium shake. An example of that moment I was there was when Endy Chavez Robbed the home run and got the ball in for a double play. I think during that time in 1969 the stadium shook harder.

    Here we are 7/25/2024 and at the beginning of the season with all the injuries to the rotation and bullpen, there was speculation the Mets would have another abysmal season and miss the playoffs. Things were looking that way too as the Mets sat in fourth place in the NL East. The Mets organization has enough on their minds with EXTENDING ALONSO, getting more pitching for next year, or dare I say a trade happening soon to help the bullpen and starting but, only time will tell. Sitting where they were Mets fans didn’t quit and kept coming to games to cheer this team on.

   Then on June 13th, 2024, the Mets had a special guest to throw out the first pitch. Grimace one of Mcdonald’s mascots threw a decent pitch to home. It’s hard to throw a ball in a mascot uniform and he got it there. After that, it was like the Mets had some extra boost in their step. The Mets went from really being counted out, to a team if the season ended now, they would be in the playoffs. The Terms “No Quit New York” and “OMG” (happens to be Iglesias #1 hit single) have special meanings and the Mets have been on a tear and now find themselves in the second wild card slot and a game and a half out from the top spot. The team that stands in their way right now has been a thorn in their sign forever and that’s the Atlanta Braves. The Braves have always been a huge threat in the NL East but, they have had some very bad luck with injuries losing Acuna, Strider and now Albies are all most likely out for the season. Atlanta has been in a slow downward spiral and that’s the team the Mets will face off and if we sweep, we own the top spot.

    Injuries have plagued the Mets as well but one injured player will return to face the Braves and that’s the Met’s Ace Kodai Senga who was hampered by a capsule strain that takes time to heal as we saw with Scherzer and Verlander who both had the same issue. Senga has finished his rehab and is ready to contribute and it’s at the right time.

   With the Trade deadline rapidly approaching the Mets have to make decisions on what they are willing to move to get a top-end bullpen hand like Tanner Scott of the Marlins. Brett Baty doesn’t have a spot right now as Vientos has won the 3b job. Baty could be used and adding Scott would be amazing, especially with the loss of Drew Smith.

   My mom said “It’s like Déjà vu” on what’s happening with the Mets. This Lineup is producing big time and not just by one player. The entire team seems to have a bonfire in their bellies and wants to bring this city another championship. Keep watching cause the Phillies are now only 11 games ahead and now we just need to keep winning series.