April 17, 2009: Queens, New York
Since becoming a Mets fan in 1988, I’ve followed them through the highs and lows of the past 28 years. Unfortunately, the highs have not been as high as the lows have been low. This was on display during the Mets’ final regular season home game at Shea Stadium in 2008. After missing out on the playoffs in 2007 with a brutal loss to the Florida Marlins, they were back playing for their postseason lives. Tied with the Milwaukee Brewers at 89-72, a win would assure at least a one-game playoff. What followed was typical Mets, coming back from 2-0 to tie the game headed to the 7th. With the team’s bullpen running on fumes, it was only a matter of time before the Marlins took the lead, which they did in the 8th on solo home runs by Wes Helms and Dan Uggla. Marlins 4, Mets 2. The playoff tickets I purchased became bookmarks. Losing out on the playoffs a second consecutive season (you thought the Brewers were going to lose?) was bad enough, but what followed only made the day worse. The Mets held their Shea Stadium Closing Ceremony AFTER the game in front of a catatonic crowd. “Sorry we just missed the playoffs again; here’s Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza to throw out the final pitch at Shea. See you next year at Citi Field!” I did not sleep that night. [Read more…]