The New York Mets entered Major League Baseball in 1962 as an expansion franchise created to bring National League baseball back to New York after the Dodgers and Giants left for California. The Mets struggled badly during their first seven seasons, but everything changed in 1969 when the “Miracle Mets” shocked baseball by winning the World Series. Since then, the Mets have produced Hall of Famers, Rookie of the Year winners, Cy Young Award winners, legendary pitchers, powerful hitters and two World Series championships. The Mets have played their entire history in Queens and Manhattan, first at the Polo Grounds, then Shea Stadium and, since 2009, Citi Field. The Beginning of the Mets The Mets were officially established in 1960 and began play in 1962. The franchise was awarded to New York after the departure of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants left the National League without a team in New York. The team’s colors—blue and orange—were chosen to represent the two former New York National League clubs. The Mets played their first regular-season game on April 11, 1962, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals 11–4. Their first home game was played at the Polo Grounds on April 13, 1962, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets lost that game 4–3. The franchise’s first victory came April 23, 1962, when New York defeated Pittsburgh 9–1. The early Mets became famous for losing. They finished last in the National League in each of their first seven seasons. Then came 1969. New York Mets Owners The Mets have had several different ownership eras. Joan Whitney Payson — 1962–1975 Joan Whitney Payson was the Mets’ original owner and the first woman to own a Major League Baseball team. She was an important figure in bringing National League baseball back to New York and remained one of the most devoted owners in baseball. Payson died in 1975. Charles Shipman Payson — 1975–1980 After Joan Payson’s death, ownership passed to her husband, Charles Shipman Payson. The Payson family continued to control the Mets until the franchise was sold in 1980. Doubleday & Company — 1980–1986 In 1980, the Mets were sold to a group headed by Nelson Doubleday Jr. and publishing company Doubleday & Company. The purchase price was approximately $21.1 million. Nelson Doubleday Jr. and Fred Wilpon — 1986–2002 Fred Wilpon became increasingly important in Mets ownership after the 1980 purchase. In 1986, Wilpon and Nelson Doubleday Jr. became the principal owners. This ownership era coincided with the Mets’ greatest team of the 1980s and the 1986 World Series championship. Sterling Equities / Wilpon and Katz Families — 2002–2020 Fred Wilpon and his family eventually became the controlling owners through Sterling Equities. The Wilpon era included the 2000 National League pennant and the 2015 National League pennant. Steve Cohen — 2020–Present In 2020, billionaire businessman Steve Cohen purchased the Mets for approximately $2.4 billion. Cohen became the controlling owner and ushered in a new era of aggressive spending and high expectations. Every Mets Home Ballpark 1. Polo Grounds 1962–1963 The Mets played their first two seasons at the historic Polo Grounds in Manhattan. The Polo Grounds had previously been home to the New York Giants and was one of baseball’s most unusual stadiums. The Mets won 56 games at the Polo Grounds during their two seasons there. The final Mets game at the Polo Grounds was played September 18, 1963. 2. Shea Stadium 1964–2008 Shea Stadium opened in 1964 and became the Mets’ home for 45 seasons. It was named for William A. Shea, the attorney who helped bring National League baseball back to New York. Shea became the setting for the Mets’ greatest moments, including: 1969 World Series 1973 National League pennant 1986 World Series 1988 NL East championship 2000 National League pennant The Mets played their final game at Shea Stadium on September 28, 2008. 3. Citi Field 2009–Present The Mets opened Citi Field in 2009. The ballpark was constructed next to the site of Shea Stadium and incorporates architectural features inspired by Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field. The Mets played their first regular-season game at Citi Field on April 13, 2009. The 1969 Miracle Mets The 1969 Mets are one of the greatest underdog stories in baseball history. Led by manager Gil Hodges, pitchers Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, and stars such as Tommie Agee, Cleon Jones, Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda, the Mets finished the regular season with a remarkable: 100 wins – 62 losses They won the newly created National League East and defeated the Atlanta Braves three games to none in the first-ever National League Championship Series. Then came the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles had won 109 games and were heavily favored. The Mets lost Game 1 but then won four straight games. 1969 World Series Mets defeated Baltimore Orioles, 4 games to 1 The Mets won: Game 2 — Mets 2, Orioles 1 Game 3 — Mets 5, Orioles 0 Game 4 — Mets 2, Orioles 1 Game 5 — Mets 5, Orioles 3 The championship was the first World Series title in Mets history. World Series MVP: Donn Clendenon Clendenon hit three home runs during the Series. The 1986 World Champion Mets The second great Mets championship team arrived in 1986. Manager Davey Johnson led a powerhouse featuring: Dwight Gooden Ron Darling Sid Fernandez Jesse Orosco Keith Hernandez Gary Carter Darryl Strawberry Ray Knight Lenny Dykstra Mookie Wilson Wally Backman Kevin Mitchell The Mets finished the regular season: 108 wins – 54 losses The 108 victories remain a franchise record. The Mets defeated Houston four games to two in the NLCS. They then faced the Boston Red Sox in one of the most famous World Series in baseball history. 1986 World Series Mets defeated Boston Red Sox, 4 games to 3 The Mets lost Games 1 and 2 but won four of… Continue reading New York Mets History: From the Lovable Losers to Amazin’ Champions
