New York Mets

New York Mets
Name	New York Mets
Founded	1962
City	New York City, New York
Ballpark	Citi Field
League	National League
Division	East Division
Colors	Blue, Orange, White
Owner	Steve Cohen
Manager	Carlos Mendoza
General manager	David Stearns
World championships	2 (1969, 1986)
League championships	5 (1969, 1973, 1986, 2000, 2015)
Division championships	6 (1969, 1973, 1986, 1988, 2006, 2015)
Mascot	Mr. Met

New York Mets. The New York Mets are a professional Major League Baseball franchise based in Flushing, Queens, competing in the National League's East Division. Established in 1962 as part of the league's expansion, the team was conceived to fill the void left by the departures of the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers to California. The Mets have since become a cornerstone of New York City sports, capturing two World Series titles and fostering a passionate, enduring fan base.

History

The franchise was awarded to Joan Whitney Payson and began play in 1962, initially suffering historic futility at the Polo Grounds before moving to Shea Stadium in 1964. A miraculous transformation culminated in the "Miracle Mets" season of 1969, where under manager Gil Hodges they defeated the powerhouse Baltimore Orioles to win their first World Series. The 1980s featured a period of sustained contention, led by figures like Davey Johnson and culminating in a dramatic 1986 World Series victory over the Boston Red Sox, highlighted by Bill Buckner's error. Subsequent eras have seen periods of success, including a 2000 Subway Series appearance against the New York Yankees and a 2015 NLCS win, alongside stretches of disappointment under various ownership groups, most recently transitioning to the deep-pocketed stewardship of Steve Cohen.

Ballpark

Since 2009, the team has played its home games at Citi Field, located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. The ballpark's design pays architectural homage to the former Ebbets Field, with its main entrance featuring the iconic Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Citi Field replaced the beloved but aging Shea Stadium, which had been the team's home from 1964 to 2008 and hosted significant events like the 1964 New York World's Fair and concerts by The Beatles. The modern facility has undergone several renovations to adjust dimensions and enhance fan experience, maintaining its status as a central hub for baseball in Queens.

Rivalries

The most intense and storied rivalry is with the Atlanta Braves, a perennial division clash that peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s, marked by contentious games and playoff meetings. The crosstown rivalry with the New York Yankees, known as the Subway Series, captures the city's attention, fueled by the 2000 World Series matchup and regular-season interleague play. A historic and heated rivalry also exists with the Philadelphia Phillies, often characterized by competitive divisional races and memorable on-field altercations, particularly during the late 2000s when both teams were National League powers.

Players of note

Franchise icons include Hall of Fame pitchers Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza, with Seaver being the central figure of the 1969 champions and Piazza's dramatic post-September 11 attacks home run becoming a defining moment. Other legendary figures are catcher Gary Carter, ace Dwight Gooden, and slugger Darryl Strawberry, who formed the core of the 1986 championship team. Notable modern stars have included third baseman David Wright, pitcher Jacob deGrom, and center fielder Carlos Beltrán, each leaving significant marks on the team's record books and postseason history.

Achievements and records

The team's pinnacle achievements are its World Series championships in 1969 and 1986. They have won the National League pennant five times, with their most recent appearance in the 2015 World Series. Individual records are held by players like Tom Seaver, who owns franchise marks for wins and strikeouts, and David Wright, who leads in numerous offensive categories. The team has retired numbers for Seaver, Hodges, Carter, and others, and has seen its players earn honors such as the Cy Young Award, Rookie of the Year Award, and Gold Glove Award.

Culture and fan base

The fan base, known for its loyalty through periods of struggle, is famously encapsulated in the phrase "You Gotta Believe!", coined by reliever Tug McGraw during the 1973 pennant run. The iconic mascot, Mr. Met, is one of the oldest in professional sports. The team's signature song, "Meet the Mets," and the home run celebration featuring the Home Run Apple are enduring game-day traditions. Fans gather in neighborhoods like Flushing and historically at places like McFadden's and Roosevelt Avenue, creating a distinct and passionate community identity within the New York metropolitan area.

Category:New York Mets Category:National League teams Category:Sports in New York City Category:1962 establishments in New York (state)