The New York Mets are one of the most distinguished professional baseball teams in the United States. The team has been a member of the National League since 1962, having had mixed fortunes in terms of wins and losses along the way. The Mets have had some incredible moments in high-profile games, making history in the world of sports.
As the years pass, the team has continuously improved, and they are now building a winning tradition in Major League Baseball (MLB). In this article, we will take a closer look at the New York Mets and the trajectory of their growth. We’ll explore the team’s history and the various steps and strategies it has employed over the years in order to establish a winning tradition in the MLB.
A Brief History of the Metropolitans: From 1962 to 2020
The New York Mets franchise was created in 1962. During their first season in the National League, they finished 40-120, making them the worst team in the league. This discouraging start only made the franchise stronger, as one of their main goals was to build a winning team.
The Mets found success in 1969 when they went on to win the World Series, making them the “Miracle Mets.” This was the first championship title in the franchise’s history, however, it was not the last. The team went on to win another World Series in 1986, led by their all-star pitcher, Dwight Gooden.
The next few decades saw a number of changes in the organization. There were multiple changes in leadership, and the players that came and went, largely as a result of trades within the MLB. In 2015, the Mets returned to their winning ways by making it all the way to the World Series for the first time in 15 years. This was a giant leap for the franchise, reigniting the excitement felt back when they won their first championship in 1969.
The Mets have witnessed tremendous growth over the last decade, and have established themselves as a winning team in the MLB. As of 2020, the Mets have won two National League Pennants, four National League East Division titles, and have made it to the playoffs six times in the last seven years. This shows the trajectory of the team’s evolution and the success that has come with it.
Looking at the Factors That Have Contributed to the Mets’ Success
The Mets’ consistent improvements in the MLB are due to a combination of smart decisions and hard work. There are multiple factors that have made the New York Mets a winning team in the MLB. In the following section, we’ll take a closer look at these factors.
Organic Talent: The Mets have always had an abundance of talented young players. Some of the organization’s most recognizable stars to date have included Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, David Wright and Jacob deGrom. These players have provided the team with great leadership and helped them become a winning franchise.
Smart Moves: The Mets have made some smart decisions over the years, picking up new players whenever needed and avoiding bad trades. These decisions have tended to bear fruit and helped turn the Mets into a winning team.
Good Coaching: The team has benefited immensely from good coaching as well. During the 2019 season, they hired former Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez, who is renowned throughout the league for his coaching experience and guidance. The team has since seen vast improvements in many aspects of their game.
Solid Management: The Mets organization is also known to have a solid management. The ownership team is known for keeping the team’s finances in order, while the front office staff is experienced in making the necessary decisions to help the team perform at its best.
A Winning Culture: Finally, the Mets have managed to create a winning culture in the organization. It is almost as if the team’s culture has become an extension of the New York City community, in the sense that they embody the Big Apple’s traits of resilience, pride, and hard work.
The Players Making History for the Mets
Jacob deGrom holds a number of records in the Mets franchise. In 2018, he was awarded the National League Cy Young Award, making it the first time ever a Mets pitcher won the award. He became an All Star in 2016 and was hailed as the “ace” of the Mets rotation.
Another All Star to have represented the Mets is Pete Alonso, who was awarded the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2019. Alonso broke the Mets single season home run record and became the all-time leader in single-season RBIs with 120.
David Wright is another MVP to have made his mark in Mets history. Wright made seven All Star appearances and twice finished second in MVP voting. He also holds team records in hits, runs, total bases and RBIs.
The New York Mets are undoubtedly building a winning tradition in the MLB. Over the years, the team has come a long way from its discouraging start and has seen many highs and lows. The Mets have benefited from great players and smart decisions, which have enabled them to become a leading team in the league.
The organization has benefited from excellent coaching and experienced management, as well as some of the best players to ever represent the Mets. With a winning culture embedded in the team, the Mets are definitely in a prime position to continue their success in the MLB.
