As of this writing, the Mets record is 10-4 for the season. All they need to do is keep winning series and there will be lots to cheer for in October. The fact that they are currently doing this well without Jacob deGrom only means that there are better days ahead when he does return. I’ve mostly been listening to the games and the crowd frenzy this early in the season is encouraging. Perhaps the fans are keeping warm by cheering so loudly.
The recent (re)engagement of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez caused me to reflect on their first attempt in 2002. What was my own life like back then? Of course, because this is a blog that features the Mets, was there anything notable about the team that year?
Without digging up personal notes, I remember that what I dubbed the Class of 9/11 graduated that summer – I think Bennifer got engaged later in the year.
When I worked at CitiField in 2011, I used my employee discount to purchase a youth road jersey (it fits!) and a media guide featuring General Manager Sandy Alderson and new Manager Terry Collins on the cover. I was able to comb the following tidbits from 2002 from that guide today:
*Tommie Agee inducted to the Mets Hall of Fame
*Mike Piazza – Silver Slugger, All Star team – only Mets representative; awarded player of the week 9/15/02, led in HR and RBI
*Bobby Valentine – Branch Rickey Award winner in his final of six seasons as Mets manager, for his exceptional community service. The last year this award was given was 2014
Roster shoutouts:
*Jeromy Burnitz OF (for my dad, who always found it amusing to say his name; led team with 154 games played
*Shawn Estes LHP – did he throw behind Roger Clemens for Piazza retaliation from 2000 World Series? Then hit a home run off him? Estes threw a one-hitter on 4/26)
*Pedro Feliciano LHP – the recently departed reliever (RIP) had the 2nd most games appearances by the end of his Mets tenure behind John Franco
*Al Leiter LHP wore #22 that year and led innings pitched 204.1; last worn by Rick Porcello in 2020. (Thanks Ultimate Mets Database!)
*The team hit 160 home runs; end record 75-86 (last place), best month was April 16-10 record, with a 9-run 9th inning on April 6 at Atlanta
Not unlike the 2002 team, the 2022 squad is off to a hot start and will need to prove they can maintain this success. Lots of good situational hitting and sharp pitching performances so far. Depending on who you ask, the team should be 13-1 right now.
Keeping my eyes open for their progress. And for whether or not Ben and JLo make it down the aisle this time. Hopefully, with everyone getting a happily ever after.
Orange Foul Pole 