True to their word, on October 28, 1961, the city of New York began construction on a new facility that would accommodate future Major League Baseball games. Originally called Flushing Meadow Park, the facility was later named Shea Stadium and is now home to the New York Mets. It’s name change was inspired by William A. Shea, an attorney who was instrumental in the efforts to bring National League baseball back to New York. When construction was complete, the stadium had cost $25 million and was ready to open it’s doors on April 17, 1964. In front of a crowd of more than 48,000 spectators, the New York Mets suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Pirates.

Through the years, few cosmetic changes have occurred at Shea Stadium. New seats were installed simply because the aging ones needed replacing but, otherwise, the facility is much the same as it appeared on opening day more than four decades ago. Technological advancements made it possible for modern scoreboards and luxury suites, along with the New York Mets Magic Top Hat attraction, which is designed to honor homerun hits by one of the New York Mets players. In celebration of each homerun, spectators will see a large red apple rise from the hat.

The New York Mets and Shea Stadium have witnessed a number of great moments over the years, including the stadium’s first homerun, which was belted by Willie Stargell in 1964. That same year, Jim Bunning pitched the only perfect game to ever be thrown in Shea Stadium’s history. Additionally, fans watched in 1984 as Dwight Gooden set a Major League rookie record with 276 strikeouts. Another memorable moment, which occurred in 1996, was observed as Todd Hundley defeated Roy Campanella’s 43 year Major League record, which honored the most homeruns by a catcher in a single season.

To this day, discussions often resurface about renovating the home of the New York Mets. Although rich in history and in charm, thoughts of replacing Shea Stadium to build a new home for the New York Mets have been expressed. At this point, nothing has been decided and fans will continue to enjoy the facility that they have come to know for more than 40 years.

Collectors who wish to request an autograph from any one of the players on the New York Mets roster should send their letter and a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to:

Player’s Name
c/o New York Mets
Shea Stadium
123-01 Roosevelt Avenue
Flushing, NY 11368

Fans requesting an autograph should limit their request to two items per letter. Popular items to have signed include photos, index or trading cards, baseballs, etc. Patience is key when requesting autographs through the mail, but the best time to reach an athlete is often during the off-season.

Omar Minaya

Omar has let great potential players go to other teams, he hasn’t pull the trigger on potentially good or even great trades, and he has kept a manager who obviously needs more seasoning as a head coach – learning on the job is not a good thing.

The Mets are in trouble and with Carlos Beltran again on the DL and probably will not be back until June. The Mets still have no pitching except Johan Santana and maybe Pelfry who can turn it around. After that, the Mets are shallow and that doesn’t make for a good team to compete in any division.

There are many question marks this year on health and production and they’re;

• The old man at first base – Delgado. Will he last the entire year?
• Will Reyes legs hold up for a full season or will he go on the DL.
• Castillo at 2B, how many games can he play?
• The bull pen is still in shambles and is K-Rod going to flame out like last year?

Some Met fans are walking away until there’s a change – “Well after being a die hard Mets fan since 1971 I am calling it quits on them until Omar is gone and someone with baseball knowledge and a true desire to win is in his place.”

I don’t see this team finishing at or above .500. Omar, it’s time to pack your bags and call it a year.

“Specifically, it needs to blow up the AL East, which threatens to disintegrate into the Yankees, Red Sox and three baseball versions of the Washington Generals.”

“The Yankees and Red Sox will remain financial super-powers for the foreseeable future. Even scarier, both teams have become so efficient, they eliminated any intellectual edge that certain low-revenue teams had gained.” Posted by Ken Rosenthal.

Yankees and Red Sox could forge easier paths to the postseason if they did not play each other so often. Hey Ken, this is what makes this rivalry so exciting and it’s what baseball needs you moron! Why not put the Red Sox in the central and the Tigers in the east while you’re at it and just disconnect all that is good in baseball.

Ken’s Radical Realignment

AL Atlantic
Mets
Yankees
Blue Jays
Orioles
Nationals

Ken, you’re pathetic! I can’t believe they pay you to write this stuff.

Read the article here.

Joel Sherman

SHERMAN ON TWITTER

If the deal does go through, the Mets will have lassoed their No. 1 power target this offseason. Bay hit .267 last year with 36 homers and 119 RBIs. He strikes out a lot (162 times last year) and is not considered a strong defensive player, but the Mets believe his power is legit and would translate anywhere, including at large Citi Field.

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