Ya Gotta Believe
A place for New York Mets fans made by a New York Mets fan. If you love baseball, you will love this blog.
4.17.2006
Shea Will Be Missed
The Mets recently announced plans to begin construct a brand new ballpar for the team scheduled to be open by Opening Day 2009. Although the park looks as though it will be a beautiful throwback to Ebbets Field, I can't say that it will be a sad day when Shea Stadium closes its doors. It goes like this: It's a dump, but it's our dump....
Shea is one of the oldest parks in league and is far from modern. It looks rundown, the facilities are dated, and it's flat out ugly at times. The apple coming out of the top hat is highlight and that looks like it was made during the Great Depression. This is an old park and it is only right that the Mets move on, but we will never forget the memories of this park.
Even though I'm relatively young, I can proudly say that I will have memories from that park that will last a lifetime. I've been to a handful of Opening Days with my dad. I've seen Mike Piazza, the greatest hitting catcher of all-time, hit a home run in person. Even though it may not be very easy on the eyes, the fans and some specific teams made that stadium the best place to be in the world at times.
I can remember in 1998 when the Mets got Piazza. It changed the whole team around. With Piazza, John Olerud, and Robin Ventura came hope. We went from up and comers to contenders and it was a great time. Shea was rockin' and I was there.
My dad's fondest memory is being a kid at Game 5 of the 1969 World Series. He was able rush the field as Jerry Koosman, his favorite player, finished his complete game win as the Mets won the World Series. He even still has a piece of the turf that he cut out.
Everyone can relive a memory they have had at this park. It's not the facade or the structure, but the feelings and memories that will be missed.
It's blue and orange. It's old. Parts of it smell. The seats are too close together. You can go on and on about why a new stadium will be great and I totally agree. It looks like an intimate, throwback ballpark and I look forward to watching David Wright double in Jose Reyes there for years, but there is part of me that is sad.
I've known no other ballpark in my young life and part of my youth will crumble when Shea is demolished. Let's enjoy our dump because after all, it's ours....
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Overview: the First Two Weeks
Could you have asked for anything more in the first two weeks of the season? We're in first place and we have a five game lead over the second place team. Oh, and that team is the friggin' BRAVES! haha. I couldn't be more giddy, but we have to calm down. It's only April and you know the Amazin's....
There are so many positives I can talk about that it is overwhelming. Here we go...
-David Wright is the best baseball player to ever walk on the infield of Shea Stadium. He's batting well over .350 and his hitting to all fields. He's driving in runs however he can. His biggest improvement is his defense. His hands seem to be a lot softer when receiving the ball and his throws are much more accurate and relaxed. He is quickly developing into a very complete player.
-Xavier Nady is being an absolute hero in right field. He is hitting close to .400 and his power is surprisingly terrific. Nobody was expecting much from him with all the heavy hitters in front of him, but with the recent rash of injuries, his bat will play a huge role.
-Tom Glavine is pitching like he actually likes pitching for the Mets. With a 2-0 record and a 1.50 ERA, he looks like a vintage Glavine. Also, his 21 K's are an added bonus. He looks controlled, poised, and like he wants to be an ace again.
-Brian Bannister has emerged as Major League ready. Although his control is lacking, he is giving the Mets a chance to win every time he takes the mound. An 2.50 ERA and a 2-0 record is terrific and hopefully he can keep it up.
-Duaner Sanchez is one of the most exciting pitchers to watch. His enthusiasm and intelligence makes a tight 8th inning more comfortable to watch as a Mets fan. He has only given up 2 hits to go along with his 10 K's in 9.1 innings of work.
-Since our lineup is so good, we can forgive Anderson Hernandez for his hitting woes. He has been spectacular in the field and only adds to a stable middle infield.
With so many positives, there are some negatives that will need improving if we are to live up to "the best team in baseball" title we have been given prematurely.......
-Beltran needs to increase his RBI and HR totals. His average is something that will never be amazing, but he needs to be a 30 HR and 100 RBI guy. His recent injury is also alarming.
-Cliff Floyd needs to catch fire. He is a guy who plays hurts and plays hard so I have nothing but respect for him. He was a great mentor for Wright and I appreciate what he has done for this team. I want him to be rewarded for his sacrifices this season so I hope his injury will not hinder that.
-Victor Zambrano is a plague and should be locked underneath Shea Stadium until November. His ERA is 9.00 and he clearly cannot control his stuff. I am terrified every time he takes the mound.
-The injury bug is looming. With Beltran, Floyd, and Hernandez on the sidelines, both the lineup and defense will struggle. Let's hope nothing serious is on the horizon.
-Kaz Matsui will return soon. That's all I have to say about that.
Overall, what an exciting two weeks to be a Mets fan. When was the last time the Mets were atop the MLB power rankings on ESPN.com? The positives are greatly outweighing the negatives. Let's hope that this will not be a fluke and they can carry this energy and talent all the way to October.
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