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The Amazing Story of the 1969 New York Mets

John Green

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Published in A Magic Summer: The Amazin Story Of The 1969 New York Mets

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A Tale of Triumph and Heartbreak

The 1969 New York Mets were a team that defied all odds. After seven years of futility, they emerged from the depths of the National League East to win their first World Series title. Their improbable victory still stands today as one of the most remarkable stories in baseball history.

The Early Years

The Mets were born in 1962, as part of Major League Baseball's expansion into New York City. The team was immediately dubbed the "Amazin' Mets" due to their bumbling play and comical uniforms. They finished their first season with a record of 40-120, the worst in the league's history.

A Magic Summer: The Amazin' Story of the 1969 New York Mets

by Stanley Cohen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7894 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	295 pages

Over the next few years, the Mets continued to struggle. They lost 100 or more games in each of their first four seasons. But in 1964, they hired manager Gil Hodges, who began to turn the team around.

The Miracle Mets

In 1969, the Mets had a young and talented team. Led by pitcher Tom Seaver, first baseman Ed Kranepool, and outfielder Cleon Jones, they surprised everyone by starting the season with a 5-1 record.

The Mets continued to play well throughout the season, and by August they were in contention for the National League East title. They faced a tough challenge in the Chicago Cubs, who had a 10-game lead in the standings.

But the Mets never gave up. They won 20 of their last 26 games to finish with a record of 100-62. They tied the Cubs for the division title, and then defeated them in a thrilling five-game playoff series.

The World Series

The Mets faced the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. The Orioles were a heavily favored team, but the Mets refused to be intimidated.

The Mets lost the first two games of the series in Baltimore. But they won the next two games at home, and then returned to Baltimore to win Game 5 in extra innings.

The Mets then won Game 6 in New York to clinch the World Series title. It was a moment of pure joy for the Mets and their fans.

The Legacy

The 1969 Mets are still remembered today as one of the greatest underdog teams in sports history. Their victory inspired a generation of fans and showed the world that anything is possible.

The Mets have not won another World Series since 1969, but they remain a popular team in New York City. Their story continues to be told and retold, and it is a reminder that even the most unlikely dreams can come true.

A Magic Summer: The Amazin' Story of the 1969 New York Mets

by Stanley Cohen

4.5 out of 5