N.Y. Mets ~ 50th Anniversary Opening Day

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METROPOLITAN BASEBALL CLUB

1962 ~ 2012

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY SEASON

50 Years of

NEW YORK METS BASEBALL

OPENING DAY

Atlanta Braves

vs.

NEW YORK METS

From,

CITI FIELD

Roosevelt Avenue, Queens

I've been to a few Opening Day games in my life; all at Shea Stadium.  I was there for the '76-'80 season Openers.  I went to Opening Day in 1983 and 1984, then didn't attend another for the next ten years.  I attended two more in the '90's for a total of three in the decade.  Then I last attended from the years 2005 through 2008.  So that makes fourteen in all.

In truth, no one game sticks out more than another save a few.  Jerry Koosman's Opening Day start in 1978 stands out for me.  But Tom Seaver's Opening Day start in 1983 probably stands out as my all-time favorite.  The very next season, 1984, was a lot of fun as well.  And I remember David Wright being responsible for winning the 2006 season Opener.

This will be the New York Metropolitan Baseball Club's 50th Opening Day, in what is their Golden Anniversary Season.  In order to celebrate an anniversary, you have to be part of a family or be in a relationship first.  And that's what we the Fans have with this team.  In a relationship, you commit for the long term, and accept flaws (in each other), because the rewards far outweigh anything.  No one celebrates a 50th anniversary unless sides are willing to ride out the bumps and stay somewhat compassionate and understanding of each other, and not to mention having a certain degree of forgiveness.

That's where we are.  The owner is a largely unpopular person these days, but METropoliS continues to march on together with him.  There have been many ups and downs during this relationship.  But one thing we could always point to was out stability.  And that's why the relationship is strained for the moment.  Because ownership brought that dangerously into question.  That happens.  And Fans have their faults too.  But on this Thursday afternoon, we'll all assemble for another Opening Day of Mets baseball.  We'll celebrate one of the things we enjoy most in life.

Opening Day is always a glorious day.  And no matter what strains this symbiotic Fan/Owner relationship, today is a day for all concerned to celebrate the return of National League Baseball after the Dodgers and Giants left us behind.  The New York Mets are the team of the day these days.  And it is good, and right.


Out of their 50 year existence, this will be my 38th season of total Met recall.  Can't wait.


Let's Go Mets!





Mike.BTB