The Mets are down two games to one in the National League Championships against the St. Louis Cardinals, and fan morale has taken a decided downturn after a couple pitching disasters.
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But enough of this pessimism! You just gotta believe this team has the (W)right stuff!
1. Willie Randolph - You Gotta Believe
He's the manager with the moxie and smarts to lead the Amazin' Mets. A native New Yorker, Randolph grew up in Brooklyn rooting the Mets and played and coached for the Yankees for most of his long, successful baseball career. He's got that New York attitude that says never die. The team has a visible confidence in Randolph's leadership. I got to believe Randolph will lead them to even greater things.
2. The Best Team in the National League All Season Long
In first place from the get-go, the New York Mets in 2006 took out the competition. They overpowered the league with a stellar combination of power, speed, and smarts.
3. History - You Gotta Believe
The Mets have a long history of overcoming the odds in the most unpredictable ways. Down a pitching ace or two? Down a couple games? Ha! Try getting down to your final strike in game six of the 1986 World Series. Try being in last place at the end of August, 1973, and then going on to 21 of their last 29 game and winning the National League pennant (and coining "Ya Gotta Believe"). And don't even get me started about Tom Seaver and the Miracle Mets of 1969.
4. Carlos Beltran - You Gotta Believe
There are great things up his sleeves. Carlos Beltran made his name in the 2004 postseason playing for the Houston Astros. His first year at Shea in 2005 was a bit shaky. He even got booed at opening day in 2006, but he went on to prove his talent, leading the team in RBI and homeruns, and playing a great defensive center field. The fans have embraced him, and know he's ready for more.
5. Jose Reyes - You Gotta Believe
Man, can this guy run! And hit and play a greats shortstop. His enthusiasm is contagious, his legs are gold, and he's ready for his moment.
6. The Spirit - You Gotta Believe
These guys play like they love playing ball. I couldn't think of better attitude. Many of them get paid astounding sums of money to play a game, and they know they're lucky and know they got to enjoy it. That's the sort of spirit that says never quit. Keep going, Mets.
7. The Bullpen - You Gotta Believe
Sure, they blew game two and three of the NLCS, but the Mets bullpen is capable of great stuff even without Martinez and El Duque. As a group the Mets bullpen had the lowest regular season ERA in the National League. A lot has been made about Randolph's dependence on relievers, but that's life and that's how they earn their paychecks.
8. Hit for Power, Score With Speed, and Execute All Around
Want to learn to play baseball the right way? Study the 2006 season. These fellas did it all. Hit home runs, stole bases, sacrificed, and moved the runners up. They did the big things right and the little things, too. That makes the difference in baseball.
9. 1986 - Mookie Wilson's "Last At-Bat" Turns the Tide
Did I mention 1986 already? It's worth repeating. Repetition is the basis of any good schtick, and I wouldn't count the Mets out of anything. I'll never forget that baseball bounding through the legs of Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner in game 6. It's a game of inches, and the inch in the Mets favor went from last out to a World Series win.
10. Reasons? We Don't Need No Stinking Reasons
They don't call them the Miracle Mets for nothing. You just gotta believe.
