1999: During the Mets’ miserable 8-game losing streak in late May/early June, right after Bobby Valentine saw the three closest members of his coaching staff get the axe, the manager insisted his team could win 40 of its next 55 … Continue reading
1999: A well-deserved day off before the Mets begin another homestand. While they are idle, Atlanta finally manages a win against the Pirates, so when the Mets next play at Shea, their lead in the NL East will be shaved … Continue reading
1999: Robin Ventura goes yard for the third game in a row, as he and the rest of the Mets offense score seven times in the first three frames. Kenny Rogers, dealing with a tender hamstring, is not exactly overpowering … Continue reading
1999: The arrival of Kenny Rogers means at least one Mets starter will have to go to the bullpen. It was assumed the victim would be Rick Reed or Orel Hershiser, but the Mets surprise everyone by picking Masato Yoshii … Continue reading
1999: Rick Reed, rumored to receive any number of fates in recent weeks (traded, demoted to the bullpen, sent to the minors, released) defied expectations by pitching seven strong innings in the series opener in Milwaukee. His new found effectiveness … Continue reading
1999: In the series finale in Chicago, Al Leiter does his best to give the Mets’ overtaxed bullpen some rest, going seven innings and striking out 15 batters. It is arguably his best outing of the year, but Armando Benitez … Continue reading
1999: For second day in a row, a Mets starter gets roughed up, as Octavio Dotel allows nine runs to the Cubs in just two innings of work. Also for the second day in a row, the offense makes a … Continue reading
1999: The Mets arrive at Wrigley Field for three games against the Cubs in the middle of a historic heat wave. A heat index of 114 degrees knocks out TV transmission of the game, and even takes down some of … Continue reading
1999: The Mets enjoy a day off before embarking on a six-game road trip to Chicago and Milwaukee. 2000: Mike Bordick makes his Mets debut in the second game against the Cardinals at Shea, and makes quite an impression, as … Continue reading
1999: Kenny Rogers makes his Mets debut in the last of a three-game set against the Pirates at Shea. He throws six one-hit innings, then removes himself with what he terms a “slightly pulled” hamstring, thus throwing another monkey wrench … Continue reading
