1969 New York Mets vs. 1973 New York Mets

Attribute	1969 New York Mets	1973 New York Mets
Season	1969	1973
Record	100-62	82-79
Manager	Gil Hodges	Yogi Berra
World Series	Won	Lost
Notable Players	Tom Seaver, Cleon Jones	Tom Seaver, Willie Mays

Introduction

The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in New York City. They have a rich history filled with ups and downs, but two of their most memorable seasons are 1969 and 1973. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the 1969 New York Mets, who won their first World Series championship, and the 1973 New York Mets, who made it to the World Series but ultimately fell short.

Team Composition

The 1969 New York Mets were known for their strong pitching staff, led by Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, and Nolan Ryan. Seaver, also known as "The Franchise," won the Cy Young Award that year and was instrumental in the team's success. The Mets also had a solid lineup with players like Cleon Jones, Tommie Agee, and Ed Kranepool contributing offensively. Overall, the team had a good mix of veteran leadership and young talent.

On the other hand, the 1973 New York Mets had a different makeup. While they still had Seaver and Koosman leading the pitching staff, the team relied more on their offense to win games. Players like Rusty Staub, Willie Mays, and John Milner provided power at the plate, helping the Mets to score runs in bunches. The team also had a strong bullpen, with Tug McGraw serving as the closer and Ron Taylor as a reliable setup man.

Regular Season Performance

The 1969 New York Mets shocked the baseball world by finishing the regular season with a record of 100-62, winning the National League East division. They were considered underdogs throughout the season but managed to overcome the odds and make a historic run to the World Series. The team's pitching staff was dominant, leading the league in ERA and strikeouts.

Similarly, the 1973 New York Mets had a successful regular season, finishing with a record of 82-79 and winning the National League East division. While their record was not as impressive as the 1969 team's, they still managed to clinch a playoff spot and advance to the World Series. The team's offense was the key to their success, as they led the league in runs scored and home runs.

Postseason Performance

In the postseason, the 1969 New York Mets continued their improbable run by defeating the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series and then sweeping the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. The team's pitching staff was outstanding, holding the Orioles to just five runs in the entire series. Seaver was named World Series MVP for his stellar performance.

On the other hand, the 1973 New York Mets faced a tough challenge in the postseason, taking on the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Championship Series. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Mets managed to upset the Reds in five games, thanks to clutch hitting and solid pitching. In the World Series, they faced the Oakland Athletics but ultimately fell short, losing in seven games.

Legacy

The 1969 New York Mets are remembered as one of the greatest underdog stories in baseball history. Their World Series victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, and the team is still celebrated by Mets fans to this day. Many of the players from that team, including Seaver and Koosman, are considered legends in New York sports history.

Similarly, the 1973 New York Mets left a lasting impact on the franchise, despite falling short in the World Series. The team's run to the championship series was unexpected, and they proved that they could compete with the best teams in baseball. Players like Staub and Mays are still revered by Mets fans for their contributions during that memorable season.