Forever Mets

As anyone with the slightest interest in sports knows, the NY Mets are going through a really bad time.  The ownership is broke and it shows in the team's payroll.  They couldn't even keep their all-star shortstop who led the league in batting.  If the Mets don't end up in last place this coming season, it will be nothing short of a miracle.

So how come I can't wait for the season to start?  I bought a 15 game pack for next season and hope to go to even more games.  Because of religious reasons, I won't be able to go to opening day but I'll be at Citi Field soon after.

What is it about this team that has gotten under my skin?  I guess you could call in unconditional love.  No matter how bad they are, I can't give up on them.  To me, there is nothing like going to the game and hanging with my friends.  We cheer the great plays and groan at the bad.  We never boo our Metsies unless they really deserve it.

Is it because they are "lovable losers" and we can identify with them?  Is it the challenge of supporting such a team?  Or is it because when they do win, they do it in a big way?

Yes, that must be it.  I was around in 1969 and what a high that was!  In 1986, I was not living in the NY area and only got to see a sliver of that great season but have relived it on TV.  1973, 2000 and 2006 brought us to the brink but we did not go all the way.

Now, serious fans know that it will be a few years before the Mets are contenders again.  But we hang on because we know when the time comes, we will be in for the ride of our lives.

Let's Go Mets!