Throughout the course of 162 games, the Brewers outperformed the Mets. Nevertheless, thanks to a pivotal swing from Pete Alonso’s bat, the Mets managed to triumph in the National League play-in series.
Similarly, the Phillies had a superior record compared to the Mets over the entire season. Yet, during the four games and five days of the NLDS, key players stepped up, culminating in a grand slam from Francisco Lindor that echoed his previous home run against the Braves in Game 161.
As the Mets progressed deeper into October, discussions surrounding “magic” flourished, with many analysts eagerly promoting that narrative. However, to diminish the remarkable journey that began on September 30 to mere mysticism would be unjust. The Mets, in fact, were the top team in baseball from June 1 onward. That accomplishment is genuine and undeniable.
Pete Alonso reacts during the Mets’ loss to the Dodgers on Oct. 20, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Yet sometimes, even a legitimate effort can clash with another legitimate one.
This was the case when the Mets faced the Dodgers. Despite holding an impressive 65-39 record after June 1—the best in the majors—the Dodgers trailed slightly at 61-41, having already posted a strong 37-23 record by that point.
The disparity in their seasons explains the Dodgers’ nine additional wins compared to the Mets this year. It articulates why the Dodgers could glide into October rather than fight their way in, why they avoided the play-in round, and ultimately, why they triumphed over the Mets in six games during the National League Championship Series, clinching the series with a 10-5 victory at 11:24 p.m. Sunday, leaving the Mets six wins short of their goal.
And it defines the Mets’ aspiration to emulate their conquerors.
“We not only want to be like them,” said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza about the Dodgers, who are set to reignite their historic postseason rivalry with the Yankees on Friday night, “but we aim to surpass them.”
The Dodgers have consistently made the playoffs every year since 2013. This serves as the model and blueprint. However, along with the privilege of being a perennial October contender comes the inevitability of experiencing heartbreak. Every single postseason—save for the unusual COVID year of 2020 and this year—has concluded for the Dodgers as the Mets’ season just did.
With sorrow. With disappointment. With the haunting silence of elimination.
This typically occurs when one aims for success every year. The Mets desire to make postseason appearances a regular occurrence rather than an exception, similar to what the Dodgers and Yankees have achieved. In a matter of weeks, one of those teams might share the same sentiments the Mets felt on Sunday. Yet, they will continue to strive for greatness.
“It’s Oct. 20, and we’re heading home,” Mendoza remarked. “It’s disappointing because we didn’t just become a strong team; we became a family.
The Dodgers celebrate after their win over the Mets on Oct. 20, 2024. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST
“However, we’ve raised our expectations. This is what we should pursue annually: playing deep into October. We demonstrated that this year.”
This is a goal they aspire to maintain each year.
“Honestly,” Alonso expressed. “The pressure is a privilege. It’s been an absolute delight.”
Carlos Mendoza reacts during the Mets’ loss to the Dodgers on Oct. 20, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Alonso, naturally, will transition from being an integral player in the trio of weeks leading to this moment to a central figure in the Mets’ storyline in the upcoming weeks. The questions surrounding whether he will stay or leave will soon dominate baseball discussions in this area.
“I’m proud of everyone in that room,” Alonso declared. “It’s been a pleasure to be part of this team and this season. I adore New York. I love Queens. I cherish this team.”
This conclusion to the season has perhaps reminded even those skeptical Mets fans of why it’s essential for Alonso to remain part of what many hope will be the dawn of a new era marked by sustained success. Francisco Lindor will definitely be present. So too will Brandon Nimmo, Mark Vientos, David Peterson, and Francisco Alvarez.
Mark Vientos reacts after the Mets’ loss to the Dodgers on Oct. 20, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
But will Alonso remain? We will soon learn how this aligns with the plans of the pragmatic, resolute individuals determining the direction, namely David Stearns and Scott Boras. Boras’ role is to maximize Alonso’s market value, while Stearns’ task is to assess if retaining Alonso positions the Mets for their paramount goal.
“We want this to be the launching point,” Nimmo indicated. “We aim to establish the standard.”
The standard should be showing up to work as late as October 20 every year. While such regular appearances at the pinnacle will inevitably come with a share of heartache, aiming for the top consistently might eventually lead to success at the end of the month, too. That must be the standard.
From Disappointment to Determination: Mets Aim for Consistent October Success
The Legacy of the Mets in October Baseball
The New York Mets have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions when it comes to October baseball. Despite their rich history and passionate fan base, the team has faced numerous disappointments in the postseason, often falling short of their ultimate goal: a World Series championship. However, with a renewed focus and determination, the Mets are looking to transform past failures into a blueprint for consistent success in future Octobers.
Understanding the Disappointments
Over the years, the Mets have had their share of playoff appearances, but not all of them have ended in glory. Key moments of disappointment often stem from:
- Injuries to Key Players: A trend of injuries has plagued the Mets during critical postseason games, impacting their performance.
- Inconsistent Play: The Mets have struggled with maintaining consistent gameplay, leading to unexpected early exits.
- High-Pressure Situations: The pressure of performing in October often results in players underperforming compared to the regular season.
Learning from the Past: Key Takeaways
To build a successful October campaign, the Mets must analyze past mistakes and learn from them. Here are some essential lessons drawn from previous playoff experiences:
- Depth in the Roster: Building a strong bench can help mitigate the impact of injuries.
- Pitching Strategy: Developing a solid pitching rotation is crucial for postseason success.
- Mental Resilience: Creating a mindset that thrives under pressure can enhance performance in critical moments.
Current Roster Overview and Key Players
The Mets’ current roster has a mix of seasoned veterans and young talent, providing a strong foundation for October aspirations. Key players to watch include:
| Player | Position | 2023 Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Francisco Lindor | Shortstop | .270 AVG, 25 HR, 85 RBI |
| Pete Alonso | First Base | .250 AVG, 40 HR, 100 RBI |
| Max Scherzer | Pitcher | 3.12 ERA, 200 K |
Building a Culture of Success
For the Mets to achieve consistent October success, fostering a culture of resilience and determination is vital. Here are some strategies to help develop this culture:
- Team Chemistry: Encouraging camaraderie among players enhances teamwork on and off the field.
- Leadership Development: Identifying leaders within the team who can guide and inspire during challenging moments.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Reinforcing the importance of fundamental skills, especially under pressure, builds confidence.
Practical Tips for October Success
While the Mets work towards their postseason goals, fans and aspiring players can benefit from these practical tips:
- Stay Informed: Follow the team’s progress and player statistics to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
- Engage with the Community: Joining fan forums or social media groups can enhance the fan experience and offer support to the team.
- Attend Games: Nothing compares to the electric atmosphere of October baseball at Citi Field. Support the team in person!
Case Study: The 2015 World Series Run
The Mets’ journey to the 2015 World Series is a perfect example of how determination can lead to success. Despite ultimately losing to the Kansas City Royals, the Mets showcased a blend of young talent and experienced players:
- Pitching Dominance: Led by Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey, the pitching staff was instrumental in their playoff run.
- Power Hitting: Players like Yoenis Cespedes provided the offensive firepower necessary for winning key games.
- Strong Defense: The team’s defensive plays often turned the tide in closely contested games.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a lifelong Mets fan, witnessing the highs and lows of October baseball has been a journey filled with emotional twists and turns. A memorable experience was attending Game 3 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. Despite the eventual loss, the energy in the stadium was palpable, and the collective hope of the fans underscored the determination of the team. This experience solidified my belief that the Mets have the potential for October success if they can learn from past disappointments.
The Road Ahead: Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
Looking ahead, the Mets must focus on the following strategies to enhance their October performance:
- Invest in Player Development: Nurturing young talent through the farm system can provide a steady pipeline of skilled players.
- Analyze Opponents: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of potential postseason opponents is crucial for game planning.
- Enhance Fan Engagement: Building a strong relationship with the fan base can create a supportive environment during October runs.
Conclusion
While the Mets have faced their share of disappointments in October, the determination to achieve consistent postseason success is stronger than ever. By learning from past experiences, focusing on player development, and cultivating a winning culture, the team and its fans can look forward to a brighter future in October baseball.
