Remembering Mets History (2006) Mets Clinch NL Eastern Division

Monday September 18, 2006: On this night Shea Stadium was filled with 46,729 fans hoping to see the Mets clinch their first NL Eastern Title since 1988. There had been two wild card clinchers since then, but this was more special, after 18 years, finally a Divisional Title.

On April 26th, 2006, the New York Mets took over first place never losing possession of that spot. Coming into this game they were on a three-game losing streak but still holding a 13.5 lead over Philadelphia.

Tonight, Willie Randolph's Mets (91-58) hosted Joe Girardi's Florida Marlins, as Steve Trachsel (14-7) went up against Brad Moehler (7-8).

At the time, Steve Trachsel was the longest tenured Met, having been with the club since 2001, the year following the teams last pennant & post season appearance. 

The first two innings went by scoreless.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Shawn Green was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Then, that night's hitting star, veteran Jose Valentin hit a two run HR making it 2-0 Mets. 

In the bottom of the 5th inning, with one out Jose Valentin would hit his second HR of the game, a solo shot making it a 3-0 Mets lead.

The Shea crowd cheered as Valentine acknowledged them with an old-fashioned Shea curtain call.

 Jose Valentin now had 17th HRs & 58 RBIs on the year. It was his second muti-HR game of the season, having another three weeks earlier on August 30th.

Jose Valentin Trivia: In December 2005 the Mets had signed long time Red Sox 36-year-old veteran Jose Valentin. He hoped to make the team as a utility player. When the Mets traded away Kaz Matsui, Valentin became the teams main second baseman having one of his best seasons batting .271 with 18 HRs 24 doubles & 62 RBIs.

In the bottom of the 6th inning, Carlos Beltran walked & advance on an infield error. Cliff Floyd then singled to right field, bringing in Carlos Beltran with the Mets fourth & final run of the game.

Steve Trachsel pitched into the 7th inning shutting out the Marlins, scattering just three hits. He walked just one & struck out three Marlins earning his 15th win of the year (15-7). 

Relievers Guillermo Mota & Aaron Heilman (8th inning) led the way to closer, Billy Wagner.

In the top of the 9th, Dan Uggla popped up to second base. Miguel Cabrera flew out to center for the second out. 

Josh Willingham flew out to left fielder Cliff Floyd for the final out of the game. The Mets won the game, clinched the divisional title & celebrated on the field in victory.

Quotes- Cliff Floyd: "I got that ball in my back pocket. For a small fee, I might give it up." 

In the joyful Met clubhouse, the team celebrated with cigars & champagne. The lockers were covered so none of the fancy clothes got wet. 

Now as the current times ushered in a new era, the players wore goggles to protect their eyes from the burn of the bubbly.

Back on the field after the game, the two young faces of the current franchise, David Wright & Jose Reyes celebrated together & posed for pictures with the press in celebration.

There would be 13 more regular season games before the Mets opened up the post season, facing the LA Dodgers in the NLCS.