Remembering Mets History (2008) The Closing Ceromonies at Shea Stadium (Shea Goodbye)
In 1964 Shea Stadium opened up as a grand new ballpark in the shadows of the World's Fair making it a happening place to be. The Mets brought in many old NL New York players from the Giants & Dodgers in the early years to attract fans.
By 1969 they went from loveable losers to World Champions shocking the baseball world becoming the all time underdog in the world of sports. In 1973 they won another pennant falling one game short of a World Series victory. By the late seventies, Shea was known as Grant's Tomb as the team fell to the cellar under M. Donald Grant.
In the 1980's Shea once again became the place to be with a cocky 1986 team that won their second World Championship. After almost a decade of first & second place finishes things went bad again thru the 1990's. But as the Bobby Valentine era began, the Mets went to the post season in back-to-back seasons for the first time, wining another pennant & playing in the first subway series since 1956. The Mets closed out Shea Stadium with some winning teams but after a 2006 NLCS appearance fell short of the playoffs in each of the next two seasons on the final day.
One year away from the 40th Anniversary of the 1969 Amazing Mets, many of the Champions were on hand for the event. Members of the 1969 Champs that were also part of the 1973 Pennant winners were on hand.
The longest tenured Met in history Ed Kranepool, along with third baseman "Red" Wayne Garrett & versatile pitcher Jim McAndrew. One of the games first star relievers, the late Tug McGraw's family were also on hand representing the pitcher.
Respects were paid to manager Gil Hodges with his widow Joan on hand as well as Tommie Agee's widow Maxine. Agee made two unbelievable catch's saving Game #3 in that World Series as well.
Representing the 1973 NL Pennant team who were not on the 1969 team included the greatest of them all, the Say Hey Kid, Willie Mays & legendary Hall of Fame 1973 manager Yogi Berra. Both were making their long returns to Shea Stadium.
Then the 1986 World Champs had plenty of representation with All Stars & team leaders Keith Hernandez who put on a GQ pose at the bullpen gate while being introduced & Hall of Famer Gary Carter. Slugging 30/30 club members Darryl Strawberry the 1983 Rookie of the Year & Howard Johnson, the second Met to win a HR Crown & current Met hitting coach.
Broadcaster & Mets star pitcher Ron Darling joined his former pitching staff members of Bobby Ojeda who won a team best 19 games in 1986, Sid Fernandez the 16-game winner whose relief effort in Game #7 turned the game around & star closer Jesse Orosco whose image of throwing his glove in the air as the championship was won will live forever.
Most importantly, it was also the long-awaited return of Dr. K- Dwight Gooden the 1984 NL Rookie of the Year & 1985 Cy Young Winner, who electrified Shea Stadium in the mid-eighties.
It had been eight years since the last Mets Pennant winner went to the 2000 World Series, on hand were future Hall of Famer, Mike Piazza who was the greatest Mets hitter of all time & the most popular player in franchise history not named Seaver. Piazza would be on the receiving end of Seaver ceremonial last pitch. The all-time left-handed saves leader John Franco, Edgardo Alfonzo, Robin Ventura & Todd Zeile were all there representing the pennant winners. The Mets ace pitcher of that era, Al Leiter received some boos because of his work as a broadcaster with the AL NY team.
starting All Star; Ron Hunt, who was the second baseman in the 1964 All Star Game played at Shea.
The first Mets slugger Frank Thomas, as well as pitchers Al Jackson who tossed the first Mets one hitter & Jack Fisher who started the first game at Shea Stadium.
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Late seventies Mets on hand were former All-Star John Stearns, along with Gold Glove second baseman Doug Flynn & 1978 NL ERA leader Craig Swan. It was also time to put aside the hard feelings & welcome the return of former sluggers Dave Kingman "Kong" who was the first Met to lead the NL in HRs & early 1980's HR hitter George Foster who made their surprise appearances.There were touching tributes to long time Mets announcers Ralph Kiner & the deceased Bob Murphy who had his widow Joy on hand. Members of Bill Shea's family were there as well.
Lawyer Bill Shea was instrumental in bringing National League baseball back to New York & had the Stadium where the Mets played named in his honor.
Each player came out of the bullpen areas when announced & lined up along the field. After all the introductions were done each player came down the respected base lines & touched home plate for the last time.
Each had a different approach to touching the plate, some kissed it, others posed in their trademark classic plays, some even took some infield dirt. Tom Seaver took some dirt from the pitcher's mound.
Mike Piazza & Tom Seaver were the last two do so. They took their positions on the mound & behind the plate for the final pitch. After Seaver pointed around to the fans & layers, he saluted then bounced a pitch which Piazza caught. The two embraced posed for pictured then did an emotional walk to center field as the Beatles 'In My Life" played thru the Stadium.
The two Met legends waved to everyone & exited thru the centerfield gates shutting them behind them as they disappeared, Shea Goodbye!
