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Showing posts from November, 2021

Remembering Mets History (2015): National League Champion Mets Celebrate

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Randy Niemann: The Forgotten 1986 World Champion Mets Pitcher (1985-1986) & Coach (2009 -2010)

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Randall Harold Niemann was born November 15, 1955 in Scotia, California. The big six foot four, two hundred pound lefty, was drafted three different times, but did not sign until 1975. He was the second round pick of the AL New York club. In 1977 he was sent to the Houston Astros for Cliff Johnson & Dave Bergman. In 1978 at AA Columbus he posted a 2.05 ERA with a 9-5 record for the Astros minor league team. He began 1979 at AAA Charleston but was called up in May debuting against the San Diego Padres on May 20th. He pitched seven innings allowing just two runs, but earned no decision. In his next start he threw a complete game victory against the Cincinnati Reds allowing just one run. Overall he appeared in 26 games, tossing three complete games, in only seven starts going 3-2 with a 3.76 ERA. He became a middle reliever, spending two seasons in Houston before going to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1982. After just eight games in 1983 he had a 9.22 ERA and was sent down to

Remembering Mets History (2006): NLCS: Mets Good Until the Last Inning

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Thursday October 12th, 2006- NLCS Game #1- Shea Stadium, New York:    The 2006 New York Mets (97-65) were in first place for most regular season, winning the Eastern Divisional title rather easily. Manager Willie Randolph brought the Mets to their first post season in six years, with one of the most potent Mets offenses since the 1980's. The Mets opponents were Tony LaRussa's; St. Louis' Cardinals (83-78).  A sold out Shea Stadium, with a crowd of 56,311 hosted the first Game of the 2006 NLCS as Tom Glavine (15-7 / 3.82 / 131 Ks) went up against Jeff Weaver (8-14 / 5.76 ERA / 107 Ks). This would be one of Glavines best performances while pitching for the Mets, in the post season spot light. Willie Randolph & the Mets sure needed a big pitching performance, with Pedro Martinez & Orlando Hernandez both on the DL. Starting Lineups St. Louis Cardinals New York Mets 1 David Eckstein SS 1 Jose Reyes SS 2 Preston Wilson LF 2 Paul Lo Duca C 3 Albert Puj

ON NOVEMBER 13th................. The Odd Couple Lives

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"On November 13, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence. That request came from his wife. Deep down, he knew she was right, but he also knew that someday, he would return to her. With nowhere else to go, he appeared at the home of his childhood friend, Oscar Madison. Several years earlier, Madison's wife had thrown him out, requesting that he never return. Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy?" This was the opening dialogue of centerfieldmaz's favorite TV show: "the Odd Couple". This dialogue was used for the first two seasons. It is also featured on the third season of the DVD releases as well. The narration was done by actor Bill Woodson. The famous Odd Couple theme was written by non other than Neil Hefti, originally for the 1968 Odd Couple movie. Niel Hefti also did the classic Batman 1960's TV series theme song & music for that, another centerfieldmaz favorite TV sh

Remembering Mets History: (1974 & 1979) Some Ed Kranepool Career Highlights

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September 10th 1974: Ed Kranepool has played the most seasons (18) & most games (1853) as a New York Met. In his long career he went from starter to platoon player to pinch hitting extraordinaire.  In 1974 Kranepool had a fine year as a pinch hitter setting a Mets record for 17 pinch hits. He began the year with a pinch hit on the Opening week in a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. On June 6th the Mets were behind 3-1 in a game at Shea Stadium against the Cincinnati Reds.  Kranepool came up as a pinch hitter connecting for a base hit off Roger Nelson. Teddy Martinez came in to run for Kranepool & would score as Cleon Jones tied the game with a bases loaded single to center. The Mets would win it on John Milner's 8th inning HR. In early July he was successful with three straight pinch hits & five pinch hits in seven at bats. Unfortunately they all came in Mets losses. In early August Kranepool had back to back pinch hits once again. As Kranepool entered Septe