Whenever the World Series rolls around, I can't help but think about the glory days of the New York Mets. They have reached the World Series four times (1969, 1973, 1986 and 2000) and won it twice (1969 and 1986). There have been some great moments In those Fall Classic appearances, even though the Mets didn't win them all. Here are my top World Series moments in Mets history.
Benny and the Mets (Oct. 24, 2000) -- Most Mets fans would like to forget the 2000 World Series against the New York Yankees ever happened. But I'll always remember Benny Agbayani's game-winning hit in the eighth inning of Game 3. It made a winner out of all-time saves leader John Franco.
Nailed it! (Oct. 21, 1986) -- After losing the first two games of the '86 World Series at home to the Boston Red Sox, Lenny Dykstra led off Game 3 with a home run inside the Pesky Pole at Fenway Park. Dykstra's bomb sparked a four-run first inning and the Mets won the game, 7-1, to get back in the series.
Say Hey! (Oct. 14, 1973) -- Hall of Famer Willie Mays delivered an RBI single off closer Rollie Fingers in the 12th inning to give the Mets a 7-6 lead in Game 2 of the 1973 World Series. New York added two more runs on errors and won the game, 10-7. It was the final hit of Mays' legendary career.
Bye-Bye, Birds (Oct. 12, 1969) -- Jerry Koosman fired eighth-plus innings of two-hit baseball in Game 2 of the '69 Series, but the light-hitting Al Weis was the unlikely hero. He delivered a two-out RBI single in the top of the eighth to make it 2-1. The Mets took the next three games to win the World Series.
Good Night (Oct. 27, 1986) -- Everyone remembers Game 6 (see below), but the outcome of the '86 World Series was in doubt until Ray Knight belted a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 7 to snap a 3-3 tie. The Mets won the game, 8-5, and Knight was named the Series MVP.
Swoboda Swoops In (Oct. 15, 1969) -- In Game 4 of the 1969 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles, Ron Swoboda robbed Brooks Robinson of a base with outstretched dive in the outfield. The Mets won the game in the 10th inning, 2-1, and wrapped up their first World Series title in Game 5.
Behind the Bag! (Oct. 25, 1986) -- Mookie Wilson's slow rolling ground ball under Bill Buckner's legs at first base capped a miraculous comeback in the bottom of the 10th inning in Game 6 of the '86 World Series. The Mets won Game 7, but Wilson's grounder was the defining moment of the series.
Adam Martini is a freelance sportswriter who grew up in Queens, N.Y. with a view of Shea Stadium from his bedroom window. He spent many nights in the upper deck at Shea rooting for the Mets. Adam follows back Mets fans on Twitter @PegCitySports.
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