D-Whit - It Was 45 Years Ago Today...Thursday July 24th 1969

This is the first entry in a short game-recap styled daily look back at the run 45 years ago that catapulted the 1969 "Miracles" Mets to World Series Champions. It begins right after the 1969 All-Star break as the Mets host a four game set vs the Reds. 

Contribute in the comments for each game any recollections, additional info., thoughts about that day's game, images or anything you want to add about the 1969 season or Miracle Mets.

July 24^th 1969

Coming out of the All-Star break the 2^nd place Mets (53-39) started the second half of the season hosting the Reds at Shea. Cincinnati came into the game 48-42, 4^th in the NL West trailing the division leading Braves by 4 games. The Mets came into the contest 5 behind the Cubs in the NL East. 

It took 12 innings but Cincinnati defeated the Mets 4-3 via a solo HR by Tony Perez. The gopher ball was given up by Tug McGraw in his third inning of relief work. Starter Gary Gentry went nine strong whiffing eight Reds on the night. 

The loss dropped New York six back of the Cubs who won earlier in the day over the Dodgers 5-3.

Despite the loss the surprise Mets were in their first pennant race-a first for the perennial second-division dwelling Mets. Unfortunately after a promising first half the high-flying1969 New York Met would soon temporarily crash land.