SAVAGE VIEWS - Dreaming

 

It was the worst of times.  The year was 1958 and the Dodgers decided to abandon Brooklyn and take a collection of Stoneham Giants with them to the West Coast.  That same year the Everly Brothers released “All I do is Dream” and Bobby Clanton sang “Just a Dream”.   I was able to catch the Everly Brothers at one of Alan Freed’s Rock and Roll shows and Bobby Clanton at a disco joint in Staten Island.

My dreams finally came true when the Mets were formed in 1962.   During the gap years between 1958 and 1962 I forced myself to root for the Pittsburgh Pirates. As I said it was the worst of times.

With the Mets about to enter their 60^th season, my recollections are of a team rarely dedicated to putting the best team on the field.  There were a few bright periods. Shea Stadium was a special place to be when Gil Hodges was leading the club.  Recognition to Bing Devine and Johnny Murphy for finding the talent that made us a competitive team.

No GM distinguished himself during the 70’s.  It wasn’t until Frank Cashen was brought on board that we got a taste of what could be accomplished under competent management.  It took a few years for Cashen to build the team through the draft and shrewd trades.  When Davey Johnson was hired we had the sense that the club would be good for the foreseeable future.  Unfortunately, the Wilpons happened.  Davey got released and Cashen moved on. 

Over the past 30 years there have been few reasons to celebrate.  It has been always hard to fathom why the Wilpons refused to make the Mets franchise competitive with the Yankees.  It never really made any sense to me to accept being treated as a second class citizen in NY.

Now for the first time in my 59 plus years following the Mets, there is reason for optimism. Steve Cohen brings a pedigree that suggests the best of times may be ahead.  It’s pre-mature to speculate as to what the team will look like come April 2021.

However, it would not surprise anyone if at least two or three of the top free agents are signed.  Whether it’s Springer or Realmuto (maybe both) or even a LeMahieu and a Bauer or Stroman, the 2021 team will be built to win.  Fans expect Cohen to make a splash and what better way to fuel optimism than by bringing on board some of the top FAs.  Mets fans will need to exhibit a degree of patience since there’s unlikely to be much activity before the end of January or February.

This off-season provides an excellent opportunity to take advantage of a unique selection of free agents who might be available at a discount.  Feeling like a kid in a candy store.  So many choices with lots of money to spend.

Maybe now I can stop dreaming and tell Bobby Clanton that it’s not just a dream but reality stepping in.  The future looks bright.

Next week I’ll be off the Jamaica with my son for some sun, sand and water. Catch up when I return.