Paul Articulates – Some NY Mets trivia fun

It has already been a long off-season full of announcements, from the dramatic “win” on Juan Soto to the anxious wait to see what happens with the Pete Alonso negotiations.  Since the endless speculation becomes repetitive sometimes, I felt it was time to just have a “fun” article with some Mets trivia that will either inform you or amuse you but at least not bore you.

The Mets cap and their primary colors of orange and blue are a tribute to their New York predecessors.  As you may know, both the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants were National League rivals that were based in New York city.  Baseball fans divided their allegiance among the Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants.  The latter two clubs decided to move west, with the Dodgers landing in Los Angeles and the Giants in San Francisco.  New York National League fans went years without a team to root for, but the Mets were finally born during the 1962 expansion period when both they and the Astros (originally the Colt 45s until 1965) joined the league.  In a tribute to the two former teams, the Mets chose to wear orange (Giants) and blue (Dodgers).  The interlocking “NY” on their cap is a replica of the Giants’ cap from the 1950’s.  The evolution of that cap over the years to the one worn by the current team is fun to view at https://mlbcollectors.com/NYMcaps.php.  In the Mets’ skyline logo, there is a church spire on the left side that is meant to represent Brooklyn.

The Mets have had 24 managers in their 62 year history.  Terry Collins had the longest tenure (1134 games), but failed to bring success to the club.  He left with a .486 winning percentage and no World Series berths.  Salty Parker had the shortest (11 games) when he served as interim manager at the end of the 1967 season before the team hired Gil Hodges.  Everyone's favorite Gil Hodges was only manager for four seasons (1968-1971) but was one of the few with a winning record (.523) and a World Series title.  Davey Johnson (.588) won the other World Championship with the Mets.

Many Mets have had catchy nicknames, and there are quite a few Mets fans that can name most of them.  If you think you can, match these nicknames with the player.  Answers are at the end.

a) Tom Terrific

b) Le Grande Orange 

c) Nails 

d) Big Sexy

e) The Buffalo

f) Polar Bear

g) Mex

h) Fonzie

i) Batman

j) La Melaza

k) The Italian Stallion

The Mets have only had one pitcher (Johan Santana) throw a no-hitter.  That famous game came during the Terry Collins era in 2012 against the Cardinals.  Nolan Ryan had 7, but none of them came with the Mets.  The beloved Tom Seaver also pitched a no-hitter, but was not with the Mets at the time.  Sorry to bring up bad memories.  Back on the good side, the Mets also had a no-hitter in 2022 against the Phillies, but that took five pitchers to accomplish: Tylor Megill, Drew Smith, Joely Rodriguez, Seth Lugo, and Edwin Diaz.

The Mets’ mascot Mr. Met is believed to be the first mascot to have a “human” form.  Others have typically been styled after animals.  Don’t get a big head if you knew this one.  Mr. Met was joined in 1975 by Mrs. Met, but after a disagreement over uniform numbers, she soon left town.  They reconciled in 2013 and now is a proud partner mascot with both wearing “00”.

The Mets originally played in the Polo Grounds as their home field.  When Shea Stadium was constructed after a long delay, they moved there in 1964.  Shea Stadium was named in honor of William Shea, who was most responsible for bringing National League baseball back to New York after the Dodgers and Giants left for California.  Three National League Division Series were played at Shea Stadium. The Mets won all three, and never lost a Division Series game at Shea.  After the 2008 season, Shea Stadium was dismantled as play began at Citi Field for the 2009 season.

Captain America owns part of Vitamin Water.  Yes that is correct – David Wright signed an endorsement deal that gave him a 0.5% stake in the company.  Water you complaining about?  I thought that was interesting!

The son of former reliever Tug McGraw is country singer Tim McGraw.  No kidding!

OK, that is your dose of trivia for the day.  The answers to the nickname quiz are: a: Tom Seaver; b:Rusty Staub; c:Lenny Dykstra; d:Bartolo Colon; e:Wilson Ramos; f:Pete Alonso; g)Keith Hernandez; h:Edgardo Alfonso; i:Robin Ventura; j:Jose Reyes; k:Lee Mazilli

Enjoy your winter.  Spring training will be here in five weeks!