Paul Articulates - To be a Mets fan

To be a Mets fan is to be a loyal supporter of a sports franchise that has had more failure than success.  You deal with a great amount of adversity, broken dreams, and unworldly bad luck with a hopeful attitude and the determination to stick with it.  Yes, it is a burden to endure the disappointing seasons where the unexpected overcomes the expected.  But at the same time, success is so much sweeter when it occurs.

I went on the road this weekend to Kansas City to see the Mets play the Royals at Kaufman Stadium.  It was a blast to see the Mets, to see the unique stadium with its fountains and waterfalls in right center field, and to witness a great come-from-behind victory.

But the most awesome part about the trip was the Mets fans!  For those of you that have travelled to see our beloved team, you know that being a Mets fan with all the virtues listed above entitles you to a special bond with other fans.  On the road, when you wear the orange and blue, you constantly have people walk up to you and say, "Let's go Mets"!  They strike up a conversation, talk about their history, and give the positive vibe that you only get from kindred spirits.

I met folks from Jersey, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens.  They had travelled all the way to the Midwest to support the team.  Some, like Regis and Jane go to a different city each year to see the Mets play.  Others, like the boys at the bar in Jack Stack BBQ are all in with the Mets and will let you know about it.  It is like a pilgrimage to honor their team regardless of how the season is going.

In the crowd of KC Jerseys, there is a pocket of orange and blue right behind the visitor dugout that can drown out the other 30,000 fans with a "Let's Go Mets" chant.  There are high fives and celebrations amongst us when the Mets score or make a key defensive stop.  We would be strangers in any other place but here we are brothers.  I felt that very strongly.

The game on Friday produced an important result.  The Mets, coming off a disappointing double header loss to the Orioles looked tired.  But a late inning rally and a clutch bases-clearing double by a struggling Mark Vientos gave them life which led to a series win with a win on Saturday and a close loss on Sunday.

The team definitely needs this break during all-star week.  I really sensed a tiredness to the players as they walked off the field between innings.  It has been a grind this year with early success followed by a losing streak (13 of 16 games ended in a loss) and key injuries to the pitching staff.  

They are a close knit bunch that loves to play but the pressure of staying in front has ground them down.  With several days to unwind and renew their sense of purpose I think they will be fine.  A difficult road trip to face the Giants and Padres looms, so they will need this time off.

The Mets have talent, especially with Senga and Manaea returning.  They hae a big four in Lindor, Soto, Alonso and Nimmo that can change a game.  But their greatest asset is their fan base, a loyal and dedicated group that is there to cheer them on in all scenarios.  It is an honor to be part of that brotherhood.  Let's Go Mets!