NY Mets looking for first win in the black jerseys this year

The return of the black jerseys in 2021 has become a joke for the New York Mets. The long debate, usually reserved for the dog days of summer or a slow time in the winter, came to an end on Friday July 30. Everyone’s favorite or least favorite piece of Mets laundry (depending on who you ask) struck back with vengeance in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

Then we saw the team wear it again in a loss versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Most recently, they wore it in yet another losing effort. This time, their opponent was the hapless Washington Nationals.

The Mets will get two more shots to win with the black jerseys in 2021. First up, it’s the New York Yankees.

The Mets pleased fans with the return of the black jerseys but who really cares?

I stayed away from my take on the Mets black jersey return because I try to stay positive even if my first instinct is to lean the other way.

It’s just a color. My bedroom closet is full of black shirts. No one ever gets excited when I wear them.

I understand the nostalgia factor is much different for the Mets than it is for the old black t-shirts I bought at flea markets years ago. The black jerseys represent something special to Mets fans. They look back and remember Mike Piazza, Edgardo Alfonzo, and David Wright.

What they won’t remember is winning a championship.

Yes, I’m one of those cynics who cares more about success in the win column than the color of the shirt a player might wear. Investing that much passion into the color of a team’s uniforms feels wrong to me. For all I care, the team could wear polka dot dresses.

To give credit to the organization, not everyone is as bitter and color-careless as me. Fans did want to see the black jerseys return. They gave the fans exactly what they wanted.

This has been a theme of this regime. The Steve Cohen era has aimed to clean things up behind the scenes, honor alumni, and listen to feedback from paying customers. It’s refreshing. Unfortunately, none of those decisions lead to winning baseball games.

Want your voice heard? Join the Rising Apple team!

Write for us!

If the Mets can’t beat the Yankees in black they’ll get one more shot in 2021 when they host the Philadelphia Phillies next week. A winless year in black is a stake through the heart of those that wanted to see those dark alternative jerseys come back. Maybe it’s for the best that some colors stay retired.