A generation of Mets fans yearning for a championship

It has been said that growing up a New York Mets fan is like a rollercoaster ride and boy is that true. It doesn’t matter what era you’ve come from, this team has given us thrills and heartache. Mostly heartache but I digress.

When I get into conversations with Mets fans about their favorite team I either hear about the Miracle Mets of 1969 or the Bad Boys of 1986 and why wouldn’t I? Both of those years brought championships to Queens.

Unfortunately, I can only look back on those two teams with so much fondness. Whether through reading or YouTube video clips, that is as close as I am going to come to reliving those great championship teams.

You see, I was born after the Mets won it all in 1986. Bummer, right?!

Not only was I born after the 86 team but to make the pain more excruciating, I came into this world about 18 days after Jesse Orosco threw that final strike in front of a sold-out Shea Stadium crowd.

I probably wouldn't have even been able to comprehend what was going on but to even say I was alive for it would have been nice.

My fandom started to grow especially during the 1998 season. That year the Mets brought in All-Star catcher Mike Piazza and they went to the playoffs a few times during his run even headlining a World Series with the Yankees. They just could never seal the deal.

Following that, the only time I had confidence and trust in the Mets from start to finish was during the 2006 season when they dominated the league. As strong as that team was they just couldn't finish the job and were eliminated in heartbreaking fashion.

The same goes with the 2015 Mets who finished the season with an improbable run to the World Series only to fail in the end again.

It’s been a rough go if you are a Mets fan born after the 1986 season, but if I can give one piece of advice that would be to go into each season very optimistic. Our time will come, I am sure of it because if we’ve learned anything that is to follow the mantra Tug McGraw set during his time with the Mets: YA GOTTA BELIEVE!