DEFINING MOMENTS

With every championship team there is a game, series, or moment that becomes a statement. A declaration that says they are as good or better than any of the competition.

In the early part of the 1969 season it was evident that The Mets were a much improved team.Tom Seaver was coming into his own, and was widely regarded as a great pitcher. Jerry Koosman was coming off a 19 win rookie season, and the rest of the staff was composed of capable veterans and young studs. the hitting was not great (let"s face it; Agee led the team with a paltry 26); but it was situational and timely. There was little question the team would improve on their 1968 showing.

But it was the July series against the first place Chicago Cubs (highlighted by Seaver"s near perfect game) that made the rest of league take notice. More importantly it was the moment that the team began to believe in themselves. Championship team exude confidence and swagger.

The 2010 Mets need to find that moment. But in order to do that they have to be able to recognize it, grab it, and run with it. I believe that moment must come on the road. We know they can win at home. They know they can win at home. What nobody is sure of is their ability to play on the road.

The Mets hit the road this weekend. I believe we will find out alot about this team"s character and resolve. I think they are capable of winning big this year. This weekend we will find out how much THEY believe it.

Mets Matter

It has been ages (it seems) since The Mets mattered in this town. Mets
fans have been complaining for years that The Yankees own the back
pages of the local tabloids. But let's be honest here; The Yankees put
out a winning product on the field year after year. The Mets tease and
ultimately disapoint. This year might be different. I can't explain
it; but the vibes around this team are very positive. There is
electricity in the stands and a hopefulness in the play by play voices
of Gary, Keith, and Ron.

But again, Jerry Manuel has to step up and act like a manager of a
championship calibar team,which means he has to expect and demand
greatness from his players. We have the right players. I hope we have the right manager.

7TH INNING STRETCH

Ok summer is upon us, and even diehard Mets fans take a break and open 
a book. From time to time I will be recommending books. In particular, 
works that delve into Mets history, and not just on the Glory Years. The fans born after the '70's, know little about what came before.

My first recommendation has to be Amazin' by Peter Golenbock. It 
covers the team from its inception....the politcal haggling involved 
in bringing National League baseball back to New York, the colorful 
characters on the early Mets, and anecdotal remarks and recollections 
from the players. Memories that capture the spirit of METventure!

Camille Uliano