The New York Mets History began in 1962 as an expansion team representing New York’s National League roots. Known for passionate fans and iconic moments, the franchise has built a unique legacy. Over the decades, New York Mets Baseball has blended tradition, resilience, and memorable achievements that continue to captivate baseball enthusiasts nationwide.
Established
1962
City
New York
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1962 – 1999 / National League
Team History
1962 – Present / New York Mets
Nickname
Mets – Baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes, and the New York Mets are a beloved team in Major League Baseball (MLB). But where did their nickname come from? The origins of the Mets nickname have been shrouded in mystery for years, but there is an interesting story behind it.
New York Mets Origin
The name “Mets” actually comes from two sources: firstly, it was chosen as a tribute to the former New York Metropolitans baseball club who played at the Polo Grounds before moving to Shea Stadium; secondly, "Met" was derived from "Metropolitan," which had become popular slang for describing something that was related to or originated in New York City. So when looking back on history, you can see why this great team has been called “the Mets” since its inception!
The origin story might be simple enough, but what makes this even more remarkable is how much pride fans take in being part of such an iconic franchise. From Citi Field's home run apple to Mr. Met himself - these symbols all help make up what we know today as 'Mets Nation.' With each game day bringing new memories and experiences with friends and family alike – there isn't anything like watching your favorite MLB team play ball!
Championship
World Series 2
1986, 1969
Stadium
2009 – Present / Citi Field
1964 – 2008 / Shea Stadium
1962 – 1963 / Polo Grounds
Owner
2020 - Present / Steve Cohen
2002 – 2019 / Fred Wilpon
1986 – 2002 / Nelson Doubleday, Jr. & Fred Wilpon
1980 – 1986 / Doubleday & Co.
1975 – 1980 / Charles Shipman Payson
1962 – 1975 / Joan Whitney Payson
- 1962
- 1964
- 1969
- 1986
- 2009
-
New York Mets Team Formation
After the 1957 season, the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants relocated from New York to California to become the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, respectively, leaving the largest city in the United States with no National League franchise and only one major league team (the American League (AL)’s New York Yankees). With the threat of a New ... -
Shea Stadium
For the first two years of its existence, the team played its home games at the historic Polo Grounds in Upper Manhattan. In 1964, they moved into the newly constructed Shea Stadium in Flushing, Queens, where the Mets played through the 2008 season. William A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea, was a stadium in ... -
World Series Winner 1969
The 1969 World Series was played between the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles, with the Mets prevailing in five games to accomplish one of the greatest upsets in Series history, as that particular Orioles squad was considered to be one of the finest ever and still is by some baseball pundits. The World Series win earned the team ... -
World Series Winner 1986
The 1986 World Series pitted the National League champion New York Mets against the American League champion Boston Red Sox. The Mets won the Series in the seventh game, after overcoming a nearly hopeless deficit in Game 6, culminating in a late-game error by Boston’s first baseman Bill Buckner. Game 6 was also cited in the legend of the “Curse ... -
Citi Field
The 2009 season was the Mets’ first season at Citi Field, a retro park following current architectural trends in stadium design. It follows the brick and steel-truss trend begun by the Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 1992. The exterior facade resembles Ebbets Field, the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Mets’ first exhibition game at Citi ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New York Mets History
The New York Mets History dates back to 1962, when the team was founded as an expansion franchise to revive National League baseball in New York after the Dodgers and Giants left. Since their creation, the Mets have become a vital part of the city’s sports identity. Over the decades, New York Mets Baseball has featured legends such as Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, and David Wright.
In 1969, the New York Mets stunned the baseball world by winning their first-ever World Series title. They defeated a powerhouse Baltimore Orioles team led by Hall of Famers Frank Robinson and Brooks Robinson. This “Miracle Mets” run instantly transformed the franchise into a symbol of hope and resilience for New York fans.
The second major highlight in New York Mets History came in 1986 when the team captured another World Series championship. They triumphed over the Boston Red Sox in a thrilling seven-game series remembered for the dramatic Game 6 comeback. This win cemented the New York Mets Baseball legacy as one of MLB’s most exciting and unpredictable franchises.
Mets Achievements
Although the Mets have not lifted a World Series trophy since 1986, they returned to the Fall Classic in 2000 and 2015. They lost to the Yankees in 2000’s “Subway Series” but earned a National League pennant again in 2015 before falling to the Kansas City Royals. Nevertheless, the New York Mets History remains full of playoff appearances, division titles, and unforgettable moments.
Today, the Mets are entering a new era under ambitious ownership and a revamped roster. With Citi Field packed with loyal fans, New York Mets Baseball continues to strive for success. The franchise has won two World Series titles, five National League pennants, and multiple division championships, and it remains a key pillar of Major League Baseball’s story.
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Retired Number
14 / Gil Hodges
17 / Keith Hernandez
31 / Mike Piazza
37 / Casey Stengel
41 / Tom Seaver
42 / Jackie Robinson
SHEA / William A. Shea
- / Ralph Kiner
*Blue is this team’s history