In Catholicism, the sacrament of reconciliation is a core value of our faith since it absolves us of our sins, cleanses our souls, and brings us closer to God.
Well, I have a confession.
Over the last five months, I’ve broken the third commandment — “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” — hundreds of times.
That’s because the New York Mets — predicted to simply go through the motions this season and not compete for a playoff spot — turned in a year filled with countless “OMG” moments. And we all know what “OMG” stands for!
“It was a fantastic season,” said Retired Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto. “In terms of the excitement, the enthusiasm, and the great suspense of each game, I don’t remember a season like this in all my years of rooting for the Mets. “Each day, it seemed like it was somebody different who came forth to be the hero.”
From June through the end of the season, the Mets had the best record in all of baseball. It’s hard to believe since the team dropped its first five games of the season and eventually fell a season-low 11 games under .500.
From injuries to underachievement to a player throwing his glove into the
stands, this team looked hopeless. However, it all changed when a purple blob showed up at Citi Field on June 12. McDonald’s mascot Grimace threw out the ceremonial first pitch wearing an oversized glove on the wrong hand.
I was at the game that night and didn’t think much of it. The Mets turned in a solid effort with a 10-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. Yet, for some reason, that memorable first pitch sparked a streak of luck that captivated the city.
“They were down, they surged back, and I just enjoyed the ride,” said Father Ed Kachurka, pastor of St. Gregory the Great, Bellerose. “It was a constant uptick. We’ve had some bummer years, but this was good.”
The arrival of journeyman infielder Jose Iglesias further added to the intrigue. Iglesias, who doubles as a Latin music pop star, released his hit song “OMG” this summer, and the team rallied around this new anthem. It also helped that Iglesias played some of the best baseball of his 12-year MLB career.
The storylines continued from there.
We finally saw shortstop Francisco Lindor become an MVP candidate. Young third baseman Mark Vientos came up with huge hits. Lefty starter Sean Manaea turned into an ace, and former New York
Yankee Luis Severino resurrected his career on the mound.
“They peaked at the right time,” said Father Pat West, pastor of St. Sebastian, Woodside. “The last six weeks was an amazing run. I compare it to the ’69 season in the sense that they really weren’t expected to go anywhere.”
Mets magic was the ultimate feel-good vibe this season, and for three weeks in October, it was must-see TV.
Lindor’s Wild Card-clinching homer against the hated Atlanta Braves. Pete Alonso’s unbelievable ninth-inning go-ahead three-run homer in the opening round against the Milwaukee Brewers. Late-inning comebacks in the Division Series against the other hated rival Philadelphia Phillies — including a Lindor grand slam. It was “OMG” for sure!
“Would anyone have ever thought that we were still going to be playing baseball on Oct. 20?” said Father Jim Devlin, pastor emeritus of Good Shepherd, Marine Park. “This postseason was almost as exciting as 1986.”
The luck may have run out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Championship Series, but pushing the NL’s top seed to Game 6 after not expecting to do much this year is beyond impressive. First-year manager Carlos Mendoza is to be commended for his efforts with this group.
“It was a great year and totally unexpected,” said Father Bill Sweeney, pastor of St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor. “The one good thing now is that at least I get to go to bed earlier!”
As they head into the offseason, there will be plenty of questions that need answering. Will impending free agent Alonso be back? What will they do about the bullpen? Are any blockbuster trades brewing? And all these now with much-heightened expectations given this successful year.
My penance for all the “OMG” utterings is simple: Just like all Mets fans, I must patiently wait until next year. It will be challenging, but I know it will be worth it.
For now, we’ll never forget the “OMG” Mets and how they defied the odds with their never-say-die attitude. The magic was real, and while it seemed like a rollercoaster at times, it was quite an entertaining ride.
