Mets

An Open Letter From A Superstitious, But Happy, Mets Fan

by
Jon Harder
October 9, 2015

Dear Mets Fans,

We did it.

Our loyalty truly shined through. After years of heartache and frustration, October 9, 2015 has come to be the first day since October 19, 2006 that the New York Mets play a post-season game.

People are sold on the young arms that the Mets implore. All-Star Jacob deGrom has turned into an ace after his great 2014 Rookie of the Year campaign. Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz have really shined after coming up from Triple-A early in the season. Jeurys Familia has officially become a top-shelf closer. Lastly, need we speak on our resident superstar Matt Harvey? He truly is a big game pitcher.

Our bats make me nervous, but we do just enough to get by. The “small ball” philosophy truly comes into play. With the ability of the doubles machines of Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy, the smooth swing of Michael Conforto, and the grittiness of our Captain, David Wright, the Mets show that “never give up” mentality.

I have to give props to Curtis Granderson. To a man that has not been a full season leadoff batter before 2015, the Grandy Man has proven to be consistent and a steady hitter. Some might say that Kevin Long as the Mets hitting coach provided Granderson some comfort, but I feel it was to prove himself as a solid player once again in New York after a tough 2014. He’s walked more, had clutch hit after clutch hit, and has become the most powerful leadoff hitter in Mets history with 26 homers from the #1 spot in the batting order. I give my props to you, Grandy Man.

Terry Collins, pitching coach Dan Warthen, the aforementioned Long, and bench coach Bob Geren have done a tremendous job keeping this team focused through the hard times of the early 2010s. For some reason, the honest Collins makes me proud to have him as our manager. No one’s passion is more unbridled. I’m a Terry Collins guy.

Plus, Tim Teufel as third base coach is outstanding, as he has that championship credibility from 1986. That is an omen, very similar to Bud Harrelson’s role in 1986, since he was a winning player from the Amazin’ Mets in 1969.

The true dark horse of this series is Lucas Duda. He has shown to be extremely streaky. He’s personifies the Katy Perry hit “Hot & Cold”. He started off hot in April and May, practically turned into an ice cube in June and July, went on a tear in early August, and has plateaued a tad in September. The Dude needs to exude confidence. He’s batting fourth in Game 1, so let’s see if he comes through. I believe in the Dude.

Lastly, I’m a big believer in superstitions. I’m very much a creature of habit. I believe in my good luck charm. So please, if you have a second of time, give a nod to my creature of habit. Please believe in the deGnome.

Photo Credit: Jon’s Personal Collection

Met fans, it has been a big help in calming my nerves. I believe that this little Met treasure, given away as a giveaway at Citi Field on May 2, has brought this team good luck on their road to the NL East Division crown. I know you all have your little charms for this franchise, so please indulge me with an “ALL HAIL THE DEGNOME!”

I’m not looking at this as a must-win situation. I’m taking it one game at a time. Let’s all view this as the first of many opportunities, as difficult as it might be.

Time to focus on tonight.