History of the New York Mets

Lore & Background

The Mets were created after New York lost its National League teams. In 1959, attorney William Shea announced the formation of the Continental League, which pressured MLB to expand. The NL awarded a franchise to the Continental League's New York group, provided a new ballpark was built. The team's name 'Mets' was chosen from finalists including 'Bees' and 'Jets,' because it related to the corporate name 'New York Metropolitan Baseball Club, Inc.' and paid homage to the 19th-century New York Metropolitans. The colors orange and blue were taken from the Giants and Dodgers, and the interlocking 'NY' cap insignia was adopted from the Giants.

The Mets began play at the Polo Grounds in 1962, sharing it with the AFL's New York Titans. In 1964, they moved to Shea Stadium in Queens, where they played until Citi Field opened in 2009. The team's first no-hitter came on June 1, 2012, when Johan Santana pitched one against the St. Louis Cardinals, ending a drought of 8,019 games. A second no-hitter, a combined effort, occurred on April 29, 2022, against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Mets have retired eight numbers: Gil Hodges, Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, Willie Mays, Keith Hernandez, Jerry Koosman, Dwight Gooden, and Darryl Strawberry. They also honor Jackie Robinson's number 42 league-wide, and the entry rotunda at Citi Field is named after Robinson.

Reader's Guide

The New York Mets hold significance as a successful expansion team, winning two World Series and five NL pennants, tied with the Houston Astros for the most pennants by an expansion team. They are the only expansion team to clinch multiple World Series championships at home. The franchise's history is marked by a long no-hitter drought, finally broken in 2012, and a combined no-hitter in 2022. The Mets' identity is deeply tied to New York's baseball past, with colors and insignia honoring the departed Giants and Dodgers. Their retired numbers and plaques at Citi Field commemorate key figures, including broadcasters and the team's visionary William Shea. The team continues to be a major presence in New York sports, with current ownership under Steve Cohen.

Did You Know?

• The Mets' team colors of orange and blue were chosen to honor the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers.
• The Mets played their first two seasons at the Polo Grounds before moving to Shea Stadium in 1964.
• Johan Santana pitched the franchise's first no-hitter on June 1, 2012, ending a drought of 8,019 games.
• The Mets have retired eight numbers, including Willie Mays' number 24 in 2022.