1973 National League Pennant
The 1973 Mets: Lowest winning percentage of any pennant-winner in MLB history.
The 1973 New York Mets season was the 12th regular season for the Mets, who played home games at Shea Stadium. Manager Yogi Berra led the team to a National League East title with an 82–79 record and the National League pennant, though they were defeated by the Oakland Athletics in the World Series.
Quick Facts
- Manager
- Yogi Berra
Lore & Background
Their .509 winning percentage is the lowest of any pennant-winner in major league history. Having won only 82 games during the regular season, the 1973 Mets, along with the 2005 San Diego Padres, qualified for the postseason with the fewest regular season wins since MLB expanded to a 162-game season in 1961, and the fewest of any team since 1885 (excluding the strike-shortened 1981 season and the 2020 season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic). The season was well known for pitcher Tug McGraw's catchphrase "Ya Gotta Believe!!!"
Reader's Guide
The Mets clinched the National League East title on October 1, 1973, at Wrigley Field, beating the Cubs 6–4 as Tom Seaver won his 19th game and Tug McGraw recorded the save. They then won the National League pennant but lost the World Series to the Oakland Athletics in seven games.
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