Despite the team's issues on the field since 2007, there's still plenty for Mets fans to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving. What are you most thankful for?
It's been a struggle for the Mets and their fanbase throughout the most recent seasons, putting it lightly. After the team lost to the Cardinals in the 2006 NLCS and missed the playoffs in 2007 and 2008, they've been below .500 every year since and that's certainly no fun. Thanks to all of the talented youth cultivating in the farm system and at the big league level, things are looking up for the Mets headed into 2015. So with all of this in mind, what should Mets fans be thankful for this Thanksgiving? Here are some ideas:
Matt Harvey and the Mets' deep pool of exciting young pitchers
If the Mets currently have one asset in spades, it's young pitching and that crop of hurlers is led by the immensely talented and focused Matt Harvey. The rehabbing Mets ace may have missed all of 2014 due to his Tommy John surgery but he's set to return in 2015 and if all goes well, we'll get to see more of this along with more of this and a helping of some more of this. Harvey's not the only pitcher with great stuff on the roster, either. Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler established themselves as rotation keys in 2014 and Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Familia, and Vic Black look like bullpen stalwarts with mid to upper 90's gas and diving offspeed repertoires. We also shouldn't forget that Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero, Steven Matz, and a number of other quality young arms are likely just a call away from Queens. If there's a singular reason to be excited for the Mets' future, it's right here.
Juan Lagares's defensive prowess in center field
One of the greatest privileges of watching a Mets game these days is seeing the eye-popping defense of Juan Lagares in center field. The 25-year old with the quick first step came almost out of nowhere in 2013 and quickly established himself as the gold standard defensively and he patrols Citi Field's spacious outfield with aplomb. Going backwards, going forwards, left or right, diving, sliding, and throwing, Lagares does it all and it's truly a joy to be able to watch him play on a daily basis during the season.
David Wright's years of excellence
Even coming off of a disappointing season in 2014, David Wright is still the best player on the Mets and the best position player in this franchise's history. Getting to watch David play over the last decade now has been an honor and a joy since the day he made his big league debut against the Montreal Expos and if anybody deserves to win a championship, it's him for all he's done for the organization. Here's hoping he can rebound back into prior form in 2015.
SNY's and WOR's excellent announcing teams
Whether you're watching a Mets game on TV or listening on the radio, you're guaranteed to hear a well-called game courtesy of the Mets formidable group of announcers. Thanks to the brilliant play by play of Gary Cohen, the hilarity of Keith Hernandez, and the analysis of Ron Darling, Mets fans should consider themselves very lucky to be able to listen to such a fantastic booth throughout the season. Of course, the quality doesn't diminish any when you turn on the radio, as Howie Rose and Josh Lewin are also both outstanding play by play guys and mesh really well together, with analysis, jokes, and plenty of outside references that help make the entire experience both entertaining and informative. Even when the team is losing, the Mets announcers are often a reason to tune in on their own.
The best mascot in sports, Mr. Met
Though there are (blatant) imposters, nobody in the business does it better than the Mets mascot Mr. Met. The humanoid with the giant baseball head has been entertaining Mets fans of all ages at the stadium since 1964. Whether he's giving high fours to fans or tossing out t-shirts on the field with the Party Patrol, Mr. Met always has a smile plastered on his face and is always cheering on the Mets. He's even a star on tv, having been featured in a number of commercials and tv shows. The Mets should seriously think about doing more of those Mr. Met commercials, they really were the best.
"Meet The Mets"
Of all the professional sports franchises in the country, I would wager that the Mets have the greatest theme song. "Meet the Mets" is a charming tune with memorable lyrics and a melody that's so catchy, you won't be able to get it out of your head no matter how hard you try. Written in 1961 by Ruth Roberts and Bill Katz, "Meet the Mets" is incredibly welcoming and whenever I hear it playing outside the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field, I instantly feel ready for Mets baseball. There's nothing like hearing this musical treasure before a ballgame.
What are you thankful for, Mets fans? Tell us in the comments section below!