New York Mets

The *New York Mets’ are a professional baseball team located in Flushing, Queens, New York. They are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League. StadiumThe Mets began their existence playing at the historical Polo Grounds, before moving to Shea Stadium in 1964. In 2009, they will move into their new home, Citi Field.NicknameA baseball team called the New York Metropoplitans existed in the 1880s. When the franchise was awarded in 1962, they were named after that old team, although their name was shortened to the Mets. *History’ The club was founded in Manhattan in 1962, to replace the New York teams the Dodgers and Giants, when these clubs left for California.

During their history, the Mets have won two World Series titles (1969, 1986) and four National League pennants (1969, 1973, 1986, 2000).

*Record By Decade’*1962-1969’ Casey Stengel managed the Mets for the first four years of its existence, but didn’t have the players and was unable to get the club even close to the .400 mark.

He was replaced in 1966 by Wes Westrum, who lasted two sub-.500 seasons, and then was replaced by Gil Hodges, who guided the team in 1969 to a 100-62 record and a World Series.

1970-1979 Hodges coached the team in 1970 and 1971 to identical records (83-79) and then was replaced by Yogi Berra in 1972. Berra coached until 1975, and was replaced in 1976 by Joe Frazier. Joe Torre took over in 1978 and coached the team in two losing seasons.

1980-1989 Torre coached the Mets until 1981 - two losing seasons - and then was replaced by George Bamberger for two unsuccessful years. He was replaced by Davey Johnson who coached the team for the rest of the decade, and brought them a World Series in 1986 (when they became known as the Amazin’ Mets).

1990-1999 Davey Johnson was replaced in mid-season of 1990 by Bud Harrelson, who lasted for another year before being replaced by Jeff Torberg. Dallas Green came on board in 1994 and was let go after 1996. Bobby Valentine coached the Mets for the rest of the decade - all winning seasons.

2000-2008 Valentine continued to coach until 2002, his first losing season. He was replaced by Art Howe for two years. Willie Randolph came on board in 2005 and has coached the team until mid-2008, when he was replaced by Jerry Manuel.