The Mets brought 17 to HP to open the 2021 season against the defending champion A's. The Mets sent Steve Simmons to the bump and watched him navigate the "threat is looming" line up of the A's in fine fashion. This appearance was capped with one extra inning, meaning that Steve was able to best the club record by adding another 3 K in the bottom of the 8th. Final line for Steve: 8IP, 3R, 2ER (yes, the runner on 2B is an ER), 23K, 3BB, 1HB.
On the offensive side of the pill, the Mets got it crackin early, and collected 4 runs on 7 knocks throughout. With the tone set early with a CS, the Mets knew that it was going to be a game that would require some patience at the dish. This game was (balloon) knotted up at the end of the 5th, and stayed that way going into the 8th. The Mets had the runner on 2b in the top of the 8th, and sent Dynes to the dish to bunt: to move the runner. Instead of moving the runner: Dynes executed a bunt for a base hit. A wiff followed, and then Tom Constand smoked a line drive 2RBI double in to right to take the lead. A little (needed) GEICO came with an RE into LF, and the game moved into the bottom of the 8th with a 4-1 lead. A couple knocks from the A's that allowed the game to inch closer, but Sims came through to lock it down with a K.
Offensive performances of note: "nice legged" Nick George pounded a double early on and Tom Constand came with a 2RBI double to deliver the lead.
Mr. Met's contributions: Brett Davis 'lost' his jersey during the offseason. What the heck!
The Mets got down to business at Ford as "home squad" and watched AJ navigate the (sometimes turbulent) waters of the Marlins - rolling a decent final line of 5.2IP, 3R, 2ER, 8K, 4BB and one "painful" free pass. The ball was passed to Tom Constand to go the balance to whiff the final 4 Marlins of the game.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Mets brought a "meh" approach of 8 knocks and delivering the dub with 4 runs to cross the dish. The Mets had a statistical oddity of 11K which can only be explained by one of the members in blue coming back after a 1+ year hiatus in calling balls and strikes - even those guys have a tough day once in a while.
Offensive performances of note: Tom Constand delivered the walk off RBI with a 2-3 night, Jordan Mancillas put up a solid 2-3 evening, collecting his first swiped bag in a minute in addition to crossing the dish to add to the offensive, "attack." Other contributors: Craig Zimmerman put up a double+RBI to touch off the Mets scoring, as well as Nick ("super sexy") George pounding a ball for a ground-ruled double landing precisely 1 taco short of dialing 9.
Mr. Met's fund contributions: Robey may have 1 in there, but that zone was downright ridiculous.
Ford Field got a touch of rain making for a humid outing between the Mets/Giants. Every single ball in the air got 0 help as a result of the density - that set the tone for a dog-fight supreme between the respective squads.
The home squad Mets sent Tom Constand to the hill for his first start, unfortunately resulting in his first loss of the season. Tom fought through a familiar cast of 11 Giants and put up a solid 7IP, 0ER, 13K, 1BB, 1HB which should have been enough for the dub, but run support became a premium task while both teams were able to flash some leather throughout.
On the offensive side of the rock: the Mets put up 5 knocks on the evening, and were stymied by the southpaw vet Chris Yates and could not cash in with the bases jammed in the later part of the game. Offensive performances of note came from Jack Dynes (2-2) and Jacob Heins (2-2) in the affair - unfortunately that one critical knock just could not find a hole.
The lone Mr Mets contributor in this one: Joe Ellis who went to HP; instead of Ford Field (oops). Also Tom was 'flirting' with a fine (for a "long discussion" with the umpire), however: with a 13K performance on the bump, the Swingin D immunity clause will be enacted here.
Another 1 run game for the Mets, it only took a season to finally 'tap the Rockies,' but a dub is a dub.
As visiting squad, the Mets sent Steve Simmons to the hill, and watched him navigate the heavy offensive prowess of the Rockies. Steve's final line was 1ER, 15K, 1BB and 5H. One of the hand full of hits was late in the game: a deep double that resulted in a little pressure for the Mets D to step up and cut down an unexpecting runner at 3rd base to shut down the threat (then ending the game with a backward K).
On the offensive side of the rock, the Mets put up 7 knocks to produce 2 runs, with the game running RBI coming from Justin Chandler. The lone offensive performance of note came from Jordan Mancillas going 3-3 leading the way with another swiped bag. Deep into the game, many of the Mets were turned away by the Rockies youth either by K, or (more frustratingly) by way of the speed in the OF with the LO7 becoming a common statistic in the book.
Mets stymied by DiamondJaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx #69, 3-0
On a Friday early game: the Mets could only muster 9 for this affair - historically speaking - "iron man baseball" is a good thing for the Mets, but not on this fateful Friday. To be direct - the Mets had a tough Friday.
For the Mets: Tom Constand went for the total 7 innings, earning a tough luck loss, with a final line of 31 BF, 3R, 1ER, 14K, 1BB, 5H. The Mets had a little bit of a tough game defensively - which has to be blamed on the sudden new warmer temperatures, or the bizarre number of "X's" used on the opposition's jerseys. The "management" is not exactly sure of the reason for the slight hiccup, but the Mets will be sure to bring a tent to pitch for the next circus appearance.
On the offensive side of the pill: the Mets got the pleasure of facing the #69 RHP*** for the D-Jaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and pushed the first hit through (rather laboriously) in the bottom of the 7th with a seeing eye single through the right side of the infield. The lone hit belonging to Joe-Joe Ellis in this game - ironically on the same evening he "settled up" for his previous Mr. Mets fines (for forgetting his glove at a practice, and then going to the wrong field on a different game).
Mr. Mets contributions:
Well: there were not any sombreros here which is kind of amazing, but in accordance with the Mr. Met's bill of wrongs: everyone tosses a dollar in the kitty.
*** (Editors note) The opposition's #69 pitcher did a solid job staying composed throughout, ... I mean ... he through a shutout and nearly had a no-no! However: it shall be noted that the Mets collectively/surely thought that the #69 was no longer available to be made/purchased from any uniform manufacturer because: after AJ Cole sucked whilst wearing that number, and only a handful of MLB ballplayers have ever chosen to wear that number in history, it therefore made perfect sense that this number was no longer available. The Mets were proven wrong, and ultimately, (almost) everyone in the league enjoys "watermelon sugar" but, frankly that does not inspire one to advertise this on your back while playing ball!
As home squad, the Mets sent AJ to the "hill" (many considered to be more accurately described as the clawson plateau) and watched him navigate the PKP line up - putting up a solid final line of 5IP, 3ER, 7K and the rest (of that line) is minutia. After the 5th: the ball was passed to Tom Constand to slam the door shut on the PKP, putting up a handful of K himself.
The description of "watched" is important to describe what the Mets did offensively - - leading the world with 9 LOB in this affair. The lone offensive performance of note came from Justin Chandler - bringing the goods with a solid 2-2, 1.000 OPS evening - only to be stranded at one of the non-scoring stations.
Mr. Met's fund contributions: Nick P had a tough return with a sombrero of the regular variety, and Jacob Heins and AJ both may have been flirting with a fine for an aggressive bat toss or two.
Sidebar: There are 4 Mets remaining in the "I haven't gotten a hit yet" category after 6 games. Outside odds makers are taking wagers on who will be the "winner" of that contest.
The Mets shall regroup for the road trip to visit the Redbirds later this week!
The Mets kicked off their 'roadtrip' in style by putting up some runs against the Redbirds for their only visit to BiCentennial this season.
The Mets sent Steve Simmons to the "hill" and watched him keep the Redbirds offense in check through out giving up his first hit in the 4th. Ste(r)ve's final line was 7IP, 1ER, 4H, 15K, 2BB and one serious atta-boy from top to bottom.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Mets got a little something clicking and put up 9 runs on 6 hits and 15 walks, against "Johnny Allstaff" of the Redbirds. The mound at Bicentennial was gnar; and made for a little wildness. Offensive performances of note came from Ken Woodmore going 1-1 with 3 RBI with a smash double in deep left center along with Joe Ellis going a tidy 0-0 with 4 'free' passes.
The lone Mr. Mets fund contribution came from someone who put up a golden sombrero for the first time in 15 years in the league and will cost him a case for the next game. For anonymity purposes, this player will not be named directly: readers will have to perform the math on their own to get the laugh.
The beefy road-trip part of the schedule for the Mets has been an interesting one; the result of this game was exacting in the department of interesting.
On the hill for the Mets, Justin Chandler - who took the hard luck loss - early on it was noted to be a tough night on tap as dictated by the resulting statistics. After Justin worked into a bit of a jam in the second inning, the ball was delivered to Steve Simmons who went the balance. Final lines are not important for the context of this summary, but it shall be stated that the two pitchers combined for 15K throughout.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Mets converted 30 PA into 5 knocks and an eye popping 9 LOB. Leading the charge was Zimmerman (2-3 with a SB) Nick George (2-3) and Joe Joe Ellis (1-1, 2BB, and 1SB).
On the Mr. Mets fund contributions -- there were a couple wicket balls that were gnar (later in the game) but frankly they're not really worth being called out because it is difficult to win a game with -0- runs anyhow.
Mets grind out dub in "subway matchup" 2-0 over Yanks
The Mets and Yankees got down to business a little late after the previous game seemingly took forever to finish. The Mets road trip continues with intriguing results - this game had the complexion of 'tight' throughout.
On the hill for the Mets: Tom Constand, who took the win and lead the way with a sparkling final line of 7IP, 0R, 15K, 4H, 4BB. With a zone that got a little tight at times, Tom brought the goods and stayed focused throughout - securing the shutout.
The offensive prowess of the Mets in this game was enough to bring the dub, the total bill brought 2 runs on 6 hits, 1BB and 1RE. The scoring came in the 3rd, where a hit-n-run resulted in a CS, but Nick P was able to grind out the AB, resulting in a solid knock into right. From there with 2 out, Jordan Mancillas drew the only BB of the game, Ken Woodmore smoked a single into LF, and Craig Zimmerman delivered the 2 RBI, bases loaded shot up the middle for the game's only 2 runs.
The lone offensive performance of note in this affair came from Kenny Woodmore (in the words of Mugatu, "so hot right now") going 2-3 and essentially igniting the Mets offense.
Mr. Mets fund contributors: there was only 1 - someone (who will remain nameless) blew a pick-off/pickle that resulted in no harm, but will require future practice of the run-down drill that Dr. Hall so hated.
Additional editors note:
Two more Mets popped the seal for their respective first hits of the season in this affair. That leaves one last Met without a hit....(ahem! .... Al!)
A biggun from the Mets was called for and delivered at the request of the Met's collective pitching staff.
The air got a little heavy at HP, where the Mets finished off the "road trip" in fashion, plating 6 in the top of the first; and kept the foot on the gassss throughout. Offensive performances of note came from Macillas (2-3, 2BB with a run), Zimmerman (3-4 with 2R and a 2b), Nice-legged Nick George (2-3, 2R and a "painful" free-pass), Tom Constand (3-4, 3R), Justin Chandler (2-4, 2RBI) and newcommer Jake Godoshian (2-4 with 2R).
On the other side of the rock, Steve Simmons was sent to the bump and broke a few bats, collected 16K, and had a no-no going through 4.2IP; earning an eye-popping final line only allowing 1 (bleeping) hit.
Mr. Mets contributions came from: ... well, someone had a whopper of 7LOB in this affair, but since his offensive prowess has been "so hot right now" - we will be forgoing any sort of Mr. Met's fund contribution request.
Editor's addendum: Someone left an awesome 11.5 IF glove after this game, and that will cost a 6er (thanks in advance, Brett!).
Mets get a little loose against Giants to start home stand: 6-3 Giants
A return back to "home" for the Mets, the turf and molded spikes allowed for an unearned 2-spot in the top of the first. From there, the Mets were chasing the Giants for the remainder of the affair. The Mets sent Tom Constand to the hill, and unfortunately the Mets squandered another quality start from Tom. Final line on Tom: 7IP, 6R, 3ER, 8K, 1HB, 7H.
On the offensive side of the rock: Joe-Joe Ellis and Justin Chander came correct at the dish, each bringing a pair of hits to the game. A startling statistic for the annals of the Mets: there were 11 LOB. 11(!!) LOB. A tough task indeed when there was a hill to climb throughout to leave that many on.
Side note: the OF came correct for this one. Zimmerman in LF had a few impressive catches on the run, Godoshian held down CF (from the 2nd on) with a couple solid catches, and Heins held down efficient RF, and absolutely hosed a dood at the dish with an impressive throw on a Giant trying to add another run.
The Mets returned to Clawson after the rain softened the IF, and the blue squad put up 7 runs on 6 hits and 7BB. Offensive performances of note came from Jacob Heins (1-1, 2R, 2RBI, 1BB) Jake Godosian (1-3 and 2RBI); as well as Tom Constand showing off a bit of muscle with a blast that landed 1 taco short of a round-tripper.
The story of this game was SP Justin Chandler who ended up going the distance putting up a solid final line of 7IP, 2R, 1ER, 5K, 1BB. A nod to the solid way that Justin worked through the balance of this affair never really seeming to be affected by a couple defensive miscues all while keeping a persistent pace.
The visiting squad Mets kicked off the weekend with a dub against the pesky Rockies by putting up a 3 spot in the top of the 1st, and then proceeded to cruise their way to the finish line. There were some hijinks along the way however, after a pregame feeding from the tete of the Gator - SP Steve Simmons brought the goods for the shut-piece. Steve shined in this one and put up another dazzling line of 7IP, 10K, 4H (two of them of the scratch variety) and 1BB.
On the offensive side of the pill, offensive performances came from Kenny Woodmore (1-1, 1*2b, and 2BB, so hot right now), Jacob Heins (2-3 with a smash double in to deep LF) and Tom Constand with a 1-3 and 2RBI.
The Mr Mets fund: cautiously speaking - there may have been a pick off incident that should have resulted in an out, but corrections were made on the field, and that surely won't happen again.
For another game in the chapter of the modern Mets: history was made - not the good kind. As home crew for the Mets, Tom Constand went to the hill and navigated a somewhat interesting zone that left for some of those 50/50 balls to end up being called against the interest of the Mets. Final line on Tom: 5IP, 6R, 5ER, 8K the rest is not really important. Then, Nick Peters took the bump in what can be considered mop-up: but getting on the hill for the first time since his TJ intervention the Mets considered it to be effective by holding the mighty birds to a run for the balance.
Undoubtably, the Mets must tip the cap to the opposition, as for the first time in club history: the Mets got no-hit. The offensive prowess wasn't great on this humid evening, and Mitch Shedlowsky (for the Birds) carved up the joint --- even though there was a 2 second discussion about an error that may have been potentially considered a hit by the more generous of other scorebooks, this was not a hit, and unfortunately: the Mets were unable to bring a runner past second base.
Mr. Mets fund contributions:
There was a lot of air. A LOT of it. In fact, 2 sombreros would contribute to the Mr. Mets fund - but one of those contributors may be too young to pay up.
Another 1-run matchup was the result in the affair between the Mets and Cubs. HP on a Sunday: it's been a while since the Mets had a weekend game there.
Unfortunately, this seesaw battle ended on the side of the (visiting) Cubs. Steve Simmons took the hill for the Mets and took the tough luck loss, bringing a final line of 3R, 2ER, 10K and a pair of free passes. The Cubs were able to cash in a dub on an unearned run as a result of a ball that made it's way toward 1B from the OF got a cubby to 2b (that was later deemed a bit aggressive) and then another bobble scored said runner.
Offensive performances of note came from Justin Chandler (2-3), Kenny Woodmore (1-2 with a BLAST triple and a "free" pass), Steve Simmons putting up a double of his own (1-3).
Mr. Mets fund contributions: well, we may have one (or two) from a corner infielder but specifics aren't all that important but will cost him a 6er, and a nomination went out to Nick George for being too hungover to play as nominated by one of the others on the diamond.
A tough mid-week matchup with the divisional rivals was reported to be a little rough and loose. That tidy D calling card that has been the Mets for several previous seasons was reported to be off for this one, and as a result - AJ (SP) took a tough luck loss. On the side of "interesting" - AJ had a final line that included 4K, all of which was against the same batter. In "mop-up" - Tom Constand took the pill for the final 2 wiffing 5.
Reported offensive performances of note - Tom Constand put up a 2-3, 1R evening.
In the statistical category of "anecdotal" - Robey was sent out on paternity leave and had to miss this game. This absence was the break in his "Ripken streak" at 133 D-MSBL games (not including the various tourney or sub games). This break was to welcome their son to the world with his wife (Lindsey) with the "covid baby" - Stewart Carter Robert who arrived on July 22 at 3:55. Only a short 18 years from now, there will be a legitimate reason for Robey to go to the father/son tourney.
It was a swamp-ass producing kind of heat at Hazel Park Sunday afternoon as the Mets took on the Americans in an afternoon matinee affair. Both teams were a little short due to other obligations from full timers which required the need of part timers for both teams.
The Mets jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first after a walk, single, walk, and a costly error by the Americans. The Americans pitcher was able to shut the door on the final two outs to stop the bleeding. From there on out it was all Mets as the Mets took advantage of 11 walks by the opposing staff. Offensive performances of note came from Jack Dynes going 3-5 with three singles (hi I'm boat guy), Justin Chandler went 2-2 with 3 walks, Joe Ellis giving the bettors what they want on his walk overs bet going 0-1 with 4 walks, and Jake Heins going 3-5 with some run delivering singles. Overall, the Mets played loose and took advantage of the majority of the chances they were given. The Mets also ran into a bit of luck after the Americans star pitcher reigning from Coastal Carolina University ran after a fly ball in centerfield in the first inning and got his pants wet in a solitary puddle which caused his velocity to dip 30+mph when he came in relief in the 4th. Whew bullet dodged there!
On the defensive side of the rock, Steve Simmons took the hill and faced one over the minimum with a line of 6IP, 0H, 0R, 15K's, and 1 BB. The no-hitter was finally delivered with an Madisom Bumgardner-like asterisk after time limit was reached after 6 innings. One thing to note was the increased pace of play through the last two innings due to a hankering for some boat time by Jack Dynes.
Mr. Mets fund contributions were nil and post game sodas were not had as they most likely would've evaporated before consumption given the weather. Also big thank you's to Mr. Booher, Duprie, and Edwards for filling their part time roles and coming out to allow us to play!
Mets were "visiting squad" in this affair in the only trip to Crapital to round out the season series with the Giants.
The first inning was an eventful one of the 8-run variety where the Mets started quick and kept the foot on the gas throughout. Not to be outdone, Tom Constand brought the gas and held the Giants to just one run in this time-limited 6 inning game. Final line on Tom: 6IP, 1ER, 13K, O walks making any of the opposition earn their way on to the basepaths.
On the offensive side of the ball: Jake Godoshian came correct with a 3-3 and a pair of walks, along with Nick Peters plowing in a 2-4 with a double and a walk, as well Brendan Seman "rounding it out" with a 3-3 with 3R, 3 RBI and a BB.
Mr. Mets fund coffers remained stable at the end of this one.
Clawson. The weather was beautiful and ripe for a southpaw pitcher's duel.
On the "hill" was AJ for the Mets, who ended up taking the tough luck loss. The final line on AJ: 6IP, 3ER, 5K. Tom Constand took the rock and shoved it for the final inning whiffing the side (sandwiching a knock in there).
On the offensive side of the ball: the story of this game is the number of at-em balls the Mets hit. There also may have been a little robbery involved with the Rockies flashing some leather. The lone offensive performance of note: Jacob Heins put up a stout 2-2 evening and came one taco short of dialing 9 later in the game to spark the 2 run rally.
The rain-out make up was ripe for a pitcher's duel at Clawson. While a pitcher's duel is fun to be a part of, being shut out is a difficult pill to swallow. This game had 3 GD hits total. 3GD hits. 3.
On the side of the Mets, Tom Constand put up a very strong 6IP, allowing 2 unearned runs and whiffing 11. There were a couple painful free passes, and a "free" pass; but the Mets allowed the go ahead run in on a fluke toss to the pitcher after a little cross-up in the second inning. From that point, Tom switched it into another gear and there was very little traffic on the basepaths with 9 of the final 12 outs being recorded as a K.
For the offensive approach, the lone "hit" came from Brett Davis in this affair, and there were LOB-o-plenty (7) as there was a bit of effective wildness from the young PKP hurler. Frankly, this game may have been one of the more forgettable at the dish for the Mets.
In accordance with Mr. Met's fund rules: all players are to toss a buck in the kitty for that turd.
Brother Rice is in need of a little maintenance these days, but there is no doubt that this is a premium facility. On tap: a "subway series" between friendly rivals Mets/Yankees. The story of this game was a difference of one inning.
Mets had Steve Simmons take the hill on his alma mater's field, and proceeded to fill the zone throughout. The only runs scored in this game were in the first inning for both sides, and the Yankees put up 4. Final line on Steve with the tough luck loss: 6IP, 6K, 4ER and one HB. It shall be noted that toward the second part of this game, Steve seemingly put it in another gear and forced the opposition to do their job in getting on base.
On the offensive side of the ball: The Mets brought a total of 1 run on 5 hits 4 BBs and an RE. Offensive performances of note came from Jordan Mancillas (1-1, 1R, 1BB, 1HBP) and Jake Godoshian with the Mets lone RBI on a sac-fly.
On the Mr. Mets fund contributions: there was a gnarly base-running error (back-pick play at 1B) in the top of the 6th with the bases sh-faced, and the rally was put to rest without a blue/orange guy to cross the dish when it mattered. Tough one for coach Heins there.....
Mets back to .500 ball in taking subway series (5-4 Mets)
The air was thick-n-heavy at HP, and a big thanks to the teams from the game before (Cubs/Brews) for getting the field in shape to be playable, even though it shall be noted that there was a lot of work put into HP before the season(s) that have made her more able to "weather well" (cap tip to Rick).
On topic, the Mets locked horns in the rubber match of the season seires, and things got interesting real quick. In the second inning, the Yankees pushed 2 unearned runs across and took the lead ... for the moment. With Tom C on the bump, things got a little thick, and his night ended after 2IP, with a final line of 3R, 1ER, 2K, 3BB, 2H, and the rest is minutia. The ball was tossed to Steve Simmons who went the balance and got stronger as the night progressed. Sims final line:1ER, 6K, 2BB, 3H. As an aside: that ER put someone on the bench for the rest of the game; and shouldn't be earned, but "thems are the book rules...".
Offensively: The Mets had the (dis)pleasure of facing Reid Olmstead for the pinstripes - from the beginning, the Mets hitters were advised that "it was gonna be a long night". The Mets brought a top-down approach and took the lead in the bottom of the 4th. From there: the Mets executed a solid plate-discipline and could have added on, but were turned away a couple times. In the end; it didn't matter, because the Mets brought the team approach and watched a certain someone "Jack Morris that sh*t" to secure the dub.
Offensive performances of note this evening: Jake Godoshian, Steve Simmons and Craig Zimmerman all brought a pair of knocks to the show.
Mr. Mets fund contributions came from Kenny Woodmore who may have miscounted the number of outs at one point and spit it to the IF to a confused number of Mets; but that may be ancient history.
Mets finish regular season with a 4-0 dub over Diamond Jaxx(...xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx...)
The final game of the season, and there was a tight 10 Mets that made it over to the deep east side for the game. As visiting squad, the Mets sent Tom Constand to the hill on Kyte A. For future reference, the "A" field is the one that is closer to Harper.
Tom shoved it and brought the goods for the shut-piece - bringing a final line of 11K, 2BB, 2H never allowing a Djaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx runner past 2B and facing just 3 batters over the minimum.
On the offensive side of the ball: the Mets brought a blended approach of 5 knocks and 8BBs to produce 4 runs. Offensive performances of note came from Kenny Woodmore (1-4 with a blast 2B, 1R and 2RBI), Ellis (1-2 with 1R and 2BB) Godoshian (1-4 with a run) and Robey going a sweet 0-0 with 3 "free" passes - never having swung the bat whilst at the dish.
Mr. Mets fund contributions: nada; however there is still a point of curiosity regarding the number of "X's" in the opposition's team name. Cue Jim Mora!
Tri-county Giants strike again: Mets season ends in 5-2 playoff loss.
In what would eventually be the 'final' game of the 2021 season for the Mets, the 6:00 first pitch turned out to be a bit tough for the commute to Clawson. The lineup proved to be a difficult write for the opposition (sidebar: when choosing 10 out of 22 players, this is a proven challenge), but the officials pushed the game start button at 6:00 nevertheless.
The Mets jumped out to a 1-0 lead early, thanks to a cooked tader from Joe-Joe Ellis - dialing 9 at about 6:15 in the first PA. From there, the Giants answered back with a run, and the game was balloon knotted until the 4th. The Mets pushed another across to take the lead in the 4th, and it appeared that it would stand; but unfortunately, things got thick in the 6th where the Giants put up a crooked number to take the lead.
On the Clawson plateau for the Mets was Steve Simmons - who took the tough luck loss but went the CG whiffing 8 (striking out the side on one occasion). Offensive performances of note came from Jacob Heins, Kenny Woodmore and Brett Davis - each bringing a pair of knocks to the affair. Having to face Mike Newstead on the Giants meant it was slider city, but the Mets still cashed in with 11 hits - unfortunately stranding 9.
The 2021 season had it's highs and lows for the Mets - though - this was one of the toughest of the modern era. The Mets final record was just over .500, but the amount of heart left on the field was certainly closer to 1.000. During the meaty part of the season, unfortunately there was a number of Mets that had other commitments, and it got a little tough to ensure 9 would be able to make games. As a result; there was a number of Mets that were added in the summer who weren't there in the pre-season as is normal operation for the Mets.
With that; the Mets management would like to thank the families and friends for the support in allowing adults continue to play a kids game and enjoy the summer, much like the prior 14 seasons of "Mets madness".
Justin Chandler joined the Mets for the 2021 season, a couple seasons after being a part of the Mi-Cup championship squad in 2019. JC brought a solid 0.296 BA, stole a couple bags and put up 10 RBI for the Mets (10% of the total runs were scored!). On the side of "important" was the fact that Justin had excellent positional flexibility and played clean reliable D throughout; good-wherever-you-put-him. While he did not get much time on the hill (8.2IP) - there will be more time on the hill in the future.
Tom Constand came back to the Mets for another season and brought the southpaw fire finishing the season with a 1.64ERA in over 60IP, and took a few tough luck losses - falling victim to the lean run support that was available. On the offensive side of the ball, Tom was productive with a BA of 0.304 with a couple doubles and 9RBI. The Mets really squandered a few of those starts because any time Tom takes the hill, its tough dealing for the opposition. There will be more dubs in the future!
Brett Davis returned to the Mets as a reliable backstop and 3bman. Brett took a beating behind the dish while keeping a smile on his face, even though he seemingly had a strong opposition to white pants. While he (self admittedly) had the toughest season at the dish that he can remember - there was some impressive performance to watch as Brett nearly doubled his BA in the final 2.5 weeks of the season.
Jack Dynes returned to the Mets as another backstop - splitting time with Brett. Jackie took another beating this season - keeping any pitching staff grounded is always a task. On the offensive side of the ball Jackie brought the goods with a 0.321BA even though he caught nearly every game he played. Jack commanded attention as field boss, and is always a leader on and off the field.
Joe Ellis (Joe Joe) led the team in HR (1) and BB (24!) while playing error free 1b. Joe also caught a few games, but normally kept things tidy on the "cold corner". The future is bright for Joe Joe as he is bound for graduate school/management and will be able to chase the dream of a future in baseball.
Nick George returned to the Mets for a portion of the season until work and life got in the way and a decision was made to focus on work. While his time on the diamond was abbreviated, he made the most of it by hitting 0.250 with 2*2B and 3BB. Hopefully the future will allow for Nick to lace em up again, as there was always a smile when Nick held court.
Jake Godoshian came to the Mets for the 2021 season as an MSBL rookie about 5 games into the season, and proceeded to be a contributor hitting 0.293 taking advantage of every PA he had. On the defensive side of the ball, Jake took most of his time in CF, but looks forward to some time behind the dish in summers to come.
Jacob Heins was undoubtably the most improved Met for 2021. Jacob led the squad with a solid 0.383 BA, swiping 5 bags, and put up a pair of doubles. Most of the time for the Jacob was spent in RF, but the highlight of the season was most certainly watching Jacob be productive anywhere he was in the lineup.
Anthony Juliano (AJ) returned to the Mets as a part of the staff bringing over 21IP of southpaw filth and filling in as LF. Unfortunately, a win wasn't in the cards for AJ, but was reliable on the hill when called upon. Offensively, AJ was able to cash in on some key situational hits, bringing a game winning RBI for two key games.
Jordan Mancillas Returned to the Mets for another year of fun and played a lot of 3b while hitting leadoff for most of the season. Hitting leadoff is always a task that commands plate discipline - Jordan was exemplary this season in bringing 17 "free passes" while swiping 3 bases; hitting 0.273 - each hit was a no-doubter.
Nick Peters came back to the Mets after a year off because of work constraints. Nick hit near the top of the crew with a 0.304 BA, and made the most of his time as a utility IF. Nick pitched a couple innings in mop-up and while it was the first time in a while it earned a tip-of-the-cap from the Mets. Nick was a consummate team guy - never complaining if having to fill in as 3b coach and/or assisting with IO when asked; the future remains positive for Nick as a Met.
Brian Robert (Robey) returned to take about 50% of abuse as co-manager. Throughout the season, Robey struggled with a hand injury from a hand-to-cleat intersection (in the early season) that seemed to linger forever. Partner this with the unfortunate fact that he is now the least talented Met on the diamond made for a season of playing utility, and 1b only in certain games. At the dish: the approach change took too long and the end of the season was just in time for Robey to start to warm; at least he does not have to lose weight this off season.
Steve Simmons (Sims) returned to the Mets and took 50% of abuse as co-manager. While taking co-manager abuse; Steve still brought the goods on the hill, delivering his first no-no* and striking out 135 batters and a tidy ERA of just over 2. When called upon, Steve was able to remain productive at the dish - only striking out 5 times (leading the core nucleus) and delivering 4RBI in just 27PA.
Kenny Woodmore returned to the crew and brought the heaviest doubles power to the Mets this season, leading with 6.5 2b. Kenny played nearly every game at SS and hit in the beef of the order, pushing the opposition's pitch count up and then crushing a gap-shot.
Craig Zimmerman returned to the Mets, and was productive in the 3-4 spot, hitting 0.306 with 3*2b, and 6RBI. Most of the time that Craig was on the field was spent in RF, splitting time with Jacob, and any ball that was routine was a secure play when the ball was in the air to him. The future is bright for Zimm; hopefully the work schedule will allow for more games and more PA.
Dominic Dupree, Christopher Edwards, Alex Kracht, David Kracht, Brendan Seman, Brian Guck, Noah Dagnall, Kyle Booher were able to chime in as sub players - each bringing their own contributions and the role of fill-in. The Mets management would like to thank the various contributors and making it possible to have 9 at all of the games.
Now that the 2021 season is over for the Mets, the next training session will start "next week at ...."
Mets Schedule