New York Mets: Top three Subway Series moments
3. 1999: Franco Pinch Hits and Walks Off
It was a new era in New York. Both teams were actually good. We know the Yankees had two World Series wins under their belt. The Mets went through a rebirth with Bobby Valentine at the helm. They finished in third place in 1997 and second in 1998. They were on their way to a 95 win season in 1999, but first had to play the Subway Series.
The scene was Shea Stadium on July 10, 1999. Andy Pettite started the game against Rick Reed but neither of them figured into the decision. That would be because each of them gave up four runs. A couple of runs by the Yankees in the top of the eighth gave the Yankees an 8-7 lead, and it seemed over when Mariano Rivera took the mound with one out in the bottom of the ninth.
Well it wasn’t. With the Mets down to their last out, Rivera walked Piazza to load the bases. Up came pinch-hitting specialist, Matt Franco.
And on one swing of the bat, a sure save became a rare loss for the great Mariano Rivera. Mets win the ballgame, 9-8.
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These are just three great Mets moments from the Subway Series. Even though the Mets have come out on the short end more often than not, these aren’t the only ones. Share your favorite memories in the comments below.