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Subway Series: Top Three underrated moments in Mets vs Yankees rivalry

By John Carroll Jr.

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 29: A Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway station stands in Manhattan on June 29, 2017 in New York City. Following a series of breakdowns, delays and political fingerpointing, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has declared a state of emergency for the subway system on Thursday and said he would sign an executive order to accelerate efforts to improve service. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 29: A Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway station stands in Manhattan on June 29, 2017 in New York City. Following a series of breakdowns, delays and political fingerpointing, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has declared a state of emergency for the subway system on Thursday and said he would sign an executive order to accelerate efforts to improve service. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI – JULY 21: Pitcher Al Leiter #22 of the New York Mets throws a pitch during the MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 21, 2002 at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds defeated the Mets 9-1. (Photo By Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI – JULY 21: Pitcher Al Leiter #22 of the New York Mets throws a pitch during the MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 21, 2002 at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds defeated the Mets 9-1. (Photo By Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

This moment comes from the unforgettable 2000 fall classic. However, what Al  Leiter did in Game 5 of that series is truly a moment that deserves more credit.

Whether you are a Mets fan or a Yankees fan Al Leiter‘s Game 5 performance showed more heart and desire then a lot of other moments do.

With the series being dominated by the Yankees, who led 3-1, the Mets needed to win in Game 5 to keep their title hopes alive.

Needing the win, the Mets sent their best pitcher at the time, Al Leiter, to the mound. He already pitched admirably in Game 1. But, it was his turn again.

He did not disappoint. Leiter did not pitch a scoreless game but still was able to keep the Mets in it the entire time.

The lefty Leiter almost went a whole 9 innings. If not for two home runs in the second and sixth inning the Mets would have won the game.

The Yankees, as we know, did win the game and the series. But, the best part about this game is how hard Leiter truly worked.

Sure, Leiter earned the loss that October 2000 night but he still won over Mets fans and I still respect him to this day.

Leiter ended up throwing 142 pitches in this game. That is a highly excessive amount of pitches. But between him and management he wanted to stay out there despite it all because of the amazing groove he was on.

I refuse to say this decision cost them the series because the Yankees were just the better team, however, maybe it was not smart to stay out there and blow the game in the 9th.

Regardless of what happened, throwing over 140 pitches and going 8+ innings on the biggest stage just because you know your team needs you is something to respect.

Both fan bases must never forget how hard Leiter pitched that night. He wore his emotion on and desire to win on his sleeve.

It was so gutsy and so tough to do that it definitely lands as a top underrated moment in the history of the Subway Series.

Andy Pettitte went over 100 pitches as well but what total Leiter threw is incomparable to anyone on that night.

Let me repeat, 142 pitches. What a performance for one of the most underrated Mets pitchers ever.

Up next is number 2.

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