FANTASY FURNACE

Some interesting things happened on the way to the Mets 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. It was the Mets’ 50th opening day in their franchise’s history. When it was over they had won their 33rd opening day game.  A lot has happened since 1962, their inaugural season. One of the records that they set that year has never been broken. They finished the season breaking the record held since 1899, 40-120; last in the National League, 60 1/2 games behind the NL Champion San Francisco Giants.

The N.Y. Mets lost their 1962 season opener and went on to lose their next 8 straight! Photo: Brian Lokker

But Thursday’s game was a good old fashion pitcher’s duel between Johan Santana and Tommy Hanson. (Roger Craig was the Mets opening day pitcher 50 years ago). Santana, who hadn’t thrown in a regular season game in 19 months, was spot on through the five innings he pitched, giving up just two hits, no runs, and striking out five. Ike Davis was at 1B and David Wright at 3B. In 1962, (Don Zimmer played 3B and Gil Hodgers was over at first).

David Wright’s RBI single won the game 1-0 while in 1962 the Mets got rocked by the St. Louis Cardinals 11-4. Thursday’s win was the best part of the opening day game. Unfortunately, CF Andres Torres re-injured his left calf and left the game and is now headed for the disabled list. The Mets are not stacked at that position and it will be left for either Scott Hairston or Mike Baxter to patrol. So sadly, even in victory, they suffered a loss.

#5 David Wright drove in the winning run on an RBI single giving the Mets another Opening Day win, 1-0. Photo: blog.prorumors.com

Another note of interest, it was the first time since 1996 that Atlanta fielded an opening-day lineup without Chipper Jones who is currently on the DL (knee). He could return as early as Tuesday. Chipper not being in the lineup is significant because over the years he has been a perennial Mets killer at the plate and given the Braves lack of pop on that sunny 53 degree opening day, he might have been the difference-maker in this one. Ironic how the Mets brought the fences in at Citi Field prior to the start of the season in an effort to add some offense and yet today’s game would realize just the lone Mets run…

The pundits have the N.Y. Mets finishing no better than last in the N.L. East this season so without any pressure on them, maybe they will prove them wrong and put up a better showing. Clearly, if Johan Santana continues to pitch like he did today and stays injury free, their chances will be that much better. Meantime, Happy 50th Anniversary to the ‘Amazin’s!