2015 Mets Playoff Run Similar to 1969

This has been an extraordinary run to the playoffs for these 2015 Mets. It is unlike anything Mets fans have ever seen — except for the magical year of 1969.

The Mets have always been a boom and bust franchise. But they always prepared us for the boom years. Not so in 1969 and this season.

When the Mets won the division in 2006, they sent notice in 20o5 that it might happen by finishing above .500 for the first time in four seasons. So 2006 was not a surprise; it was even expected.

The Mets won 88 games each in 1997 and 1998 after six years of losing, so when they made the playoffs in 1999 and 2000, we were ready.

After seven miserable years, those mid-80s Mets won 90 and 98 games, respectively, in 1984 and 1985 and failed to make the playoffs in those pre-Wild Card years. So we were prepared for 108 wins and the World Championship in 1986.

Even the 1973 Mets were not really a surprise; they won 83 games in each of the previous three seasons. The only surprise was that 82 wins would be good enough to win the division.

Which brings us to 1969 and the parallel to this season. The Mets famously came out of nowhere that season after not even coming close to .500 in the first seven years of their existence. Who ever dreamed they would win 100 games?

Coming into this year, the Mets had six straight losing seasons, with the 79 wins last season their most during the stretch. Most people pegged the Mets as a .500 team, if that. They went on to exceed expectations and win the NL East with 90 wins. No notice that they were going to be good. They were just good. Just like in 1969.

Now, this is not to say this season will end like that one. It would be nice, obviously, but there is much work to be done. But after that Dodgers series, is there anyone out there who doesn’t think the Mets might have a bit of miracle in them?