Following the 1957 season, the two National League baseball franchises in New York (Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants) up and moved out west to California. This left New York with one baseball team – the New York Yankees. Those who loved the Dodgers and Giants did so with a passion and would sure as hell rather not watch baseball than root for the hated rivals from the Bronx. In the months after the 1957 season, the Mayor of New York appointed William Shea the chairman of a four-man group to try and bring National League baseball back to the Big Apple. After relocation rumors, legal battles and the threat of a third (Continental) League, New York was granted an expansion franchise on August 2, 1960. National League ball would once again be played in New York City, and the people were thrilled.
Most of us know the history of the team (with no help from the Wilpons) and embrace it. We know that the Mets were born from the defunct National League franchises of old and bits and pieces of each were integrated into the Mets DNA. But who gave us more? We all know the Wilpons have a love affair with the Dodgers, but are the Bridegrooms the most dominant trait in the Mets makeup? Or do more of the Gothams’ characteristics live on in Flushing? Let’s take a look.
Team Colors
The team colors of the Mets are blue and orange (not black). The blue is from the Dodgers and the orange from the Giants. Both were brought together to form the identity of the Mets in celebration of New York’s National League baseball past. Edge: Push
Team Logo
The Mets primary logo features the interlocking “NY” on the cap. This logo is the same one (slightly modified) used by the Giants before their move out west. The Dodgers cap featured a “B”. Edge: Giants
Home Jersey
The home jersey since 1962 has featured “Mets” written in an upward script font. This is the same style and color (royal) font that the Dodgers used. The Giants home uniforms often featured some form of “NY” or the word “Giants” in block letters. Edge: Dodgers
Road Jersey
The Dodgers road uniform for most years is similar to their home, with the only difference being the grey color and the word “Brooklyn” in script rather than “Dodgers”. The Giants have a different make up, featuring the words “New York” in all capital letters and a different font. Edge: Giants
Polo Grounds
The Mets played their first two seasons of existence at the Polo Grounds. Being as this was the former home of the Giants, this one’s a no-brainer. Edge: Giants
Shea Stadium
I racked my brain, looked at old pictures, and read articles about Shea Stadium’s design and I came up with nothing. Shea Stadium may be the only piece of the Mets that is truly theirs and not derived from anything else. Edge: Push
Citi Field
Citi Field screams of the Dodgers. From the moment you step off the 7 Train you’re staring down the Ebbets Field brick exterior. Once you enter, you’re in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. I have even seen them selling Dodgers sweatshirts in the Team Store. Edge: Dodgers
As you can see there have been major pieces of the Mets DNA influenced by both former New York baseball franchises. But based on this study, and much to the Wilpons dismay, I have to give the edge overall to the New York Giants Baseball Club.
The Dodgers only had “Brooklyn” in script on the road jerseys from 1939-’45. After that, and throughout the “glory” years of Duke, Pee Wee, Jackie, Campy, Gil, et al. it was “Dodgers” in script on both.
A few more things: while the facade of Citi Field is reminiscent of Ebbets Field, the green seats and (former) porch in right field were meant to pay homage to the Polo Grounds. (Personally I find these to be token gestures on the Wilpons’ part.)
Even more painful is to know that the pinstripes on the original home jerseys are meant as a tribute to the Yankees. Yes, the @#$%^&* Yankees!