You know those loser franchises that never win World Championships? There are some people approaching 30 who can’t remember what it’s like.
Amazin’ Avenue’s Things That Happened Since The Mets Last Championship
Times On How Stadiums Are A Ripoff For Fans
Critics say that the new stadiums for the Yankees and the Mets will bring few lasting economic benefits for the city.
(T)he cost to taxpayers is anything but small, a review of the projects shows. Though the teams are indeed paying approximately $2 billion to erect the two stadiums, the cost to the city for infrastructure — parks, garages and transportation improvements — have jumped to about $458 million, from $281 million in 2005. The state is contributing an additional $201 million.
Those totals do not include an estimated $480 million in city, state and federal tax breaks granted to both teams. In addition, neither team has to pay rent or property taxes, though they are playing on city-owned land.
Yankee Stadium is being built atop what were once two popular public parks; the city has agreed to replace them, as well as a soccer field, baseball diamonds, basketball courts and a track. The estimated cost of replacing those parks and fields has climbed to $177 million from $129.2 million in 2005. Officials expect the number to rise by an additional 10 percent when the city issues an updated capital budget in the coming weeks.
The city is also spending about $35 million for roadwork and sewer connections for the stadium and $30 million more on design and planning, items that were not mentioned when the project was announced in 2005.
Why I Turned Off Monday Night Football
Football on Monday Night, the ESPN version that is not worthy of the name of the former ABC Series, has many things wrong with it. It no longer feels like the big game it used to. It carries the weight of the old Sunday Night Football (ESPN version) which is “one game too many.” It starts late, it’s cluttered with crap stats all over the screen, and it’s just no longer necessary.
Last night, the self-indulgence went too far. Chris Berman talking to politcal candidates. I shut it off. I want football. I don’t want anything but football. When will ESPN figure it out.
The Year Seaver Was Really Good And Didn’t Win Cy Young
As i continue to coast my way back to March scraping for anything Mets related I can – the “Tom Seaver” google alert continues to pay major dividends….
Here’s an article about great unrewarded seasons.
In the strike-shortened 1981 season, Tom Seaver of the Cincinnati Reds made a strong bid for a fourth Cy Young, going 14-2. But that was the year of Los Angeles Dodger Fernando Valenzuela — 13-7 while leading the league in innings, strikeouts, complete games and games started. (Seaver also easily could have won in 1971, as well, while with the New York Mets, finishing second to Ferguson Jenkins of the Chicago Cubs.)
New York Met David Cone (20-3) didn’t win in 1988, losing out to Orel Hershiser (23-8). Roger Clemens, he of seven Cy Youngs, could have ended up with eight, considering his 1990 season: 21-6 with a 1.93 ERA for Boston. He lost out to Bob Welch of the Oakland A’s (27-6).
and others. click the link.
More Adventures Of Tom Seaver
Here’s a piece MLB.com did near the end of the season about Tom Seaver.
I particularly like this:
If the Mets were asked to participate in the opening ceremonies parade at the Olympics, he would carry their flag, probably the 1969 World Series champions’ banner. No one else would be considered.
So true. I hope Tom comes by Citi Field a little more often than he came to Shea near the end. If you dig the 41 and want to read a nice piece and watch some video click here.
