New York Mets Memorabilia

New York Mets

New York City, the largest city in the U.S. gained entrance into the National League™ in 1962 when the New York Mets™ were born and played their first of two seasons in the Polo Grounds. The 2012 season marks the 50th anniversary of a team that has been known as everything from lovable losers to World Series™ champions. The Mets™ and losing were synonymous during the franchise's first seven years, during which they dropped 100-plus games five times. One “victory” stands out during this era, however. The Mets won a special lottery for the rights to USC pitcher and future Hall of Famer Tom Seaver in 1966; three years later, they were World Series champions. Among the heroes were World Series MVP Donn Clendenon and pitcher Jerry Koosman. Returning to postseason play in 1973, New York captured the East Division crown before edging the Cincinnati Reds™ 3-2 in an NLCS™ in which Rusty Staub hit all three of the Mets' homers. Staub (.423, 6 RBI) excelled again in the World Series championship, but the Mets fell 4-3 to the Oakland A's™. Following a dry spell, the Mets returned with a vengeance in 1986. Winning 108 regular-season games – thanks to Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, Mookie Wilson, Bobby Ojeda and others – they knocked off the Houston Astros™ 4-2 in the NLCS. The Boston Red Sox™ seemingly had control in Game 6 of the World Series, but the Mets pulled off an amazing comeback, then won Game 7 and their second World Series title. Ray Knight took home World Series MVP honors with a .391 average and five RBI. The Mets claimed the East Division title in 1988 and earned Wild Card berths in 1999 and 2000, falling in the 2000 World Series to the New York Yankees™. Posting the best Senior Circuit record in 2006, the Mets were edged in a seven-game NLCS by the St. Louis Cardinals™. The Mets finished second in the East in both 2007 and 2008, and moved into in 2009. Mets fans are hoping for a return to the glory days in 2012.

The Highland Mint produces a vast array of products licensed by MLB for all 30 teams. Included are PhotoMints, Coins, Coin Cards, Etched Acrylics, Ornaments, Keychains, and framed tickets, coins and lineup cards. Selected PhotoMints include game-used items, including pieces of jerseys, bases and on-deck circles.