Mets Defy Odds: Journey to National League Championship Series \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The New York Mets have reached the National League Championship Series (NLCS) for the first time in nine years, fueled by a strong sense of camaraderie and quirky good-luck rituals. Despite a rough start to the season, they’ve embraced an attitude of fun, from Pete Alonso’s “playoff pumpkin” to group huddles and the presence of Grimace, a beloved mascot. The Mets’ unexpected success has captivated both fans and players alike as they now prepare to face either the Padres or Dodgers.
Mets’ NLCS Run Quick Looks:
- The New York Mets advanced to the NLCS for the first time since 2015, overcoming a slow start to the season.
- Players credit a fun and relaxed clubhouse atmosphere, emphasizing unity and enjoyment.
- Rituals such as Pete Alonso’s playoff pumpkin, Grimace the mascot, and dugout huddles symbolize the team’s good-luck charms and camaraderie.
- The Mets will face either the Padres or Dodgers in the best-of-seven NLCS series beginning Sunday.
- Rookie manager Carlos Mendoza and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns have turned a challenging year into an unexpected success.
Deep Look:
In a season that started with low expectations, the New York Mets have turned things around in dramatic fashion, advancing to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) for the first time in nine years. It’s been an extraordinary run, built on an infectious sense of fun and unity that has carried the team from a 22-33 start to the brink of the World Series. What makes the Mets’ success stand out is not only their performance on the field but also the quirky rituals and lighthearted spirit that have defined their clubhouse culture.
First baseman Pete Alonso is one of the key figures behind this newfound energy, and his “playoff pumpkin” has become emblematic of the Mets’ lighthearted approach. Alonso and his wife picked up the pumpkin while visiting a farm in Wisconsin during a series against the Milwaukee Brewers, and the squash has since taken on a life of its own. The pumpkin made its debut during a wild celebration in the Mets’ clubhouse following Alonso’s clutch, go-ahead home run in the ninth inning of the Wild Card Series clincher. It has become a lucky charm for the team, appearing during team gatherings and even making its way into some of the Mets’ most memorable celebrations.
But the Mets’ fun-loving nature extends far beyond a single pumpkin. Pete Alonso, reflecting on the team’s culture, said, “What’s the point if you’re not having fun? That’s a part of the culture here. We’re not afraid to embrace the fun part of the game. It’s not just business. You’re trying to enjoy the ride with the group that you’re with.”
That spirit of enjoying the game has resonated throughout the team. Despite being in what was supposed to be a transition year under rookie manager Carlos Mendoza and first-year president of baseball operations David Stearns, the Mets have thrived. The close bond between players has become increasingly evident as the team makes its way deeper into the postseason. After winning the Division Series against the rival Philadelphia Phillies, longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo and other players became emotional, shedding tears as they realized the magnitude of their accomplishment. For players like Nimmo, who has spent years with the franchise, this success has been particularly sweet.
The Mets’ fun doesn’t end with emotional victories and pumpkins. Their dugout celebrations are a mix of silliness and team unity, with players posing for photos after home runs while holding up a blue and orange “OMG” sign, a nod to a catchy pop song by infielder Jose Iglesias. The song, which plays over the Citi Field sound system, has become an anthem for the team, symbolizing the bond between players and fans. Iglesias’ song has helped the Mets build a connection with their city, unifying the team and bringing a renewed sense of excitement to New York baseball.
Pitchers have also gotten in on the fun, wearing eye black, even when they’re not on the mound, with each pitcher writing the uniform number of the day’s starter to show support and solidarity. Sean Manaea, who pitched a critical Game 3 win in the Division Series, explained that the tradition started spontaneously during a road trip to Atlanta. “It’s just another good-luck charm, I guess,” Manaea said. “We’ve just been sticking with it.”
In addition to the eye black, the Mets have adopted another playful dugout tradition: a rugby-style huddle. Whenever a starter leaves the game after a strong outing, the entire team gathers on the bench, arms wrapped around each other, and they jump up and down, feeding off the collective energy. This kind of visible unity has come to define the team and has helped carry them through the ups and downs of a challenging season.
Perhaps one of the most unforgettable characters in the Mets’ 2023 journey has been Grimace, the lovable McDonald’s mascot. Grimace’s involvement with the team started in June when the character threw out the first pitch at Citi Field. Despite his pear-shaped purple costume and furry fingers, Grimace’s attempt at a ceremonial first pitch delighted fans, and the Mets won that game against the Miami Marlins. The victory kicked off a seven-game win streak, and Grimace was soon embraced as a good-luck charm for the team. Fans rallied behind the mascot, and a commemorative purple seat was even installed at Citi Field to honor Grimace’s connection to the team’s fortunes.
Grimace’s role expanded further when he was spotted riding the subway to Game 3 of the Division Series against the Phillies, and his presence continued to fuel the team’s playoff momentum. It’s hard to say whether the Mets’ string of successes can truly be credited to a mascot or a pumpkin, but as center fielder Harrison Bader noted, “The team that sticks together the most and the team that is the most connected, those are the teams that tend to go the farthest.”
While the Mets have embraced fun rituals and a lighthearted approach, they haven’t let it distract them from their primary goal: winning baseball games. Rookie manager Carlos Mendoza has kept the team focused, recognizing the importance of balance. “You’ve got to go out there and execute,” Mendoza said. “If they continue to find ways to keep it loose, to keep it fun in the locker room, I’m all for it.”
Now, as they prepare to face either the Padres or Dodgers in the NLCS, the Mets will look to maintain their fun and focused approach. Their quirky rituals and team unity have already taken them further than anyone expected, and with the support of fans, their traveling circus of camaraderie and good vibes may just carry them all the way to the World Series.
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