Being a New York Mets fan has consisted of many ups and downs, usually more of the latter. Being overshadowed by the 27-time champion New York Yankees has allowed for the Mets to be the laughing stock of the Big Apple for decades. However, the last decade for the Mets has had a decent amount of positives, culminating in the sale of the team and a bright future for a change.

As we approach metaphorical greener grass in the Mets’ organization, we shall not forget the good memories that occurred along the way.

Here are the top 10 New York Mets moments of the last decade:

At Number 10, we have the New York Mets’ Wild Card birth in 2016. Following a trip to the World Series, expectations were very high and unfortunately were not met for most of the season. According to MLB, the Mets were around five games back of a playoff spot in August. It seemed more and more like the Mets would become a one year wonder and fail to reach the playoffs for a consecutive year. However, that changed as the New York Mets stormed back, winning 27 of their 39 remaining games to slip into the Wild Card game, as well as gain home field advantage against the San Francisco Giants. The reason this is not lower on the list is because the Mets unfortunately fell in the Wild Card game by a score of 3-0 and were eliminated. However, their hot stretch at the end of the season was a very fun time for Mets fans and included many great memories, such as Asdrubal Cabrera’s dramatic game-winning three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies.

At Number 9, we have the New York Mets’ series against the Washington Nationals in August of 2019. The Mets were having a terrible season, being ten games under .500 in July. Amazingly, they won thirteen of fourteen and found themselves half a game out of a playoff spot prior to their series against Washington. In a matter of weeks, Citi Field went from almost entirely empty to a sold out, playoff-like atmosphere. According to TickPick, the cheapest prices of tickets for that series went from around $5 a few weeks earlier to nearly $200. The Mets delivered as they won the first game of the series in dramatic fashion. Down 6-3 in the ninth inning with an ESPN Win Probability of 2.4%, third baseman Todd Frazier cranked a game-tying three run home run, sending Citi Field into a frenzy. Moments later, outfielder Michael Conforto came through with a game-winning single in what announcer Gary Cohen dubbed, “one of their most memorable come from behind wins in years.” The next night, Citi Field was sold out once again as they looked to overtake sole possession of a playoff spot. There were more late game heroics, as infielder Luis Guillorme could not have picked a better time to hit his first career home run, tying the game at three. Moments later, JD Davis hit what would be a game winning sacrifice fly. The raucous crowd of 43,875 was given a real treat during this series as a playoff atmosphere was back at Citi Field for the first time since 2016.

At Number 8, we have the Francisco Lindor trade. On January 7, 2021, the New York Mets traded shortstops Andres Gimenez & Amed Rosario, pitcher Josh Wolf, and outfielder Isaiah Greene for superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco. Shortly thereafter, Lindor was given a 10 year, $341 million contract extension to essentially assure he is a Met for life. Francisco is a four-time all star along with his two gold glove awards in his young career. As the Mets look to be competitive in the future, trading for and locking up a perennial all star such as Lindor is monumental for the franchise. Additionally, acquiring Carlos Carrasco was a very underrated part of the trade as he is able to shore up their rotation and add depth. He was one of the top pitchers in the American League last season, making a triumphant return after his cancer diagnosis. Both players are leaders who can be huge assets to a championship caliber team.

At Number 7, we have Pete Alonso’s 53rd home run. The former Florida Gator burst onto the scene in 2019 for the Mets, showing he can be one of the best power bats in the world. He hit his fifty-third home run on September 28, 2019, absolutely demolishing the previous record of 41 to overtake the Mets’ single season home run record. This blast was most important because he surpassed Aaron Judge’s fifty-two to also steal the all-time rookie home run record. His remarkable season also found Alonso winning the MLB’s Home Run Derby, leading the entire league in home runs, and winning rookie of the year. If Pete Alonso stays healthy, he is on track to destroy all Mets’ franchise home run records, as he already sits at #27 all-time despite barely playing a season and a half.

At Number 6, we have Wilmer Flores’ walk-off in 2015. As the Mets were in the middle of a playoff race, it appeared they were going to trade infielder Wilmer Flores to the Milwaukee Brewers. The trade was being finalized in the middle of the Mets-Padres game, and in a strange twist, the fans behind the team dugout were the ones to actually break the news to Wilmer. In complete and utter shock, Wilmer Flores broke down crying on the field as word spread around the stadium and the fans gave him a large ovation as what they thought would be a final goodbye. However, news broke after the game concluded that the trade had fallen through and Wilmer Flores would remain a New York Met. Two days later, Wilmer cranked a game-winning home run in extra innings as the Mets defeated rival Washington by a score of 2-1. The tears of sadness turned into tears of joy, as the Mets won eleven of their next thirteen and kickstarted a run to the playoffs. Wilmer became an even bigger fan favorite after what transpired and was a focal point of their run to the World Series. 

At Number 5, Johan Santana’s no-hitter will always be a memorable moment in Mets fandom. On June 1, 2012, the Venezuelan pitcher became the first (and to this point only) pitcher in the New York Mets’ 49 year history to pitch all nine innings without giving up a hit. He accomplished this against the St. Louis Cardinals, garnering eight strikeouts in the process. A no-hitter is one of the ultimate feats in baseball, and getting the luxury to watch Johan reach that level of dominance is something that will never be forgotten. 

At Number 4, David Wright’s last game on September 28, 2018, is something that will hold a place in Mets fan’s hearts forever. David Wright, nicknamed “Captain America”, was the Mets’ starting third baseman from 2004 to 2016. He was a 7x All-Star, 2x Gold Glove winner, 2x Silver Slugger, as well as the captain for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. However, he unfortunately fell victim to spinal stenosis, which kept him out for two years. He knew he would no longer be able to play baseball again but wanted a proper goodbye after working so hard to attempt to make a comeback. He had formally announced his retirement in early September of 2018, but stated he would play one more game. A sold out crowd at Citi Field, despite the Mets’ terrible record, showed out to give the captain his final goodbye. The crowd roared when his name was announced in the starting lineup, and he was given a standing ovation when he took the field in the first inning. He walked in his first at-bat, marking the final time he would get on base in a storied career. The Mets played a heartwarming tribute video, and Wright gave a thank you speech following the game. He famously spoke the words “This is love” which many fans have adored and cherished since.

At Number 3, we have the Mets’ entire 2015 playoff run. Starting out with the divisional series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Daniel Murphy took the baseball world by storm, hitting a home run in all five games. The Mets defeated the Dodgers in the do-or-die game five in dramatic fashion, advancing them to the National League Championship Series. The Mets then swept the Chicago Cubs in four games, advancing them to the World Series for a chance to win for the first time in twenty-nine years. Pitchers Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Matt Harvey absolutely dominated the whole way through. The Kansas City Royals defeated the Mets in games one and two despite New York having a lead in both. Noah Syndergaard was on the mound for game three as they conquered the Royals by a score of nine to three, making Citi Field as electric as it had been since it was erected in 2009. Captain David Wright also hit the biggest home run of his life in that game, launching one deep to right field as announcer Joe Buck famously shouted “The Captain has gone deep!”. Unfortunately, the Mets’ World Series dream fell just short as they fell in five games, preventing it from being number one on this list. However, the 2015 playoff run brought some of the most memorable moments for Mets fans everywhere and will never be forgotten despite falling short of their ultimate goal.

At Number 2, we have the Mets’ clinching of the National League East against the Cincinnati Reds on September 26, 2015. Matt Harvey gave up two runs in six and two thirds innings as David Wright and the Mets dominated by a score of 10-2. Closer Jeurys Familia sealed the deal as the Mets ended their eight year playoff drought. After the significant amount of hardships Met fans and players had faced, announcer Gary Cohen belted, “Tears of Joy for the 2015 New York Mets” as they swarmed the mound and celebrated. The champagne celebration following the victory in the locker room was a sight for sore eyes, as the Mets were finally back in the postseason. 

At Number 1, the sale of the Mets is by leaps and bounds the greatest event to occur for New York in the last decade. The team was sold by the Wilpon family to billionaire Steve Cohen, the founder of large hedge fund, Point72. This move was so important because the Wilpons were widely considered to be some of the worst owners in the sport. From getting involved in a ponzi scheme, refusing to be open and honest with the fanbase, sticking their nose in baseball operations despite limited baseball knowledge, and harassing players and employees: simply put, they were not good. Their ownership was ultimately the reason the Mets only made the playoffs two times in fifteen years. Thankfully, lifelong Mets fan Steve Cohen has made his vision clear: to bring Mets fans the championship they have waited since 1986 for. He has remained open and honest via his Twitter account, @StevenACohen2, interacting with fans and discussing the state of the team. He instantly made an impact, trading for Francisco Lindor and giving him a $341 million contract extension. He also signed catcher James McCann, reliever Trevor May, and starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, among many other depth moves to ensure if unfortunate injuries arise, there will always be a solid replacement ready to take the field. Having this type of owner after years of petitioning for the Wilpons to sell the team is one of the greatest feelings as a Mets fan. In an interview with SNY, Steve Cohen ensured the Mets would win a World Series within five years. So far, he has put his money where his mouth is and continues to be open and honest, even amidst a bit of a struggle early in the 2021 season.