THIS is the Shea Stadium that I remember as a young lad.

With all due respect I have for that other New York baseball stadium. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Shea Stadium today.

For me personally, it is where I saw my first major league game as a wide eyed seven year old. The house was packed on that day(Jacket day promo, I believe) and I remember that because we were sitting in the very top row of Shea. I could turn around and see the parking lot through the wire fencing atop the facility.

I went a few more times(about ten or so) through the years as Shea went through changes. I still remember when that giant scoreboard ad was a giant message board. Remember the exterior with the old red and blue panels. When the “Big Apple” beyond the center field fence was a brand new cool thing. And that Jumbotron in left was once a breakthrough in technology as well. What? A videoboard at a stadium….in color….get out???

Yeah, I’m dating myself. I know. But while all the hype is going to that hyperbolic venue in the Bronx, it’s easy to forget that Shea too, was the home of some incredible memories. Even for us in Buffalo…..

Where did Buckner let the ball roll through his legs? Yep…

Where did OJ Simpson become the only NFL back to rush for two thousand yards in a fourteen game season? Uh-huh.

Where did the greatest underdog story in American (pro)sports history occur? You bet!

Who didn’t love Robin Ventura’s grand slam(single) in the fifteenth inning in deluge in ‘99.

For an offbeat moment….does anyone remember the guy that flew into a World Series game on a parachute with a “Let’s Go Mets” flag. I sure do. Hillarious!

Where a black cat may have assisted the Mets in their 1969 run to the playoffs.

Todd Pratt’s NLDS winning home run in 1999…..Mike Piazza’s home run in the first game after 9/11. The “Ya Gotta Believe” Mets of 1973….a mediocre team that nearly won the whole thing.

Ahhh, yes 1973…the year that that (alleged) double murderer slashed and dashed across a football field in a season like no other for a running back. And speaking of Bills players named Simpson. What about Bill Simpson’s game sealing interception at the goal line in a 1981 playoff game at Shea? The interception stalled an incredible Jets rally as they had come to within four points of the Bills after trailing 24-0 at one point.

And Endy Chavez’ catch in Game 7 of the ‘06 NLCS…..what should have gone on to become the greatest catch EVER(had the Mets won the game)

Could go on and on….It’s tough to say goodbye to an old friend.

Here’s to a Mets win today and a stay of execution for a couple of weeks.

-pjf

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