3. Mike Piazza’s Mets
One World Series appearance in 2000, and a quick fade shortly thereafter.
The New York Mets during Mike Piazza’s time as leader was an era of enjoyment for fans of the Amazin’s, yet they could never fully get over that hump.
Perhaps they were just unlucky. I mean, after all, they did wind up facing one of the better dynasties in baseball over the last few decades.
Regardless, manager Bobby Valentine set the tone for this rag-tag group of individuals. Even Mets fans would relent that their skill level wasn’t as high as we initially thought.
It was their fire, shown by Al Leiter; heart, provided by Turk Wendell; and overall wizardry around the diamond, showcased by Rey Ordonez which allowed them to flourish to a 94-68 record and the NL East crown in 2000.
Although they only made the postseason during one other campaign (1999), the Mets captured three playoff series victories in the Piazza era.
