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10 Most Memorable Home Openers In Mets History

By Daniel Friedman
» More Columns

Monday marks the home opener for the Mets, in a season that's already begun with a sense of optimism and hope for the future (PED suspensions aside).

So, in honor of today's events, here are the 10 most memorable home openers in franchise history:

10. April 13, 1962 – In the first game  in team history, the Mets put on a "spirited" performance in a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh at the Polo Grounds. Naturally, the franchise's inaugural game was played on Friday the 13th.

9. April 17, 1964 – New ballpark, same result. The Metropolitans open up Shea Stadium with – you guessed it – a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh.

8. April 13, 2009 – The Mets continue their tradition of losing their first game in a new ballpark, falling 6-5 to the Padres at Citi Field.

San Diego Padres v New York Mets
The New York Mets line up during pregame ceremonies prior to playing the San Diego Padres on April 13, 2009 at Citi Field. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

7. April 1, 2013 – Collin Cowgill hits a grand slam as the Mets beat San Diego, 11-2. Jon Niese strikes out four and gives up two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings. He records two hits and an RBI, as well.

San Diego Padres v New York Mets
Collin Cowgill #4 of the New York Mets is greeted by John Buck #44, Daniel Murphy #28 and Ruben Tejada #11 after hitting a grand slam in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres on opening day at Citi Field on April 1, 2013. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

6. March 31, 1998 – Curt Schilling strikes out nine Mets batters over eight innings, but they find their way out of the superb pitching duel. Alberto Castillo drives home Brian McRae in the 14th to give New York a dramatic 1-0 win over the Phillies.

New York Mets player Alberto Castillo (R) slaps ha
Alberto Castillo (R) slaps hands with first-base coach Mookie Wilson (L) after his game-winning hit in their opening day game with the Philadelphia Phillies. (Photo credit should read DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)

5. April 9, 2007 – In their first contest since the heartbreaking Game 7 loss to St. Louis, Carlos Delgado and David Wright drive in two runs apiece and the Mets drub Philly, 11-5. Billy Wagner strikes out two in the ninth inning to lock down the victory.

4. April 9, 2001 – Mike Piazza hits two homers and drives in five runs as the Mets beat Atlanta, 9-4. Armando Benitez gives up a run in the ninth, but also strikes out the side to end the game.

Atlanta Braves v New York Mets
View of scoreboard before the Opening Day game between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium on April 9, 2001. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

3. April 8, 1975 – Tom Seaver bests Steve Carlton and the Phillies on a ninth-inning RBI single by Joe Torre. Seaver strikes out nine in the 2-1 victory.

2. April 5, 1983 – Tom Seaver returns to New York after years of exile ... and beats Steve Carlton and his Phillies again. Brian Giles and Mike Howard provide the run support in a 2-0 shutout effort.

1. April 9, 1985 – In the bottom of the tenth, newly acquired catcher Gary Carter takes Neil Allen deep for a walk-off solo homer. The Mets defeat St. Louis, 6-5.

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