New York City is abuzz with excitement, as the possibility of a Subway World Series creeps closer. The Mets and Yankees have both advanced to the League Championship series against the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively. It’s the first time both teams have been in the LCS since 2000, when they faced off in the World Series. As the NLCS and ALCS unfold, baseball enthusiasts are hoping for a Subway Series that would bring chaos across NYC.
Mets’ Cinderella Story
The New York Mets’ journey to the National League Championship Series has been nothing short of remarkable. The Mets’ 2024 season began with a dismal 0-5 start. May proved to be particularly challenging, as the team posted the worst ERA in baseball and led the league with seven blown saves. The team was determined to salvage the season, and team captain Francisco Lindor called a team meeting, which quite literally sparked the Mets turnaround.
Key moments in playoffs
The Mets clinched their playoff berth on September 30th in dramatic fashion, winning the first game against the Atlanta Braves in a doubleheader off the bat of Lindor with a go-ahead two run home run in the top of the ninth. Since then, their playoff run has been filled with dramatic moments and clutch performances.
Pete Alonso made his way back into Mets fans hearts with the go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth inning of game three of the Wild Card against the Milwaukee Brewers. This blast propelled the Mets into the National League Division Series; They continued by knocking off NL East divisional rival Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS. In one of the biggest swings in Mets history, Lindor answered the call once again with a go-ahead grand slam that gave the Mets a 4-1 lead, ultimately clinching the series and sending them to LA to play the Dodgers.
Mets fans buzz in New York
The Mets’ unexpected success has electrified New York City. The streets are awash with orange and blue as fans from all walks of life unite behind their team. The excitement extends beyond just the games. Bars and restaurants across all five boroughs are hosting watch parties, while Mets-themed decorations and merchandise are ubiquitous throughout the city. The 7-train has been adorned with decals of Grimace, the team’s unlikely good-luck mascot. As the Mets continue their improbable run, the city’s energy continues to build.
Yankees’ Quest for 28th Title
The New York Yankees, baseball’s most storied franchise, find themselves on the brink of another historic moment, as they pursue their 28th World Series title.
Key moments in playoffs
In the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals, the Bronx Bombers demonstrated their resilience and power. Gerrit Cole, delivered a fantastic performance in the series-clinching Game 4, allowing just one run across seven innings. The bullpen has been a critical factor in the Yankees’ success. Through the first 15 2/3 innings of work this postseason, New York relievers have not allowed an earned run. This stellar performance has provided a solid foundation for the team’s victories and instilled confidence in the entire roster.
The Yankees’ offensive firepower has been on full display throughout the playoffs. Giancarlo Stanton, in particular, has been a force to be reckoned with. His performance in the ALDS carried a large load of the Yankees offense. If Stanton can maintain this level of production, coupled with consistent performances from captain Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Yankees’ offense could prove unstoppable in their quest for the World Series.
Yankees Pressure to win
As the Yankees advance deeper into the postseason, the pressure to secure their 28th championship intensifies. The Yankees’ last World Series appearance was in 2009, resulting in their most recent championship. This 15-year drought has only heightened the sense of urgency surrounding the team’s current playoff run. The organization and its fans are hungry for another title, and anything short of a World Series victory may be viewed as a disappointment.
Adding to the pressure is the team’s substantial financial investment in building a championship-caliber roster. With a payroll that ranked amongst the highest in MLB at the start of the season, the Yankees have spared no expense in their pursuit of excellence.
Aaron Judge has faced scrutiny due to his past postseason struggles. With a career postseason batting average of .208 and the highest strikeout rate in postseason history (minimum 200 plate appearances), Judge needs to elevate his game to lead the Yankees to victory. His performance in the coming games could be pivotal in determining the team’s fate and solidifying his legacy as a Yankee captain.
Mets-Dodgers Matchup
The Mets and Dodgers have a storied history in postseason play, having faced each other three times in October. Their most recent encounter was in the 2015 National League Division Series; which saw the Mets emerge victorious in a highly entertaining battle.
The current NLCS matchup between the Mets and Dodgers carries added weight due to recent events. Back in May, a series against the Dodgers proved to be a catalyst for the Mets’ season. After being swept in three games, shortstop Francisco Lindor called a players-only meeting at Citi Field, emphasizing accountability. Many Mets players credit this meeting for the team’s subsequent turnaround, which ultimately led to their NLCS berth.
The Dodgers, led by manager Dave Roberts, are not taking the Mets lightly. Despite being the top overall seed and featuring one of MLB’s best players in Shohei Ohtani, Roberts acknowledges the Mets’ recent success. “That Mets team is playing really good baseball, but we’ll be ready,” he stated after their NLDS victory.
Yankees-Guardians ALCS Matchup
The ALCS between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians promises to be an exciting affair. The Yankees, seeking their first World Series appearance since 2009, face a formidable opponent in the Guardians, who are making their first ALCS appearance since 2016, where they advanced to the World Series and ultimately lost to the Chicago Cubs.
For the Yankees to succeed, they’ll need improved performances from key players. Aaron Judge, who was 2 for 13 in the ALDS against the Royals, will need to find his MVP form. The team will also rely on the continued excellence of Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole, who have been standout performers in October. The Guardians, on the other hand, have shown resilience and depth throughout their playoff run. Their offense has been carried by unexpected heroes like Steven Kwan, David Fry, and Brayan Rocchio. Cleveland’s strength lies in their deep, impregnable bullpen, which could prove crucial in a seven-game series. But the guy who makes everything go is Jose Ramirez, a true 5-tool player and the Guardians third baseman.
KNOCK KNOCK.
— Mets Jr. (@MetsJr69) October 12, 2024
ITS THE TAXMAN.
NO MORE DEFERRALS. pic.twitter.com/f2JFfYWK9w
INSANE 36-hour New York sports schedule on Sunday/Monday:
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) October 11, 2024
Sunday at 3:00 pm:
Liberty vs. Lynx (Game 2 of WNBA Finals)
Sunday at 6:00 pm:
Knicks vs. Wolves (Julius and DDV return to MSG)
Sunday at 8:15 pm
Mets at Dodgers or Padres for Game 1 of NLCS
Sunday at 8:20 pm:
Giants…
Fans of New York
Something truly amazing to watch is the tale of two baseball fandoms unfolding. Yankees fans carry themselves with an air of expectation that borders on entitlement. For these fans, the 2024 season is nothing short of “World Series or Bust,” a mantra etched into their DNA by 27 championship banners. You know, the ones they brag about even though most fans were not even conscience for a majority of them. In stark contrast, across the East River, Mets fans embrace “The Power of Friendship” with funny themes such as Grimace and the song OMG.
While the Yankees franchise demands excellence, their Queens counterparts revel in the journey, finding joy in every hard-fought victory and rallying cry. This dichotomy of fandom – the Yankees’ championship-or-nothing mentality versus the Mets’ scrappy, all-for-one ethos – exemplifies the different buzzes in the air across New York. Both fan bases bring an electric energy making more fun to watch the fans watch their favorite teams more than the actual ball game.
Get On the Subway
The potential Subway World Series has New York City in for one of the best falls in a long time. Both the Mets and Yankees have shown impressive resilience and skillsets in their playoff runs. The Mets’ turnaround from early-season struggles to NLCS contenders has floored fans. The Yankees’ quest for their 28th title has stayed in their favor. As the postseason unfolds, the city’s energy continues to build. The possibility of an all-New York World Series has amped the rivalry across boroughs. Although we may be counting our chickens early, we are not taking the excitement for granted. Whether it’s the Mets, Yankees or both who advance, one thing is clear: New York’s passion for baseball is alive and well.
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