I just finished the book Mets By The Numbers: A Complete Team History of the Amazin’ Mets by the Uniform Number by Jon Springer and Matthew Springer.  The book’s title is pretty self-descriptive.  I don’t think it leaves out a single player that ever played for the NL New York team.  Creatively titled chapters start from Uniform #1 and the New York Mets that had that number and go from there.

There’s a bit of a bio or trivia that goes with each player (at least the ones that any major playing time).  Plus at the end of each chapter, a complete rundown on the uniform number; how many Mets had the number, the best season by a Met with that number etc.

From Mookie Wilson (#1) to Turk Wendell (#99) not to mention Rey Ordonez who debuted with a #0, this book delivers as promises.  It goes without saying that this book would definitely interest a New York Met fan more than anyone.  It’s possible that a baseball history buff might enjoy this as well for all the trivia as well. 

Mets By The Numbers: A Complete Team History of the Amazin’ Mets by the Uniform Number Author: Jon Springer and Matthew Silverman Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

Tags: Books by The Baseball Zealot
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Yay! The Cubs won!

On my way to work, there’s a house that routinely flies the Cubs victory flag when the good guys win one.  That be usual fare on the Northside but seeing it down here in Urbana is enough to put an extra spring in my step in the morning.  I find myself walking down that street more often on my way to work just so I can see that flag. 

Dang, the Cubs lost the day I took this picture.

On the days the Cubs don’t win, the people at this house fly the American flag.  That’s a decent sentiment, I would think.  Despite what my friends might think, I have a healthy respect for the red, white, and blue.  But this causes a dilemma.  Now when I turn the corner, look up and see the Grand Old Flag, I’m reminded of the Cubs loss the night before.  The pain, the anguish. Like Paul Revere’s lights in the tower, the American flag is a signal, only a signal of my team’s defeat. 

Maybe I should go buy them a second flag holder. 

Go Cubs!

Tags: Cubs, Humor by The Baseball Zealot
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