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7 Fact(s) Found
| 1966 | In a special lottery, Tom Seaver picks the Mets from names tossed in a hat that includes the Phillies and Indians, signing with New York for a reported $50,000 bonus. After MLB voided his son's contract with the Braves, Tom's dad threatened a lawsuit because the right-hander's college team had played two exhibition games, but signing a pro contract also prevented the future Hall of Famer from playing on the collegiate level. |
| 1985 | The Players' Association agrees to the owners' proposal of expanding the League Championship Series to best-of-seven. The LCS started as a best-of-five series in 1969 when the leagues divided into divisions, with the Orioles and Mets sweeping their opponents in three games. |
| 1989 | The Mets win their 11th consecutive home opener, beating St. Louis at Shea Stadium, 8-4. The Amazins have won on Opening Day in 18 of the last 20 seasons. |
| 2006 |
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| 2009 | The Mets, obligated only to pay the major league minimum of $400,000, sign Gary Sheffield (.225, 19, 57), hoping to add a much-needed right-handed bat to the lineup. The Tigers unexpectedly released the 40-year-old offensively challenged outfielder with 499 career home runs earlier in the week despite having $14 million left on his contract. |
| 2009 | On a damp and chilly New York night, the Mets and Yankees open their new stadiums with exhibition games. The double debut in the Big Apple sees each team win when the Amazins beat the Red Sox, 4-3, and the Bronx Bombers, launching three homers to defeat the Cubs, 7-4. |
| 2016 | For the first time, teams from the previous World Series play each other on Opening Day when the Mets drop a 4-3 decision to the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. In pregame ceremonies, Kansas City, which defeated the Mets in the Fall Classic in five games, hoists the World Champion banner for the first time since the team beat the Cardinals in 1985. |
7 Fact(s) Found