Back in the watercolor summer of 1969, as the Mets were getting the hang of playing competent baseball for the very first time, there came a three-game series at Shea Stadium with the first-place Cubs in early July that was quite literally the first important games the Mets ever played.&nbsp;

At first, it went very well: they scored three ninth-inning runs to rally against Fergie Jenkins in the first game. In the second, Tom Seaver retired the first 25 Cubs he faced, and the 4-0 win pulled the Mets within 3 ½ games. But in the third game the Mets reverted to 1962 form: two costly errors helped Chicago to a 6-2 win.&nbsp;

“Were those the real Cubs?” manager Leo Durocher was asked afterward.&nbsp;

Leo, ever willing to lead with his lip, shook his head.&nbsp;

Was that the real Celtics? Or was that the real Knicks? {ai:summary}<p>In July 1969, the Mets faced the first-place Cubs in a pivotal three-game series at Shea Stadium. The Mets won the first two games, showcasing their improving skills, but faltered in the third due to errors, losing 6-2. Manager Leo Durocher expressed skepticism about the Cubs' performance. </p><p>#sports</p>

If these are indeed the real Knicks, they’re in big trouble

Loading...