New york mets miami marlins
A rivalry between two National League East teams!
The New York Mets and the Miami Marlins have a long history of competition, dating back to the 1990s when both teams were trying to establish themselves as contenders in the division. Here are some interesting facts about their rivalry:
- The Curse of the Bambino: The Mets and Marlins have a unique connection to the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox infamously traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1920, leading to the "Curse of the Bambino." The Marlins, as an expansion team, were established in 1993, and the Mets, as a team with a rich history, were seen as the "establishment" team. This perceived rivalry was fueled by the Mets' success in the 1980s and the Marlins' early struggles.
- The 1997 World Series: The Marlins, in their fifth season, won the World Series in 1997, defeating the Cleveland Indians in seven games. The Mets, who had been to the World Series in 1986, were eliminated in the NLCS by the Atlanta Braves. This series win marked the Marlins' first championship, and it was seen as a major upset.
- The 2003 NLCS: The Marlins, led by Josh Beckett and Ivan Rodriguez, defeated the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS, 4-3. The Mets, who had won 100 games during the regular season, were eliminated in the NLCS by the Cubs, 4-3. This series was marked by controversy, including a disputed call in Game 6 that went against the Mets.
- Recent years: In recent years, the rivalry has been more about the teams' struggles than their successes. Both teams have had their share of ups and downs, with the Mets experiencing a few playoff appearances and the Marlins going through a rebuild.
Some notable players who have contributed to the rivalry include:
- Mike Piazza (Mets) vs. Liván Hernández (Marlins)
- Pedro Martínez (Mets) vs. Josh Beckett (Marlins)
- David Wright (Mets) vs. Hanley Ramírez (Marlins)
- Jacob deGrom (Mets) vs. Sandy Alcantara (Marlins)
The rivalry between the Mets and Marlins is often described as a "grudge match" due to the teams' contrasting histories and the perceived differences between the two cities. While the rivalry may not be as intense as some others in baseball, it's still a fun and competitive series to watch!