Inspired sort of by the book "The Year the Mets Lost Last Place" I decided to see if I can get the Mets a World Series win before 1969.
It's 1962 and after 32 games, I'm 11-21. I've gotten rid of Gil Hodges, the manager when the Mets won it in 1969. He was hitting just over .200. But before the season began, another trade package included another '69 Met, Ed Kranepool. Got 19-year old Tommie Agee in return.
It's been a slog. Starting rotation:
Al Jackson (L) 4-3
Bob Miller (R) 4-3
Roger Craig (R) 1-4
Jay Hook (R) 0-6
My closer is a guy named Claude Raymond, whom I got from the MKE Braves.
Current primary lineup vs. RH:
Richie Asburn (L, RF)
Gus Bell (R, RF)
Felix Mantilla (R, SS)
Jim Hickman (R, CF)
Frank Thomas (R, 3B)
Don Zimmer (R, 2B)
Choo Choo Coleman (L, C)
Jim Marshall (L, 1B)
Our "demanding" and "meddling" owner wants us to reach the playoffs in two years. That's our long term goal!