Sorry to be a killjoy:
I have been a mets fan since 1966. I am also a fan of mathematics and probabilities. I would love to see an upshot analysis of the odds of a batter who has historically hit 1 home run every 50 at bats, hitting a home run in 6 straight games and in 38 at bats. I am suspicious. Does anyone know what baseball has done to regulate corked bats? It's reminiscent of Hojo's power surge which, according to Mex, was boosted by a corked bat.
Sent from my iPad
I have been a mets fan since 1966. I am also a fan of mathematics and probabilities. I would love to see an upshot analysis of the odds of a batter who has historically hit 1 home run every 50 at bats, hitting a home run in 6 straight games and in 38 at bats. I am suspicious. Does anyone know what baseball has done to regulate corked bats? It's reminiscent of Hojo's power surge which, according to Mex, was boosted by a corked bat.
Sent from my iPad
Fred Wilponzi spake: "He added that he had special affection for this group of players."
A quarter of the team wasn't even ON the Mets in late June: Matz, Johnson, Reed, Clippard, Uribe and, of course, Cespedes.
And had the preferred trade of Flores and Wheeler for Carlos Gomez gone through, we wouldn't be celebrating today. When that trade fell through, between Flores' tears and Wheeler's call expressing a desire to stick with the team, the Mets reaped some karma that migh otherwise have been carelessly squandered.
Now, Fred, see if you can get Murphy and Cespedes to re sign for three or four year contracts.
A quarter of the team wasn't even ON the Mets in late June: Matz, Johnson, Reed, Clippard, Uribe and, of course, Cespedes.
And had the preferred trade of Flores and Wheeler for Carlos Gomez gone through, we wouldn't be celebrating today. When that trade fell through, between Flores' tears and Wheeler's call expressing a desire to stick with the team, the Mets reaped some karma that migh otherwise have been carelessly squandered.
Now, Fred, see if you can get Murphy and Cespedes to re sign for three or four year contracts.
1
Never saw this happening... making it this an unbelievable run.
1
In 2013, after successful chemotherapy for cancer, my husband said to his therapist, "I'm starting to believe that I might live to see the Mets make it to another post-season." Alas, he died from a stroke less than two months later.
Now, two years later, my father, who introduced me to the agony of Mets fandom on Father's Day in 1964, the day Jim Bunning threw a no-hitter against a hapless Mets team, lies in a hospital bed in Florida, with end-stage cancer.
When the Mets won last night, I burst into tears that my husband is not here to savor this moment. But at the same time I'm thankful that my father has hung on long enough to see this.
Now, two years later, my father, who introduced me to the agony of Mets fandom on Father's Day in 1964, the day Jim Bunning threw a no-hitter against a hapless Mets team, lies in a hospital bed in Florida, with end-stage cancer.
When the Mets won last night, I burst into tears that my husband is not here to savor this moment. But at the same time I'm thankful that my father has hung on long enough to see this.
3
Congratulations to the Mets.
You gotta believe their pitching and offense was amazing.
You gotta believe their pitching and offense was amazing.
1
When I was a little child growing up in Yonkers, I vaguely remember everyone gathered in my grandmother’s living room jumping up and cheering at the moment the Mets won the World Series. Later, when I was 9, I remember hanging on every play during 1973 playoffs. During one game after school that my friends and I were watching, my mother called and sent me to the grocery store. I was so bitter that she was making me miss part of the game. But now I fondly remember walking the 8 blocks to the A&P and seeing people everywhere along the way tied to the game, listening to the radio broadcast while they worked in shops or hearing televisions in people’s apartments. In 1986, when I was in college, I remember huddling in my apartment far from NYC with the few friends I had who were Mets fans drinking beer and cheering as the Met’s won that World Series. I was at my friend’s father’s cabin near Plattsburg for the legendary Game 6. He was on his way out to turn off the generator after the Mets had made two outs in the bottom of the 9th. I had to yell into the dark to stop him after the Mets got two singles! And now I am middle aged, living all the way in Oregon, just loving the run the Mets are on. At the store the other day, I encountered a guy my age wearing an old faded, Mets t-shirt, stretched tight over his beer belly. “Don’t run into too many Met’s fans way out here! Nope, where you from?”
3
Mets need to keep the magic going. Daniel Murphy: do not renege on your arrangement with you-know-who. Wow! KC and Toronto are both excellent professional baseball teams, but I will take the Mets' magic and voodoo over that any day.
What Daniel Murphy did in the elimination game vs the Dodgers: as good as it gets! Actually, better!
What Daniel Murphy did in the elimination game vs the Dodgers: as good as it gets! Actually, better!
2
Enough with the Met's "got lucky". Baseball is as much psychology as it is talent and the Mets are making their own "luck" by being a bunch of extremely talented guys who aren't prima donna's & who seem to have a great time playing baseball together. It wasn't "luck" that enabled Wright to make that leaping catch, it's because he's an awesome 3rd baseman with a laser-beam focus on his team winning.
This is a team of great guys who are also super-talented. We've got 4 very young pitchers & a catcher who play like they're 5+-year veterans. And then we've got Granderson, who plays at 100% intensity every second of the game and seems to ALWAYS be on base & is a consummate professional & probably the nicest human being in baseball. Then there's Bartolo Colon who looks like a Sumo wrestler but somehow makes amazingly graceful defensive plays. And the talented Wilmer Flores who cried when he thought he had been traded (how can you not love a young guy named Wilmer who's a sweetie-pie?). Finally Murphy: When Murphy started with the Mets he had so many "brain freezes" while playing that a Mets fan started a website called "Oh Murph" to chronicle all his goofs. How cool is it that the Mets stuck with him & now he's become the NCLS MVP? AWESOME!!!
The Mets are great guys and if there's a "Bill Buckner moment" in the Series you can bet your bippy that the players won't turn on him & blme him for everything. And neither will real Mets fans.
GO METS!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a team of great guys who are also super-talented. We've got 4 very young pitchers & a catcher who play like they're 5+-year veterans. And then we've got Granderson, who plays at 100% intensity every second of the game and seems to ALWAYS be on base & is a consummate professional & probably the nicest human being in baseball. Then there's Bartolo Colon who looks like a Sumo wrestler but somehow makes amazingly graceful defensive plays. And the talented Wilmer Flores who cried when he thought he had been traded (how can you not love a young guy named Wilmer who's a sweetie-pie?). Finally Murphy: When Murphy started with the Mets he had so many "brain freezes" while playing that a Mets fan started a website called "Oh Murph" to chronicle all his goofs. How cool is it that the Mets stuck with him & now he's become the NCLS MVP? AWESOME!!!
The Mets are great guys and if there's a "Bill Buckner moment" in the Series you can bet your bippy that the players won't turn on him & blme him for everything. And neither will real Mets fans.
GO METS!!!!!!!!!!!!
7
I'm also a long time Met fan and one time Queen resident. But before this series started I thought it wouldn't be a terrible thing if the long benighted Cubs at least got to the World Series. I lost that feeling after watching the 1st game of the NLCS and seeing the best baseball that any Met team has played.
1
I think that in the next few years, we're going to see some really competitive baseball in the National League from this group of four teams: Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. All have excellent general managers, players, and coaches.
And I appreciate Steve Projan's comment about the 69 Mets' "even-keeled manager." Tom Seaver said that Gil Hodges was the most influential manager he ever had, which is really saying something. Contrast Hodges with the Cubs' Leo Durocher, who wore down and publicly humiliated a fine group of Cubs, many of them future Hall of Famers.
And I appreciate Steve Projan's comment about the 69 Mets' "even-keeled manager." Tom Seaver said that Gil Hodges was the most influential manager he ever had, which is really saying something. Contrast Hodges with the Cubs' Leo Durocher, who wore down and publicly humiliated a fine group of Cubs, many of them future Hall of Famers.
2
Let's let's not forget Senor Colon, winner of record for game 4! - who always seems to get left out when all the young pitching arms are lauded. He may not be young in baseball years, but boy is he crafty and I have to believe a strong influence on the young 'uns. I just love watching the looks on the faces of the batters facing him and his knowing half smile no matter the situation.
Go Mets!
Go Mets!
7
After 17 years watching #Jonstewart on @The DailyShow his beloved Mets were the butt of a lot of jokes. Who’s laughing now? Met Fans with delight.
1
This is the most beautiful sports related article I've ever read. Thank you, Tyler Kepner. I've been a Mets fan since I was 6 years old and to read this, after watching all of the post-season games is lovely. I'm a Philadelphian, but anyone in my family will tell you that I had an affinity for the Mets from the first time we went to Connie Mack Stadium to watch the Phillies vs. Mets. I guess I was just little and didn't like that the Mets were boo'd by the Phillies fans and I decided to cheer for them. My brother, 3 years older than I wrote down my thoughts about the game, who knows what they were, so that we could mail them to Mr. Met, who was not a mascot but the coach in my 6 year old mind. I listened on a transitor radio walking in line after school as we did then, from St. Leo School in 1969, risking detention to hear the Mets game played in the World Series. I love the Mets. Everybody knows it, even my 2 grown children. People respect what's real. This team is really real.
3
Daniel Murphy and the Mets should be thanking the Seattle Mariners this morning for providing the Cubbies with Fernando Rodney. We couldn't get him out of town quick enough.
Nice job Tyler! Your article makes me think that this NLCS wasn't as close as a 4-game sweep would indicate. Reflecting on it, the Mets outplayed the Cubs in every single aspect of the game: small ball, big ball, hitting in the clutch, base running, defense and, of course, pitching, both starting and in relief. I know I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but I don't care who the Mets face in the World Series, this team is going extremely difficult to beat.
Unless I wake up and this is all a dream.
Unless I wake up and this is all a dream.
3
Well, the Mets are my second choice to take it all. Congrats. That said, as a Ray's fan, and a former resident of NY state, JOE MADDON is still the man of the year to our family. We miss him terribly, this being his first year gone from the Ray's. Maddon is just a class act all the way, and a compassionate, generous, humanitarian. Back To The Future II was off by one year. Joe and the Cubs will get 'em next year. In the meantime GO METS!!!!
1
As both a native Southside Chicagoan and a 32-year resident of New York City, the 'Mazin' Mets could *not* have made me a happier woman this morning! Thank you so very, very much. Of course the series against the Marlins and the Bartman ball incident will probably always top the list of this White Sox fan's favorite collapses, this 2015 sweep of the "Northside darlings" will run it close - simply brilliant stuff from the men from Queens.
While I'm a NC resident now, I couldn't be happier for my former town and its fans. Go all the way, fellas!
While I'm a NC resident now, I couldn't be happier for my former town and its fans. Go all the way, fellas!
3
Maybe the Knicks can learn a lesson here. Let go of your underperfoming multi-million dollar imposter stars, develop your young players.
3
Just want to say this is brilliant newspaper writing. Beautiful writing...immediate, descriptive, and imaginative. I got chills reading the last paragraph. I'll be using it in my Journalism class tomorrow. Thanks. Gerard
4
Fan since '62 when I was 8 years old.
The Mets were the new team in the National League along with the Houston Colt 45's. (Now the Astros…I guess being named after a gun wasn't the best)
This win seemed to come out of nowhere which, except for 1986, seems to be the script. The Mets always show up with flowers when you didn't even expect company.
Now the World Series and my two wishes are that the Mets won't have to play it on that awful turf in Toronto (much as I like Canada).
And that Joe Buck, Harold Reynolds and what's his name will take up interior design and leave broadcasting just prior to next week, thus sparing us their macho, Fox-like, humorless call of yet another World Series.
Lindsey, Ralph and Bob…(on channel 9) we miss you.
The Mets were the new team in the National League along with the Houston Colt 45's. (Now the Astros…I guess being named after a gun wasn't the best)
This win seemed to come out of nowhere which, except for 1986, seems to be the script. The Mets always show up with flowers when you didn't even expect company.
Now the World Series and my two wishes are that the Mets won't have to play it on that awful turf in Toronto (much as I like Canada).
And that Joe Buck, Harold Reynolds and what's his name will take up interior design and leave broadcasting just prior to next week, thus sparing us their macho, Fox-like, humorless call of yet another World Series.
Lindsey, Ralph and Bob…(on channel 9) we miss you.
14
"genius" joe madden.he was anointed such before his tampa bay team got beat by the phillies in the WS.he is the gene mauch of his generation and will always outsmart himself in crunch time.
You can't help but wonder if there really is something going on with the Cubs and this curse thing. Nearly un-hittable pitcher Jake Arrietta gets creamed, leading to all Cubs' pitching getting slammed, just to start things rolling.
The Cubs beat two of the best teams out there in the Pirates and the best record in the Cards and then - this?
Two nights in a row, the left fielder Schwarber looks like some high school kid rolling around on the grass misplaying balls.
Poor throws. Passed ball on a third strikes allowing a run and prolonging an inning. On it went.
Weird when any team can make the Mets look like the best team ever.
What do billy goats say? Oh, yes - "baahhhhhhh...wait till next year."
The Cubs beat two of the best teams out there in the Pirates and the best record in the Cards and then - this?
Two nights in a row, the left fielder Schwarber looks like some high school kid rolling around on the grass misplaying balls.
Poor throws. Passed ball on a third strikes allowing a run and prolonging an inning. On it went.
Weird when any team can make the Mets look like the best team ever.
What do billy goats say? Oh, yes - "baahhhhhhh...wait till next year."
I heard that the Cubs were going to change their name after this, the losing streak that failed to abide by the prophecy of Back to the Future. They're going to add two letters to make it, "The Scrubs", is what I hear, and it makes sense to me.
2
Kudos to the Mets, and I'm sure Wilpon the former southern Brooklynite must be happy! But as someone who likes the Mets, and use to go to their games, but is still a Dodger at heart, I must write this : Most of the current Met fans are a bunch of beer spilling, poorly dressed, yokel like, obnoxious louts! (And if you doubt me you have never been to a Met game these past twenty years or so!) Not like arrogant Yankee fans who in some ways I dread even more, but nonetheless I would never invite them to my place when I'm having a party! Nonetheless, Let's Go Mets! On to The World Series!!!
1
Just wait until next year!
2
Don't care what shakes out in the years to come as I am thoroughly enjoying this combination of 'filthy' arms and timely, unconcious hitting the likes of which may not be seen again. As a Flushing native, I am giddy.
Cubs can see the writing on the wall...you need another arm to compete in the postseason.
Cubs can see the writing on the wall...you need another arm to compete in the postseason.
1
Good for the Cubbies! I hope they stay in competition for a long time now.
1
Great 'tags': 'Alcibiades,' then 'Socrates.' Such literary Mets fans. No wonder they won.
1
When one considers it’s “only” been 29 years since the Mets last won a World Series, and 108 since the Cubs have, I can see why people think that Mets fans are being melodramatic. That said, you have to consider the reality of being a Mets fan in this city. We work with, occasionally are friends with, and in some rare cases in love with fans of that other team in town. A team that has won a total of 28 world championships, and five (three more total than the Mets have won all together) since 1986. And let me tell you, they are never shy about letting us know about it. Nor are they shy about acting as though playoff baseball is some sort of perennial divine right.
No, I dare say that the agony of the Mets fan is unique and unlike any other fan base in baseball. So while it’s true that we haven’t suffered as long as some of those other fan bases according to the numbers, I assure you, that we’ve packed a couple of lifetimes of heartache into those 29 years.
Whatever happens from here on out, thank you, Mets for a wonderful season. To all the diehards out there, enjoy it, because we know how fleeting it can be. Four more to go!
No, I dare say that the agony of the Mets fan is unique and unlike any other fan base in baseball. So while it’s true that we haven’t suffered as long as some of those other fan bases according to the numbers, I assure you, that we’ve packed a couple of lifetimes of heartache into those 29 years.
Whatever happens from here on out, thank you, Mets for a wonderful season. To all the diehards out there, enjoy it, because we know how fleeting it can be. Four more to go!
16
Good point. It's not like the White Sox have been dominant throughout the decades.
I remember taking the opposite view on these digital pages not so long ago. That the Marlins were overpaying for Reyes and Mets fans should be glad to be rid of the oft-injured one time elite SS.
In another moment of clarity I argued that once Wheeler got back the Mets were going to have an NL or at least division best pitching staff, one that could carry a ball team.
These were two of the very few moments in my life when I was actually right about anything baseball! Reyes has been discarded now twice by teams he was traded to, and the young arms of Syndergaard, Matz, and Harvey now rule the entire NL roost! They didn't even wait for Wheeler!
Murphy is a classic fall baseball tale, and who can't love it!
When the tournament started my money was on the Cubs in the NL, the Astros in AL. I was seduced by the notion that these two young clubs had the talent and mojo necessary to win it all.
But the tournament has proved otherwise. Top of the line pitching must be accompanied by clutch hitting by the team stars for clubs to win their series. Oh, and Lady Luck has to make an appearance in the dugout from time to time!
Winning the NL pennant is an extraordinary achievement for the Mets! But what awaits them in the next round is to-be-feared-foe. The we're-on-a-mission KC Royals, who have great team defense, an all-universe bullpen, and know how to win mindset, or arguably this year's version of the '76 Reds from Toronto.
It's a grand game, ain't it?
In another moment of clarity I argued that once Wheeler got back the Mets were going to have an NL or at least division best pitching staff, one that could carry a ball team.
These were two of the very few moments in my life when I was actually right about anything baseball! Reyes has been discarded now twice by teams he was traded to, and the young arms of Syndergaard, Matz, and Harvey now rule the entire NL roost! They didn't even wait for Wheeler!
Murphy is a classic fall baseball tale, and who can't love it!
When the tournament started my money was on the Cubs in the NL, the Astros in AL. I was seduced by the notion that these two young clubs had the talent and mojo necessary to win it all.
But the tournament has proved otherwise. Top of the line pitching must be accompanied by clutch hitting by the team stars for clubs to win their series. Oh, and Lady Luck has to make an appearance in the dugout from time to time!
Winning the NL pennant is an extraordinary achievement for the Mets! But what awaits them in the next round is to-be-feared-foe. The we're-on-a-mission KC Royals, who have great team defense, an all-universe bullpen, and know how to win mindset, or arguably this year's version of the '76 Reds from Toronto.
It's a grand game, ain't it?
3
So they got these arms, these young guys -- untested, but just nasty. Two NLCS victories came from Syndergard and Matz, each with fewer than 100 innings in the majors. Great, pitching beats hitting, we all know that. They have this outtanowhere offense. Cool, great timing. So what do they do? Steal bases (and runs!). A team that stole 5 bases all year just burned everybody with the unanticipated move. Collins even said in a news conference in the middle of the NLCS "Stealing bases? There's no percentage in that." You sly dog. My heroes: Granderson, Dan Warthen and, above all, the lifer Terry Collins.
19
I meant 200 innings. Thor has 150 and Mats like 37.
I'm a lifelong Yankee fan but am enjoying watching this Mets run. I'm not one of those NY baseball fans who believes you have to hate one team to love the other. They are a fun team to watch and I'm happy for the long-suffering Mets fans. They paid their dues enduring many terrible seasons while rebuilding and waiting for draft picks to mature (and for the ownership's finances to recover from Bernie). Enjoy the ride and I can only hope the Yankees will be good enough to see them in the postseason someday.
24
"You Gotta Believe!!!"
Frank Edwin "Tug" McGraw, Jr
Frank Edwin "Tug" McGraw, Jr
6
Ron Swoboda, Cleon , Tommy, Ed, Al, Don, Jerry, Bud, Tom. Jerry Tug and of course Gil are all smiling somewhere today
1
Sigh. As much as I love the Cubbies, it must be said the better team won. Not sure what happened; it seemed like a different set of Cubs players showed up -- four times. Great job, Mets! Please win the World Series for the NL!
8
66 and the OLDEST manager in baseball? Boy am I getting old!
4
Pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching, PITCHING!
3
My mother, who was a lifelong Cubs fan, was born the year they last won the pennant - 1908. She died at age 95, sad they'd never again won a pennant.
She started taking me to Cubs games when I was still in the womb and now it appears I too may pass without my beloved Cubs still not winning a pennant.
So now I'm passing the torch of frustration to my daughter. May she not have to pass it to another generation.
She started taking me to Cubs games when I was still in the womb and now it appears I too may pass without my beloved Cubs still not winning a pennant.
So now I'm passing the torch of frustration to my daughter. May she not have to pass it to another generation.
6
Ummm, the Cubs won a pennant in 1945 - the last time they made it to the World Series (which they lost). You win a pennant when you win your division, which is how you get to the World Series.
Not sure why my previous comment was posted and has since disappeared but I had pointed out that the Cubs actually won a pennant in 1945 - the last year they qualified for the World Series. You win the pennant when you win your division, which is how you get in to the World Series. They last time they WON a World Series in 1908, but it wasn't the last time they've been to the World Series. (In fact, it was during the 1945 World Series that the 'curse' was made.)
The Mets are a sudden juggernaut complete with laser arms and explosive bats. Champagne awaits.
4
Even though parting is such sweet sorrow I'm glad to see a life long Mets fan like Jon Stewart in the year he retires from the Daily Show get to enjoy one last parting gift from these Anazing Mets.
So roll over Beethoven, tell Billy Crystal the news the Mets are going to the World Series and with comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Stewart how can they lose? They're going to Kansas City, Kansas City here they come..Let's Go Mets!
So roll over Beethoven, tell Billy Crystal the news the Mets are going to the World Series and with comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Stewart how can they lose? They're going to Kansas City, Kansas City here they come..Let's Go Mets!
4
What modicum of logic do you employ? What does one thing have to do with the other?
How 'bout them Cubbies! Wait'll next year!
Perhaps it would help if they started offering feta cheese on the hot dogs at Wrigley Field.
Perhaps it would help if they started offering feta cheese on the hot dogs at Wrigley Field.
1
What's wrong with this picture? Wait, the Met's are National League Champs?! They methodically swept the Cubs without trailing in any game? The team that hasn't had a winning record in seven seasons? The team that could barely score a run back in mid-summer, was out of every game as soon as they fell behind, and was quietly slipping out of contention, wasting one stellar pitching performance after another? The team that seemed to deflate in the last two weeks of the season, and won the division almost by default? What, Daniel Murphy has morphed into a latter day Babe Ruth? What, they're stealing bases? The 2015 Mets? Going to the World Series?
It's kind of surreal, but it's sinking in.
How sweet it is.
(Met fan since '62.)
It's kind of surreal, but it's sinking in.
How sweet it is.
(Met fan since '62.)
41
These years when everything's topsy-turvy are part of the fun of the game; sports that follow form are uninteresting. Predictability is boring.
Fan since '62? We're tempted to admonish a newcomer to consider that, to us, both New York teams are in exile, and when either "Giants" or "Dodgers" are mentioned we think automatically of Ebbets or the Polo Grounds as the only authentic venues for NL baseball in New York, and the Mets as a sort of pickup bunch assembled to fill a distressing emptiness.
We've followed the game since - well, just say the mid-thirties. Hey - it's b-ball, ain't what it was, likely never was, but we can say that about each and every season. That's what makes it interesting!
Fan since '62? We're tempted to admonish a newcomer to consider that, to us, both New York teams are in exile, and when either "Giants" or "Dodgers" are mentioned we think automatically of Ebbets or the Polo Grounds as the only authentic venues for NL baseball in New York, and the Mets as a sort of pickup bunch assembled to fill a distressing emptiness.
We've followed the game since - well, just say the mid-thirties. Hey - it's b-ball, ain't what it was, likely never was, but we can say that about each and every season. That's what makes it interesting!
For the sake of Baseball the Mets must be broken up.
4
Sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep...
Can you believe it?!?
Well. of course, you gotta believe.
Amazin' Mets.. how sweep the sound! (O, how sweep it is).
Can you believe it?!?
Well. of course, you gotta believe.
Amazin' Mets.. how sweep the sound! (O, how sweep it is).
4
Let's go Mets, let's do it again!
1
Even the ivy in Wrigley played badly
10
Congrats to our Amazin' New York Metropolitans!
I loath to agree to with Wilpon, but I agree that these guys display great character. It's so much fun to pull for a group that plays for each other and that roots for each other. This is how Mets teams seem to make it. They do it with a group of guys that know our tough history, know that they are always the underdogs, and know that to accomplish anything they have got to do it together. Wright knows this - you can see from his comment. He understands.
I'm still believing
I loath to agree to with Wilpon, but I agree that these guys display great character. It's so much fun to pull for a group that plays for each other and that roots for each other. This is how Mets teams seem to make it. They do it with a group of guys that know our tough history, know that they are always the underdogs, and know that to accomplish anything they have got to do it together. Wright knows this - you can see from his comment. He understands.
I'm still believing
5
Sports in America, no matter how bad things get we always have games...
1
Bread and circuses. And then just circuses. And then...
1
I hope that they haven't peaked too soon. Sweeping a LCS is usually a poor indicator of WS success.
I hear you - but they did it with a lot of their lineup slumping. Other bats besides Murphy's just started waking up last night. I'm not saying at all that next week is a done deal - way too experienced a Met fan to think that - but they've done enough to go in feeling confident.
1
At 60, and living in Chicago all my life, I had absolutely no expectations that the Cubs would win. It was 1969 all over again. Fellow citizens in this city baffle me when they get their hopes up. It's like Lucy and Charlie Brown with the football-so predictable.
3
They are a year or two away, but they're already the favorites for next year.
I understand but I've heard that same statement since the 1960's. That's the problem. I do wish them well but...
I LOVE THA METS... But most of all, I love how humble and classy our fans are. Especially grain boy from "rural Wisconsin," and our headline writers who misappropriate storied city nicknames on their own whims... Not to mention the thoughtful jab at "casual" Cubs fans (because those types thankfully don't exist in NY). Basically... Long live New York humility!!!
The Mets fans acted exactly the same as any other city's baseball fans would have. Why trash us because you're cranky about a couple of sports writers' choice of words?
1
@Ted You keep believing that buddy... Meanwhile, the commenters here speak for themselves....
As a life-long fan of the Chicago White Sox by virtue of my being born and raised on the South Side of Chicago and being introduced to baseball by my paternal grandfather in 1959, I have never considered the Cubs to be the Chicago home team. My mantra is Sox win, Cubs lose, then all is well. Being perennial losers in a dump of a park never proved attractive to me. Plus they played in a foreign land-the North Side of Chicago- and they played only day games.
At best I am a White Sox fan and fan of any team playing the Cubs except the Cardinals, Dodgers and the Metropolitans. I got into the hopeless Cubs quest by attending some late season games and actually cheering for the Cub. Thus I am pained by joy in the Big Rotten Apple. Go Royals!
At best I am a White Sox fan and fan of any team playing the Cubs except the Cardinals, Dodgers and the Metropolitans. I got into the hopeless Cubs quest by attending some late season games and actually cheering for the Cub. Thus I am pained by joy in the Big Rotten Apple. Go Royals!
2
Go soak your tears in a deep dish pizza.
1
What tears at the heart is that these guys won't be together next year on the same team. There isn't enough money in baseball to afford this team of Mets next year.
Other than Murphy and Cespedes I believe most of the key members of this team are under contract for several seasons to come.
And mgmt is reported to be offering Murphy $16 million for next year. Of course, he will want a multi-year contract, but as long as he is asking no more than four or five years, they have a chance to re-sign him (at less than $16 million a year) and get to a World Series again. That ought to enter into his thinking. Let's not forget he hit .281 had a decent OBP and 38 doubles in less than 500 AB's. That ought to enter into mgmt's thinking. I'm a fan of both the Yanks and Mets. I mean I was born and grew up in the NY area. Why would I be against either of them? Can't wait for the next Subway Series. Oh, any of you who bet $10,000 in Las Vegas for the Mets to sweep the Cubs, lemme know. Will happily accept a gift.
There are Amazing parallels to the 1969 edition of the Mets. Stellar, young pitching, excellent fielding, a good mix of youth, veterans and journeymen playing their roles. And a solid, steady, even-keeled manager who knows his team extremely well. Like the "unbeatable" Orioles of 1969 the AL Champs better watch out because there simply isn't a pitching staff like this is the AL.
26
As a lifelong fan of the Cubs I am heartbroken but I have to congratulate the Mets for a tremendous series. i did not expect such a lopsided outcome. To beat the Mets every game in the regular season and then to lose every game in the post season to the same team is simply confounding.
Can someone please explain what just happened??
Can someone please explain what just happened??
17
Fly balls were hit to the outfield. From the looks of it, something the Cub outfielders had not encountered before.
6
It's not the same team. Period.
5
I remember as a kid in 1988, the Mets had gone 11-1 against the Dodgers in the regular season, and I was sure that LA had no chance in the NLCS. In a short series, anything can happen.
I guess the other part is a lot of those Cubs wins came against a very different Mets lineup (no Cespedes, Wright and D'Arnaud hurt).
I guess the other part is a lot of those Cubs wins came against a very different Mets lineup (no Cespedes, Wright and D'Arnaud hurt).
5
Cue the Yankees fan jumping on the bandwagon!
Frauds.
Frauds.
3
When you a Mets you're Mets all the way from your first cigarette to your last dying day.
17
"I can't explain it," has been Daniel Murphy's reaction to his torrent of home runs.
"Give me 25 guys in their contract year and I'll win you a World Series every year." Sparky Anderson.
Let's go Mets!!
"Give me 25 guys in their contract year and I'll win you a World Series every year." Sparky Anderson.
Let's go Mets!!
18
Sparky Anderson never saw Ian Desmond play.
2
Finally, good karma comes to Mets fans.
Unlike the front-runner, "pink hat" fans of that team in the Bronx, Mets fans stayed loyal to the blue and orange through so many years of frustration.
So, hoist a brew and cut loose a shout for your team, because it's your time Met fans!
Unlike the front-runner, "pink hat" fans of that team in the Bronx, Mets fans stayed loyal to the blue and orange through so many years of frustration.
So, hoist a brew and cut loose a shout for your team, because it's your time Met fans!
6
It's an amazing feeling to realize that the Mets are the NL champs and heading to the World Series. I've had a partial season ticket plan for 30 seasons and seen only one World Series game in person in this time. I have tickets for games 3, 4, and 5 at Citifield and I can't wait. These players managed to come together and gel at the perfect time. It is just so nice to see. On to the World Series . . .
21
Let's hope your game 5 ticket is a souvenir. This from a New Breed Charter Member. Remember the Polo Grounds, Choo Choo, Marvelous Marv, Big Frank and the 2nd greatest MET (Seaver is # 1) of all, # 23, Joe .300 hitter, Christopher.
4
Together with Yogi Berra and Lenny Kravitz.
"Ain't over 'till it's over"
So many tears I've cried
So much pain inside
Baby it ain't over "til it's over
It's over Yogi
"Ain't over 'till it's over"
So many tears I've cried
So much pain inside
Baby it ain't over "til it's over
It's over Yogi
DeGrom, Sydergaard, Harvey, Matz, Familia...this is a staff for the ages, and they're just kids! Just dominant, just dominant. Bring on the AL!
10
Where can I get a Chicago Cubs doormat?
6
The only blemish on this wondrous night was the sight of the Wilpons and Katz receiving the Giles trophy. The Mets did not win the championship because of the Wilpons, they won despite the Wilpons.
63
This will be the Wilpon's third World Series during their tenure. Several teams haven't been there at all during this period. You would probably prefer to have the Dodgers 300 million dollar payroll and be slitting home.
Don't be a grouch, the Wilpons took guff and hate right up to this winning team. Now Madoff money is coming their way plus a World series pot of gold. Sandy Alderson deserves a bit of credit also in this picture of success. Every player on the Mets team looked like an All Star. Getting rid of players during the growth of the Mets history , have helped the growth of a pitching rich team. This was the Mets time. Lets go Mets.
One thing us Cub fans do is not worry about what has been a given for over 70 years. All I can say real Cub fans wish the Mets luck in the World Series. You see real Cub Fans hate the American League who haven't play real baseball since the age of designated hitter was instituted.
Go Mets.
Go Mets.
43
To quote the song by the late Steve Goodman, "Do they still sing the blues in Chicago when baseball season rolls around?"
I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window. Open it, and stick your head out, and yell, 'LET'S GO METS! LET'S GO METS!!!!!!!"
21
Thrilled is not the word – fascinated and exhausted are better descriptions for this run. I get to sleep around 5 am Paris time. But worth it, ever since my first game at Shea with my grandfather in 1965: A twilight double header against the Reds. Lost both if I recall. This of course changes everything. Onward into the wee hours of the night!
5
I'd be lying if I didn't say I am totally shocked, but as a fan of over 50-years, totally happy about this "Band of Brothers" who have taken baseball by storm. Can this be the same team that couldn't get out of its own way back in June and July? The answer is a resounding "YES'!!! Just 4 wins to go - not easy, but they have the confidence to do it.
4
Believe!
Murphy Magic
For all the loyal fans who stick by the Mets (and Knicks) finally, sweet reward...Fun!
Murphy Magic
For all the loyal fans who stick by the Mets (and Knicks) finally, sweet reward...Fun!
4
Watched the game with my daughter ( she faded by 11pm), a die hard Met fan who used to skip school to watch Seaver pitch , I had tears in my eyes at the final out, God bless the METS , this is, I truly believe ,our year !!!
5
Page one headline says "seventh of the postseason," not "record-setting six in a row" for Daniel Murphy's major league postseason home record record? Come on!
3
The goat gloats.
Congratulations Mets!!
Stellar pitching, combined with and timely hitting and solid fielding - a joy to watch!!
Terry very deservedly joins the exclusive club of Mets pennant winning managers: Gil - Yogi - Davey - Bobby
LETS GO METS!!
Stellar pitching, combined with and timely hitting and solid fielding - a joy to watch!!
Terry very deservedly joins the exclusive club of Mets pennant winning managers: Gil - Yogi - Davey - Bobby
LETS GO METS!!
6
Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!Lets Go Mets !!!!!!!!!!!
YAHOOO !!!!!!!!
YAHOOO !!!!!!!!
14
Oh no, Cubbies! I'm proud of you, fellas.
What an easy team to love.
What a great group of players, human beings, and teammates.
No one could have envisioned this back in June or July. That's what makes this moment so...well....amazing.
It's a wonderful time to be a baseball fan, a Met fan, and a New Yorker. In the crazy world we live in today, the Mets have given us all something to collectively smile about....
Let's Go Mets!!!!!
What a great group of players, human beings, and teammates.
No one could have envisioned this back in June or July. That's what makes this moment so...well....amazing.
It's a wonderful time to be a baseball fan, a Met fan, and a New Yorker. In the crazy world we live in today, the Mets have given us all something to collectively smile about....
Let's Go Mets!!!!!
45
The Mets could do no wrong. The Cubs could do no right.
This season, you could go up and down the lineup (including the manager) and show how each Cub was instrumental in the team's success. In this series, conversely, no Cub was blameless. Each and every one made fundamental mistakes in some capacity.
Not that the Mets needed it, but the pitch that ended this series was also quite telling--outside the zone but on a crucial AB the ump expanded the strike zone on Cub batters. No-one could have beaten the Mets this series, but when you have umping like this throughout it becomes impossible to mount any sustained offensive pressure.
Cubs fans should be awful proud of this team. They'll be back. Soon. And I'm glad that the once awesome Cubs-Mets rivalry has now been revived.
This season, you could go up and down the lineup (including the manager) and show how each Cub was instrumental in the team's success. In this series, conversely, no Cub was blameless. Each and every one made fundamental mistakes in some capacity.
Not that the Mets needed it, but the pitch that ended this series was also quite telling--outside the zone but on a crucial AB the ump expanded the strike zone on Cub batters. No-one could have beaten the Mets this series, but when you have umping like this throughout it becomes impossible to mount any sustained offensive pressure.
Cubs fans should be awful proud of this team. They'll be back. Soon. And I'm glad that the once awesome Cubs-Mets rivalry has now been revived.
5
Between the Mets and the Cubs, the Mets were a VERY GOOD second choice in the contest of being the best team at being bad. May they now finish the task at hand!
As for the poor Cubs....there's always the next millennium.
As for the poor Cubs....there's always the next millennium.
1
I'm a little confused. Tyler Kepner is a fine writer, but Tim Rohan followed this team all season long. Why didn't he get to write this? As for the Mets, what can be said other than, Amazin!
1
When the Mets have to battle back, when they are behind and come back to win, that's the true test. Didn't have to see that in this series.
Might be different.. just sayin'...
Might be different.. just sayin'...
Unfortunately, you probably didn't see that the Mets were behind and did battle back to win all season long and in so many ways. The Mets faced adversity in so many ways---from injuries, to the demoralizing scandal behind losing Jenrry Mejia, their hitting difficulties. It is a miracle that the Mets overcame all of their obstacles this season. They so deserve this pennant, no question.
4
You're in Los Angeles. Did you already forget that last week, the Mets came back to win the game 5 clincher against the Dodgers after being down 2-0 in the first inning?
1
Congratulations to the Mets and their fans for top notch baseball.
That said, could you PLEASE lay off the many laments about how rare it is for your team to win? About "long suffering fans" - at least in comparison to the Cubs?
It's salt in the wound for the franchise which is the personification of long suffering.
And relentless, almost clinical optimism. A team half comprised of Rookies that went this far?
Wait until next year! Go Cubs!!
That said, could you PLEASE lay off the many laments about how rare it is for your team to win? About "long suffering fans" - at least in comparison to the Cubs?
It's salt in the wound for the franchise which is the personification of long suffering.
And relentless, almost clinical optimism. A team half comprised of Rookies that went this far?
Wait until next year! Go Cubs!!
26
I am a die-hard Met fan, but you make a good point.
Cubs have much to be proud of. Such a young team with a bright future. Not the ending Cubs fans dreamed of, but a season for which the entire organization can hold their heads high. Theo Epstein is a genius, and he, as well as the entire organization, deserves a big congrats for the path they've set this club on.
Cubs have much to be proud of. Such a young team with a bright future. Not the ending Cubs fans dreamed of, but a season for which the entire organization can hold their heads high. Theo Epstein is a genius, and he, as well as the entire organization, deserves a big congrats for the path they've set this club on.
16
Yes...they weren't expected to be this good, this fast. Neither were the Mets, who I root for, so stop whining Cubs fans. You'll have your time. This year it was the Mets, next year.....
1
Beautifully put. Go Joe & Cubs next year.
"Amazing......simply amazing"
Let's go Mets !
Let's go Mets !
15
And kudos to hitting coach Kevin Long, who the Mets picked up after he was let go by the Yankees after 2014, and clearly is now working some awesome magic.
7
Except in cinema, the Cubs will always be losers, forever relegated the favorite of tourists, Second City and SNL alum, traders looking for an afternoon away from the CBOE, and fickle sportswriters too busy waxing hyperbole about how a few postseason wins MUST mean the Cubs have shed the tagline that superstitious musings from a certain hamburger seller and his goat doomed their fate decades ago.
The Cubs made fools of the St. Louis Cards--a team that should've made mincemeat of anyone in their path. Anyone can have a bad night; or two, three; like the Cubbies, eternity. Unlike the Cards, whose team will return to the Playoffs, as they have many time, the Cubs will wait another year to find out just how out of place they were...are.
The Cubs made fools of the St. Louis Cards--a team that should've made mincemeat of anyone in their path. Anyone can have a bad night; or two, three; like the Cubbies, eternity. Unlike the Cards, whose team will return to the Playoffs, as they have many time, the Cubs will wait another year to find out just how out of place they were...are.
1
The Curse of the Billy Goat strikes again.
1
I was at Games 1 and 7 of the '86 series. I hope very soon that I won't have seen the Mets' last WS win. Aw heck. You know what I mean. My first season as a fan was '73, I remember Willie Mays on his knees in Game 2 and how disappointed I was ... You gotta believe! Lets go Mets!
That's it then. No hoverboard...
3
The Cubs were outplayed.I am proud of the Cubs 97 wins and a second round playoff victory over the Cardinals. These Boys aren't going away.
They will be back next year.
Congratulations to the N.Y. Mets!
They will be back next year.
Congratulations to the N.Y. Mets!
1
Fabulous first paragraph Kepner! Hope the Series is not on TBS -- those guys stopped doing the play by play in the 4th inning. Let's Go Mets!
3
YES!!! I still remember the 1969 World Series when they won!! I am so looking forward to another!!
Something interesting I just read....Feel free to file this under "small-sample observations that probably don't mean very much." That said, LCS "sweepers" have not fared well in the Fall Classic. Since the ALCS and NLCS went to a best-of-seven format in 1985, seven teams have swept the LCS. Of those seven teams, only one, the 1995 Braves, went on to win the World Series. The overarching lesson is that there's no such thing as carryover momentum in baseball.
That being said...LET'S GO METS!!
That being said...LET'S GO METS!!
I watched almost every Cubs game from about August 8th until the 5th inning of Game 2. Not sure what team your Mets played. Was it the same one that handily beat the Pirates and Cardinals? I know the post season is different AND good pitching beats good hitting, but that was ridiculous! I know you've waited a "long time" Mets fans, but last time the Cubs won the World Series Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were still alive!
1
I'm happy that the Cubs are out of it. Had they gone on to win the Series, we never would have heard the end of the "Back to the Future" connection and references.
No one needed that.
No one needed that.
9
As Mr. Kepner pointed out, so much of the Mets' success should be attributed to their savvy coaching staff. Yes, the players make it happen, as Terry Collins has pointed out, but they have received great guidance and advice. From the sudden base stealing surge, to the strategic use of their bullpen all the way up to Lucas Duda's reemergence they are squeezing every bit of opportunity out situations. David Wright has exerted wise, mature leadership by keeping the players within themselves and not letting loose. Don't underestimate his influence.
Mattingly and McGuire may have been great players, but as Larry Bird discovered, success on the court/field doesn't always translate to running a team well. It has been a pleasure to watch this team come together. What fun!
Mattingly and McGuire may have been great players, but as Larry Bird discovered, success on the court/field doesn't always translate to running a team well. It has been a pleasure to watch this team come together. What fun!
31
I'm sure Mets fans hope he brings his "golden" bat to the World Series, not a "gilded" one! :-)
"The Mets will hope that their sudden star, Daniel Murphy, brings his gilded bat to the World Series."
Merrimack-Webster's New Collegiate; "to give an attractive but often deceptive appearance to"
"The Mets will hope that their sudden star, Daniel Murphy, brings his gilded bat to the World Series."
Merrimack-Webster's New Collegiate; "to give an attractive but often deceptive appearance to"
3
As a lifelong baseball fan, I'd always wanted that "Back to the Future, Part II" prediction about the Cubs to come true. But as a lifelong Mets fan, this chance they've given themselves in "the year of the Nationals" is so much cooler. And so much more unexpected!
6
Hitting is all about timing. Pitching is all about upsetting that timing. These young arms have done a phenomenal job this post season. As a Mets fan for over 40 years, I cannot remember the last time we had these many crafty flamethrowers. Just a pleasure to watch. Just great teamwork all around. Terry Collins, you paid your dues in baseball. You deserve full credit for maximizing this team's potential. Enjoy the ride Sir!
8
Oh joy of joy!!! Oh dream of dreams!!!! (apologies to Mel Brooks) Could it be that the curse of New York's unsavory reputation as the Sour Apple of post season sports is about to be lifted thanks to the Mets? Is it a little premature to anticipate the triumphant ticker take parade in lower Manhattan?
1
I am surprised at how pleased the Mets sweep - never behind throughout the whole series - makes me. I did hold some sympathy for the long-suffering fans of Wrigley.
I guess the memory of the Cubs' churlishness during the regular season in 1969 - and the joy of overtaking them - runs deeper than I thought.
Mets-Mania? Must be genetic...
I guess the memory of the Cubs' churlishness during the regular season in 1969 - and the joy of overtaking them - runs deeper than I thought.
Mets-Mania? Must be genetic...
1
The Mets have seemed "charmed" throughout the series. The Amazing Mets!
12
Good clean baseball! Fun to watch all these guys from both teams.
38
An earlier comment, happily updated:
I know what you're thinking. "Did he hit six home runs or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a 2015 Murphy the most surprising home run hitter in the world, and would blow this series wide open, you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, Met fan?
I know what you're thinking. "Did he hit six home runs or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a 2015 Murphy the most surprising home run hitter in the world, and would blow this series wide open, you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, Met fan?
35
Yes. :-)
As a White Sox fan, all I have to say is, "Cubs Lose! Cubs Lose!"
1
It's the same in New York: it's not enough for the Mets to win; the Yankees must also lose.
1
The White Sox have fans?
As a Cardinal fan, I'm with you.
Sometimes in baseball the die is cast. A Red Sox fan, I did not watch game 7 in 1986. The Series clearly ended with Game 6. When you break a team's spirit they fold. Down 2-0 at home, Game 3 was the fatal blow. The Mets' Triple A team could have won this one. The Cubs did not show up.
17
After 2004, I cannot imagine how a Red Sox fan can say, "When you break a team's spirit they fold."
Of course, as a Red Sox fan, I know you will at least agree with me that the prime motivation in rooting for the Mets at this point is because it makes the Yankees look and feel bad.
Of course, as a Red Sox fan, I know you will at least agree with me that the prime motivation in rooting for the Mets at this point is because it makes the Yankees look and feel bad.
2
The Cubs showed up. But these playoff Mets are charmed and so far can do no wrong. Here's hoping it continues for one more series!
1
Really? Was Game 7 already over even when the Red Sox took a 3-0 lead in the 2nd inning of that game? Or nearly tied the game in the 8th?
I think we only consider that game "over before it started" in retrospect, since we know how it turned out.
I think we only consider that game "over before it started" in retrospect, since we know how it turned out.
1
Great article! The Mets have been thru the tough years & constrained spending.
The current & prior GMs had their scouts pick out great pitchers to be; the current GM made great trades at last minute players; unfortunately Uribe is hurt & could NOT enjoy the victory. I hope Cespedes isn't hurt for the Series.
Toronto is like the Mets, made by late trades to win this year. KC is a tough team, who went all the way the the Series & lost in 7. Watch out Mets, either of those teams will be a tougher than the Cubs with their many rookies.
The current & prior GMs had their scouts pick out great pitchers to be; the current GM made great trades at last minute players; unfortunately Uribe is hurt & could NOT enjoy the victory. I hope Cespedes isn't hurt for the Series.
Toronto is like the Mets, made by late trades to win this year. KC is a tough team, who went all the way the the Series & lost in 7. Watch out Mets, either of those teams will be a tougher than the Cubs with their many rookies.
7
Not that great an article. It isn't necessary to say the Mets never led in the series when they swept ...
Trades yes, but don't forget we got Wright and D'Arnaud back and Conforto came...as well as Matz
POPE FRANCIS PROPOSES SAINTHOOD FOR METS' PLAYER . . .
...Dennis Murphy. He added that this was indeed unusual because Mr. Murphy was still alive.
El Papa dice que asi un facinado de baseballo y Senor Murphy tiene muchas miriclaes mas que cinco casa quarto runos.
...Dennis Murphy. He added that this was indeed unusual because Mr. Murphy was still alive.
El Papa dice que asi un facinado de baseballo y Senor Murphy tiene muchas miriclaes mas que cinco casa quarto runos.
9
It's Daniel baby.
9
Daniel it is. Ten Our Fathers and ten Hail Marys, David.
"FW,'' Even the Pope who is infallible is human and can make mistakes on non liturgical issues.
Oh my goodness! The joy, complete.. We have waited so long, yet, we always believed. Watching this last game was an absolute thrill. My sympathies to the Cubs. They were brave. Who knows, maybe next year. 2015, its the New York Mets. Only Mets fans dreamed this. Thank God for this beautiful time.
42
Reit, April, OMG from time to time but eventually we all get to submit to inevitability. I am sure Steve Goodman is smiling still in his heaven proud that the Cubs persevered and triumphed in their Central Division, odds meaning nothing.
Mets, fans, and the country can enjoy the World Series, I dare to say without concern for the final outcome. Shining in the pride of achevement.
Mets, fans, and the country can enjoy the World Series, I dare to say without concern for the final outcome. Shining in the pride of achevement.
Cute...."we've waited so long". Cubs fans have waited 70 years, and now must utter the phrase "wait 'til next year" once again. After sweeping the regular season from the Mets this series is a bitter pill to swallow. Good luck!
1
YOU have waited so long.........?
1
does feel that we are, somehow, all together here, even in the midst of the anonymous.