MetsRewind TV: A Wild Pitch Walk-off
On the final day of the 1999 season, it was win or go home for the Mets. One wild pitch set off an Amazin' chain of events.
The New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates entered the final day of the 1999 season moving in different directions. Pittsburgh was playing out the season and the Mets — and the 50,111 Shea Stadium fans — were hoping something Amazin’ would transpire that would extend their season to Monday.
The was tied 1-1 headed into the bottom of the ninth. Mets pinch-hitter Bobby Bonilla grounded out, Melvin Mora singled, Edgardo Alfonzo singled, moving Mora to third base and John Olerud was walked intentionally.
Pirates manager Gene Lamont brought in Brad Clontz and Mike Piazza stepped to the plate with one out and the bases loaded. The first pitch from Clontz was a wild pitch allowing Mora to score the winning run.
After the game Piazza told the media:
“Martin Brodeur would have had a tough time handling it. I’m just fortunate I didn’t swing at it. That would have been embarrassing. I feel like maybe I haven’t woken up yet. It’s surreal.” — Mike Piazza
ABOUT @METSREWIND
New York was redefined on March 6, 1961 when the New York Metropolitan Baseball Club Inc. formally received a certificate of membership from league president Warren Giles.
Of the 30 Major League Baseball clubs today, the case could be made that no other team has a more compelling franchise history than the New York Mets. From Casey Stengel to Yogi Berra, Marv Throneberry to Tom Seaver, Willie Mays, Tug McGraw, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Bobby Valentine, Pedro Martinez, Matt Harvey and Pete Alonso, the Mets are loaded with character(s).
Then there are the Amazin’ seasons — 1962, 1969, 1973, 1986, 2000, 2006-2008 and 2015 — full of miracles, joy, hope and heartbreak.
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