My Two Cents: Basic Training
"Ya gotta believe," is a phrase which, for a long time, has been part of The New York Mets tradition.
I had just finished watching The New York Mets score five runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to comeback and win, beating the Chicago Cubs 6-5. It was an unlikely win since The Mets hadn't done anything like it since 1999.
Here is the thing:
For eight innings it didn't look like The Mets had it in them to win. It looked as if they were just going through the motions and were playing the game without any competitive fire. They were down 5-1 and it was the Cubs game to win - until the ninth.
All of a sudden, one hit led to another and the die-hard fans that had remained in their seats, loyally, began to stir as the hits turned into runs. It was obvious that something special was happening.
With one last swing of the bat, New York Met Carlos Delgado, hit a single, knocking in the final two runs, kicking off a wild celebration at the plate, that rippled across Shea Stadium.
I decided that this turnaround of events which led to their comeback, really began with a seed that was planted back in 1973 with the former Mets great, the late Tug McGraw.
In 1973, relief pitcher Tug McGraw led The Mets from last place to first place winning one of baseballs most memorable and unlikely National League Championship races. When the baseball experts had all counted The New York Mets out, Tug McGraw was determined and decided not to give in.
"Ya gotta believe!"
is the challenge that he put to his teammates and they accepted his challenge as an opportunity not to give in or give up!
I think that is how the phrase became the rallying cry for The Mets and the challenge continues today - forever a part of the club's rich traditions.
When you find that it's necessary to come from behind, when the win looks unlikely and "the experts" have counted you out,
Just believe!
That's my two cents (for whatever it's worth),
Auguste Roc
auguste@danaroc.com
