The New York Mets are a professional baseball franchise based in the borough of Queens in New York City. Established in 1962 to restore National League baseball to New York after the departure of the Giants and Dodgers, the club competes in Major League Baseball's National League East division. The team colors are blue and orange, motifs that reference New York's earlier National League clubs. The nickname "Mets" is short for "Metropolitans," a name with historical ties to 19th-century New York baseball and to numerous civic institutions that use the metropolitan label.

Identity and characteristics

The Mets are known for a distinctive visual identity and a broad fan culture. The club crest and uniform incorporate the city skyline and an orange baseball stitching motif, while the team mascot, Mr. Met, is one of the more recognizable mascots in American sports. Mets fans are drawn from across New York City and the surrounding region; the team is often associated with working-class New Yorkers and a passionate, sometimes theatrical, fan base.

Home parks

The franchise has played in several notable New York parks. The Mets began play at the Polo Grounds for their inaugural 1962 season before moving into Shea Stadium in 1964. Shea served as the Mets' home through the 2008 season and was demolished during 2009. In 2009 the team moved into Citi Field, a modern ballpark built adjacent to the old Shea site in the Corona neighborhood of Queens. Each of these parks has been a focal point for the club's history and many of its most memorable moments.

History and notable moments

Although the Mets struggled in their early years, they achieved sudden prominence in 1969 when an unexpectedly successful club — often called the "Miracle Mets" — won the World Series. The franchise captured its second World Series title in 1986 after a dramatic postseason run. The Mets have reached the World Series on additional occasions, including notable appearances in 1973, 2000 and 2015. Over the decades the team has featured several outstanding players and managers who have become central to its story.

Players, honors and traditions

The Mets' history includes Hall of Famers, memorable individual performances and a set of retired numbers and honors. The franchise has retired several uniform numbers in recognition of major contributors, and Major League Baseball has retired number 42 across all clubs in honor of Jackie Robinson. The Mets maintain team-specific honors and a Wall of Fame that celebrate players, managers and executives who shaped the club. Classic figures associated with the Mets include managers such as Casey Stengel and players whose careers defined eras for the team.

Rivalries and significance

The Mets take part in a long-running crosstown rivalry with the New York Yankees known informally as the "Subway Series"; matchups between the two clubs highlight the city's split Major League tradition. Within their division, the Mets compete regularly with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals. Beyond wins and losses, the franchise plays a cultural role in New York sports, serving as a regional symbol of pride and resilience.

Further information

Note: This article provides a concise, neutral summary of the franchise. For current rosters, season records, ticket information and day-to-day news, consult official club sources and contemporary sports coverage.