NLDS Game 4 IGT 10/9/2024: PHI@NYM — The Wonder of it All

[Edgy MD]

"What would it be like to actually just grab on and hold on?"

[bmfc1]

The Tabloid Cover Derby is going to be incredible this year. I hear that the staff at HQ is working overtime to handle all of the extra covers.

[Benjamin Grimm]

The Tabloid Cover Derby is going to be incredible this year. I hear that the staff at HQ is working overtime to handle all of the extra covers.

[Centerfield]

Just got home. Omg. Biggest moment i
I’ve ever seen live.

First few innings were frustrating. I was exhausted and my voice was gone. It always felt like they would score. Just a matter if we would then hold on.

What a game. I’m totally spent.

That's great. Who were you with?

Brought the family. My wife and I ditched work early. SC took a train down from college. We picked up our daughter and made the trek to Citi. It was super inconvenient given the game time, but man, was it worth it. This is only my second post-season game ever. Game 1 of the 2015 NLCS is my only other one. So this isn't something I'm used to. I think I'm still processing the whole thing.

The crowd was super into it. Murphy threw out the first pitch to Bartolo. Both got big receptions, but I think Bartolo got a little bit more. Crazy if you think about it. They played these video montages of the past few weeks, and some about starting 0-5. Once you see those you think we're going all the way. Quintana started strong, and each time the Mets threatened everyone was going nuts, on their feet. Imploring the Mets on. But because they didn't score, each time it got more and more frustrating. By the end of 3 we were exhausted. My wife's voice was gone. I had to sit for a while just to kinda reset. All the while I was feeling super stressed. Like all the goofy stuff you love about regular season games seemed so out of place in this life or death situation. Trivia? Vote for karaoke? Dance troupe? Do you guys not understand what's at stake here?

Once the Phillies scored the crowd deflated a bit. I don't think anyone felt like the game was lost, but that we would definitely regret those opportunities that were squandered. I figured we'd eventually get to Suarez, or the bullpen, but we'd be down a few runs, or sweating out holding slim lead rather than tacking on. When JD led off with a single, I was hoping Mendoza would run for him. I didn't want to get into the late innings trailing.

By the time Lindor came up it was more frustration. Alvarez had grounded into a FC without a run scoring. But once Lindor came up, I think everyone was confident. "This is who we want" Stuff like that. I don't think I even let myself dream of a grand slam. Was hoping for a double into the gap. At least a SF to tie the game. But once he hit that ball we all erupted. I could hear some of the crowd holding their breath but I thought it was gone off the bat. Absolute hysteria. We were all hugging and high-fiving strangers. People were crying. Some were calling family members. It was crazy. We have a big family chat with my parents and my brother and his wife. It was buzzing non-stop. Part of me wishes I had video of the moment but I honestly didn't even think to have my phone out. It was so stressful until he hit it, and once he did it was just pandemonium.

After that, my whole vibe changed. It was like a party the rest of the way. I danced along with DJ Lomo. Sang Piano Man during the 8th. I missed the seventh inning stretch standing in the line for the bathroom but who cares. Lazy Mary surrounded by strangers who had to pee. Why not?

And then the 9th. Everyone around us agreed Peterson should have been at least allowed to start the inning, with Diaz as an insurance policy if he got in trouble. So the trumpets were fun, but everyone was like "uhhhh ok". Once he walked the first guy we tried to talk ourselves into staying calm. After the second walk we were all ready to die. I had these visions of Kody Clemens getting back at us for all the snark on the scoreboard, but he eventually struck out. We celebrated the second out but everyone knew what was coming up. I don't think anyone breathed until Schwarber struck out. But once he did everyone just let it all out. Screaming. Hugging. Tears. Lots of people filming. Some just standing there soaking it in. Crazy stuff.

It's especially weird for me. I didn't grow up around NY. I only get to a handful of games each year, and like I said this is only my second post-season game. Anytime the discussion turns to "I was at that game where this happened" I have nothing to add. I'm never at that game. But I was there for this. The four of us just stood there standing around afterwards like did this just happen? Did the Mets really clinch at home? Were we really here for this?

I don't know how this season will end, or where this grand slam will end up in Mets lore. But I can't believe my family and I were there to see Mets history in person. Crazy.

[metirish]

Haha

[batmagadanleadoff]

Anytime the discussion turns to "I was at that game where this happened" I have nothing to add. I'm never at that game. But I was there for this.

That line was a beaut I laughed out loud. Glad you were there and enjoyed the moment.

[metirish]

Yes, great recap and memories for you all

[Benjamin Grimm]

Anytime the discussion turns to "I was at that game where this happened" I have nothing to add. I'm never at that game. But I was there for this.

I have a few, more bad games than good, but I was at 1986 World Series Game Six. I knew immediately that I would never top that.

[Lefty Specialist]

That was awesome. So glad you got to see it. There is nothing like a stadium rocking to its core with delirious Mets fans.

[Edgy MD]

Haha

My eyes ain't processing too well, but did I briefly see the Centerfields on the giant scoreboard (the giant CENTERFIELD scoreboard) in this clip?

[Benjamin Grimm]

"Semifinals?"

[Frayed Knot]

"Semifinals?"

Well, technically it is.
Might be one if those British ex-pat fans (his name is Basil after all) who's new to baseball and hasn't quite got all the terminology down yet.

[batmagadanleadoff]

"Semifinals?"

Well, technically it is.
Might be one if those British ex-pat fans (his name is Basil after all) who's new to baseball and hasn't quite got all the terminology down yet.

The Mets are in the Final Four.

[Bob Alpacadaca]

Great recap, Centerfield. What a wonderful memory for you and your family!

[Frayed Knot]

Back to the Lindor HR clip for a moment: I view his rather low key HR trot (let's face it, VERY low key in this era) to be spot on perfect in that situation.

It's a YUGE moment in a yuge game but there's also lots of ball to go and it's a three run lead, not six or eight. Whether intentional or not (I'm voting intentional) it sends a message to the team not to lose focus or forget what's at stake. 'Do your jobs' ... and if we all do them well we can cut loose later on, but not yet.

Not that over the top acts like Winker's from last week aren't fun to see. But he's a part-timer and likely a temporary mercenary. Lindor's role is different and it's more important and he knows that. I thought he played it perfectly.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I agree.

And he's past due to be named the captain of the team. Hopefully it happens before or during spring training next year.

[The Hot Corner]

Lindor is the man. He is the heart and soul of the Mets.

Ohtani may have had an unbelievable, historic season, but no one has been more valuable or important to the success of his team than Fracisco Lindor has been (and is) to the Mets.

[Gwreck]

And he's past due to be named the captain of the team. Hopefully it happens before or during spring training next year.

Two thoughts:
1. Why? The idea that a team needs a “captain” seems to be entirely a fan- or media-driven issue. If the players want to do it themselves, ok. Why do we care?

2. Even setting all that aside, why would Lindor necessarily be that person rather than, say, longest-tenured Met Brandon Nimmo?

[Fman99]

Back to the Lindor HR clip for a moment: I view his rather low key HR trot (let's face it, VERY low key in this era) to be spot on perfect in that situation.

It's a YUGE moment in a yuge game but there's also lots of ball to go and it's a three run lead, not six or eight. Whether intentional or not (I'm voting intentional) it sends a message to the team not to lose focus or forget what's at stake. 'Do your jobs' ... and if we all do them well we can cut loose later on, but not yet.

Not that over the top acts like Winker's from last week aren't fun to see. But he's a part-timer and likely a temporary mercenary. Lindor's role is different and it's more important and he knows that. I thought he played it perfectly.

Seconded.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

The trot could also be interpreted as a passive aggressive message to the Phillies-- your bullpen isn't worthy of theatrics.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I don't think the team "needs" a captain, I just think that it's an honor that Lindor deserves. And I don't know what goes on in the clubhouse, but from what I've seen with my own eyes watching on television, Lindor seems more like a leader than Nimmo does.