Its hard to imagine moving on so soon after the season ended suddenly yesterday, but the ceremony of saying goodbye to Shea put things in better perspective for me.
I realized that as a Mets fan, I have so much to be grateful for. I have so many great memories and while I have been disappointed quite a bit lately I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to watch my team win a championship, play in two world series and be a legitimate contender for the better part of my short lifetime so far.
But being a fan is more than just wins and losses. Its the memories I have of games i’ve witnessed whether or not they were part of a winning season, its the players i’ve rooted for and grown fond of because of their sincere love and appreciation of playing for this team. Its the times i’ve shared at the ballpark with my father, and lifelong friends. Its Shea Stadium, which was my home for the better part of the past 20 years, and will soon be just a memory.
Its hard to let go of this season, but watching Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza take a long walk to the centerfield gate in almost a dream-like sequence, I felt so fortunate, so proud of being a fan of this team. Losing is part of the deal, having your heart broken in such epic fashion time and again is what we signed up for. Because every so often, there are moments of indescribable joy.
Watching Mike and Tom yesterday was one of those moments, and very soon, on a late October night in the not so distant future, I promise you there will be another moment that makes you feel that same indescribable joy.
