Worst moments at Shea: Scioscia takes Doc deep

Los Angeles Dodgers batter Mike Scioscia hits a two-run homer to tie up the National League playoff game with the New York Mets in New York, Oct. 9, 1988, as Mets catcher Gary Carter and umpire Dutch Rennert watch the action. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Shea Stadium was the home of the New York Mets for 45 seasons (1964-2008). Now, 10 years after they Mets left, many magical Shea moments like the Miracle Mets of 1969 and the Amazin’ Mets comebacks in the 1986 World Series are still remembered. But most Mets fans can only remember the most painful moments at the stadium they referred to as “a dump, but our dump.” Here’s a look back of some of the worst moments at Shea Stadium history:

Oct. 9, 1988 — It was the Dodgers who did the coming back in Game 4, and they did it in stunning fashion against the Mets ace.

Dwight Gooden started for the Mets, and the Dodgers scored early, just as they had in Game 1.

A two-run single from John Shelby with two outs would give Los Angeles the lead. But once again, the Mets rebounded from the early deficit, this time against Dodgers starter John Tudor.

With no outs and a man on in the 4th inning, Darryl Strawberry launched a long home run to right to tie the score.

One batter later, Kevin McReynolds hit a homer of his own, over the bleachers in left field to put the Mets ahead. The Mets expanded their lead on an RBI triple from Gary Carter in the 6th inning.

With a 4-2 lead going into the 9th inning, and Gooden cruising, the Mets looked to be a lock to take a commanding 3-games-to-1 lead in the series.

Since the 1st inning, Gooden had allowed only 1 hit and 4 baserunners.

But uncharacteristically, Gooden walked John Shelby to lead off the 9th, after having a two-strike count. Dodgers catcher Mike Scioscia then drilled a shocking 2-run homer into the Mets bullpen in right field to tie the game.

The game lasted into the 12th inning, when Kirk Gibson hit a two-out solo four-bagger off Roger McDowell.

Although the Mets loaded the bases in their half of the 12th, Orel Hershiser came in from the bullpen, the day after starting, and got McReynolds on a ly ball for the final out of the game.

Hershiser got the save, and the Dodgers’ victory tied the series at two games apiece. Hershier would then shut out the Mets in Game 7 to win the series.

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About the Author

MeetTheMess
Lifetime Met fan who hates his parents for making him become a Mets fan as a child. No amount of therapy has helped and cannot switch teams now. Quitting smoking was easier. What a joke this organization really is, how much pain and suffering it has brought us through the years. Bad enough to be in Big Apple with Yankees fans.

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