Dwight Gooden
Dwight Gooden
New York Mets and the History of Shea Stadium
In the 1950s, New York lost both the Giants and the Dodgers and rumors stated that the teams left, in part, due to the fact that they wanted a new stadium. This left New York with only one remaining baseball team. By 1960, National League owners were ready to award new baseball franchise teams to New York with one of the requirements being the construction of a new stadium.
True to their word, on October 28, 1961, the city of New York began construction on a new facility that would accommodate future Major League Baseball games. Originally called Flushing Meadow Park, the facility was later named Shea Stadium and is now home to the New York Mets. It’s name change was inspired by William A. Shea, an attorney who was instrumental in the efforts to bring National League baseball back to New York. When construction was complete, the stadium had cost $25 million and was ready to open it’s doors on April 17, 1964. In front of a crowd of more than 48,000 spectators, the New York Mets suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Pirates.
Through the years, few cosmetic changes have occurred at Shea Stadium. New seats were installed simply because the aging ones needed replacing but, otherwise, the facility is much the same as it appeared on opening day more than four decades ago. Technological advancements made it possible for modern scoreboards and luxury suites, along with the New York Mets Magic Top Hat attraction, which is designed to honor homerun hits by one of the New York Mets players. In celebration of each homerun, spectators will see a large red apple rise from the hat.
The New York Mets and Shea Stadium have witnessed a number of great moments over the years, including the stadium’s first homerun, which was belted by Willie Stargell in 1964. That same year, Jim Bunning pitched the only perfect game to ever be thrown in Shea Stadium’s history. Additionally, fans watched in 1984 as Dwight Gooden set a Major League rookie record with 276 strikeouts. Another memorable moment, which occurred in 1996, was observed as Todd Hundley defeated Roy Campanella’s 43 year Major League record, which honored the most homeruns by a catcher in a single season.
To this day, discussions often resurface about renovating the home of the New York Mets. Although rich in history and in charm, thoughts of replacing Shea Stadium to build a new home for the New York Mets have been expressed. At this point, nothing has been decided and fans will continue to enjoy the facility that they have come to know for more than 40 years.
Collectors who wish to request an autograph from any one of the players on the New York Mets roster should send their letter and a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to:
Player’s Name
c/o New York Mets
Shea Stadium
123-01 Roosevelt Avenue
Flushing, NY 11368
Fans requesting an autograph should limit their request to two items per letter. Popular items to have signed include photos, index or trading cards, baseballs, etc. Patience is key when requesting autographs through the mail, but the best time to reach an athlete is often during the off-season.
About the Author
Read the latest New York Mets news, New York Yankees news and all other baseball news on http://www.sportsnews24h.com/Baseball/
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Dwight Gooden New York Mets 8×10 Photo (1988 Action Horizontal) $12.95 Dwight Gooden New York Mets 8×10 Photo (1988 Action Horizontal). Officially licensed by the MLB. Unsigned photo is perfect for framing or obtaining your own signature and is mailed via USPS in photo mailer…. |
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Doc Gooden Autographed/Hand Signed Mets 16×20 photo $104.95 Doc Gooden signed New York Mets 16×20 color photo. This item was signed at the Chantilly, VA show at the Dulles Expo Center July 11-13, 2008. Dwight Doc Gooden was 1984 NL ROY for the NY Mets and followed it up by winning the 1985 NL Cy Young Award. Helped lead Mets to 1986 World Series Championship. This item was signed at a public show and will come with an autograph ticket from the show with… |
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Doc Gooden Autographed/Hand Signed Mets 8×10 photo (Pose 1) $70.95 Doc Gooden signed New York Mets 8×10 color photo (Pose 1). This item was signed at the Chantilly, VA show at the Dulles Expo Center July 11-13, 2008. Dwight Doc Gooden was 1984 NL ROY for the NY Mets and followed it up by winning the 1985 NL Cy Young Award. Helped lead Mets to 1986 World Series Championship. This item was signed at a public show and will come with an autograph ticket from the … |
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The New York Mets Essential Games Of Shea Stadium (Steelbook) $10.83 As the home for the New York Mets since 1964, Shea Stadium has hosted an amazing array of history-making ballgames, all-time players, colorful managers, and millions of devoted fans. From the high-flying championship teams to the low-flying planes, the sounds of Shea Stadium are ingrained in the hearts of the enthusiastic crowds who cheer their New York Mets.This six-game, 6-DVD collection spans f… |
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New York Mets: Essential Games of Shea Collector’s Edition – 6 DVD SET $17.99 As the home for the New York Mets since 1964, Shea Stadium has hosted an amazing array of history-making ballgames, all-time players, colorful managers, and millions of devoted fans. From the high-flying championship teams to the low-flying planes, the sounds of Shea Stadium are ingrained in the hearts of the enthusiastic crowds who cheer their New York Mets. This six-game, 6-DVD collection spans… |
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Doc: The Dwight Gooden Story $19.94 Exclusive interviews, behind the scene footage, vintage game action and much more… |
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Zippo New York Mets Logo Blue Matte Lighter, 0806 $19.99 Zippo “New York Mets” Logo Blue Matte Lighter, 0806… |
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Starting Lineup Dwight Goodn 1990 Edition Featuring Rookie Year Collector Card $12.99 … |
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Starting Lineup Superstar with Rookie Year Cards … 4 Action Figure – Major Leage Baseball (MLB) – N.Y. Mets – Dwight Gooden $18.25 Starting Lineup Superstar – Dwight Gooden with Rookie Year Cards … 4″ Action Figure – Major League Baseball (MLB) – N.Y. Mets – Dwight Gooden… |
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Starting Lineups New York Mets Dwight Gooden $9.88 Out of production item is new in unopened package…. |
