Optimism for The Mets Coming From an Unlikely Place: Yankees Fans

Crosstown foes say they’re still pulling for the New York Mets

Around the streets of the city, there’s an air of optimism about the New York Mets’ postseason chances — but surprisingly, this optimism is strongest among Mets fans’ cross-town foes, New York Yankee fans.

Even more surprising: the Yankee’s fans have no question they’re pulling for their little brother.

With the Yankees holding claim to 28 World Series titles, confidence runs in the blood of the team’s fans, while on the other side of town, Mets fans seem to be forever waiting for something to go wrong.

It’s been eight years since the Mets suffered a stunning late-season collapse. With 17 games remaining, the team blew a seven-game lead in the division — a defeat that, years later, still seems to haunt many Mets fans.

“I grew up a Mets fan, so I’ve been accustomed to being down and expecting things to go wrong,” said Joel Osnoss, a self-described born-and-raised Mets fan.

Osnoss, it appears, is not alone. While the Mets’ merchandise store in midtown Manhattan has lately been filled with Mets fans young and old, the prevailing atmosphere has been one of skepticism. Just a year ago, Mets fan Brian Sullivan took fan protests to a new level when he turned up to Citi Field with a bag over his head.

“I decided to wear a bag over my head to show my disgust,” Sullivan said to ESPN.

Yet further down Fifth Avenue, at the Yankee’s merchandise store, the mood has been much more upbeat.

“We’re actually rooting for the Mets. They’re part of New York,” said Rosalind, a shop assistant at the Yankees store.

“I think they’ll do it.”

The close by City Sports has seen Mets fans flocking in to show their support. The Mets-emblazoned hats and jerseys seem to be a popular choice among store visitors.

“What we do have is flying off the shelves,” Melanie, a store assistant said.

The Mets headed to Chicago earlier this week to face the Chicago Cubs with a 2–0 lead in the best of 7 series. They need two more wins to head to the World Series, where they will have a chance to win their first title since 1986, when they beat the Boston Red Sox in the infamous Bill Buckner series.

As many heartbroken sports fans do, Osnoss is turning to the gods for some help.

“I have been buying a t-shirt here and there, and they keep winning, so I have to keep coming back,” he said.

So while Yankee fans across the city are in no doubt this Mets team is for real, Mets fans aren’t willing to celebrate until they get the final out of the World Series.

“I still think something is going to happen,” Osnoss said.