The end came too soon.
We had hoped the Mets would go on to the playoffs and even a final World Series to close out Shea Stadium in style. But it was not to be. And 44 years later, the stadium that has meant so much to New York, and especially to Queens, has closed its doors.
The new Citi Field will no doubt be spectacular, but Shea will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with the Mets. Since the doors first opened April 17, 1964, Shea has been the place where dreams were sometimes realized and, more often, crushed.
History was made in this stadium. In October 1973, the stadium played host to Pope John Paul II, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Roman Catholics from the East Coast. Long before that, in August 1965, The Beatles filled the stadium with frantic fans who screamed so loud that boomers say no one could hear the music and no one seemed to care. And for a period of time, the Shea was also home to the New York Jets.
But more than anything else, Shea Stadium was the home of the Mets, a feisty team that embodies the spirit of the hardworking people of Queens. The numbers of those who were there to see the Mets capture the World Series in 1969 is growing smaller each year.
But there are few baseball fans who will forget the last two magic games of the 1986 World Series. In that year, the Mets first came back from the edge of the abyss in the National League playoffs. But it was Game Six of the World Series that may go down as one of the greatest games ever played.
It was fitting that Shea would close with a tribute to some of the greats of baseball that brought us so many thrills over 44 years. And the sight of pitching immortal Tom Seaver throwing a final pitch to beloved former Mets catcher Mike Piazza will stay in the hearts of fans long after this beloved stadium is torn down.
We look forward to spring and watching the Mets play in their shining new stadium. Once again, we will be hoping that the hometown team will bring us a World Series win.
