This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2019
"Ya Gotta Believe!!!" -- the rallying cry coined by relief pitcher Tug McGraw -- summed up 1973 for the New York Mets. In a season of mediocrity in the NL East, the Mets once again found a way to get it done, winning the division by 1.5 games over the Cardinals with a record of 82-79. Four years after earning their "Miracle" nickname, the Mets stunned the Big Red Machine in the NLCS to win the National League pennant. Only one Mets player batted above .260 that year, but it was their strong starting pitching staff led by Tom Seaver and their reliable bullpen solidified by the raw-raw McGraw that got them to the World Series, where Yogi Berra's boys would fall to the Oakland A's.
For their efforts, the '73 Mets raised this offered NL Champions banner. Measuring 82" by 132" (roughly 7 x 10.5 feet), the massive sail cloth material reads, “NEW YORK - METS - NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS - 1973”. The numbering and lettering come in blue tackle twill, besides “METS” which is done in blue on orange tackle twill. It exhibits heavy wear and is quite weathered from being flown at Shea Stadium. It is completely intact aside from a few small holes and torn edges. Includes LOA from MeiGray stating that the flag was used during Shea Stadium’s final season and removed after the final game in the stadium’s history on Sept. 28, 2008. MLB Authentication hologram sticker (LH020888) affixed to the back of the banner confirms this.