The New York Metropolitans. Founded in 1961, when Major league Baseball decided to form a new, "continental" league, joined the National league, as we know it now, shortly after. They played their 1st ever home game in the Polo Grounds. It wasn’t until 1964, that they played their 1st game at their present home, Shea Stadium. Now Shea is to be replaced by a newer improved ballpark. More fan friendly, and state of the art. The location will remain the same, Flushing, Queens.

Undoubtably, the greatest ever Met was Tom Seaver. Acquired, by way of a lottery system  in 1962, he set and broke record after record. The Mets, also have had a plethora of managers, including crosstown legends from the Yankees, Casey Stengel (1st manager: ’62-’65), Yogi Berra (’72-’75), and current Yankee manager, Joe Torre (’77-’81). In 1969, the Mets 1st visit to the World Series ended in the ultimate Prize, Champions. Victory over the Baltimore Orioles 3-1. 4 years later they fell at the last hurdle to Oakland, 4-3. A quiet period period was enjured by the outfit, until in the mid 80′s, a squad was assembled that had New York buzzing. Players like Gary Carter, Keith Hernandez, Daryl Strawberry, Ray Knight and Mookie Wilson, to name but a few, brought home the coveted prize in 1986. Game 6, against the Red Sox will always be remembered for its astonishing finish. The last time they made it to the Series was in 2000 against the Yankees in which they went down 4-1.

The Mets have seen the best of times and the worst of times. When their good, they are good, but when they are bad, they stink. So it is with well founded confidence, that they expect high and fantastic things this summer. 1988 was the last time they won the East. In 2000, they finished 1 game behind, the closest they finished since. Already this season, they have blasted to a 7-1 start, 4 games in front of Atlanta. Will they be the dark horses a lot of people predicted them to be?, or just a flash in the pan!! With Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine, they have 2 of the finest pitchers around. The Acquisition of closer Billy Wagner from the Phillies, gives the pen a bit of much needed bite. With the departure of Mike Piazza, Paul LoDuca was brought in. He is taking time to settle with the bat, but that will come. His catching is top notch. Other off-season signings, Carlos Delgado (marlins) and Jose Valentin (dodgers) will abely assist, current hot bats owned by, Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and David Wright.

Time will tell how good Willie Randolphs charges are. Lets hope for another subway series in October

Who Are the Milwaukee Brewers? Ensconsed up in Miller Park in Wisconsin, braving the elements at the best of times. The baseball adoring public, finally have a team worth shouting about. Milwaukee is steeped in base balls greats. Hank Aaron, Rollie Fingers, Paul Molitor and Robin Yount to name but a few.

No longer an also ran, last season they had a record of 81-81, the first time since 1992 (92-70) they have had a .500 or better team. This season they look to be challenging that mark. Judging in their start to this season, it is not impossible for them to do. Manager Ned Yost, in his 4th season in charge, has a very good combination of minor league talent, that now have a year under their belt, and a pitching staff, expertly coached by Mike Maddux, to do themselves justice at last.

Already this season, closer Derek Turnbow has recorded a record 4 saves in the 1st 4 games of the season. This is a major league record. His set up man is Dan Kolb (back after a year in Atlanta). They follow star pitcher 25 year old Ben Sheets, (presently on 15 day DL)who has a $38.5m contract to live up to. Chris Capuano and leftie Doug Davis make up the core of the rotation.

The bats are provided by Carlos Lee (.265 32hr 114 RBI) and Geoff Jenkins (.292 25hr 86RBI), whilst the Power is brought to the plate by Prince Fielder, a rookie who hit .288 in 39 games last season. Prince is the son of All-star slugger, Cecil Fielder. Catching is 10 year veteran Damian Miller.

The Brewers got off to a tremendous start, winning their 1st 5 games, along with the Detroit Tigers, but then got blanked 7-0 by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Today, a dominant Mark Mulder of St. Louis shut them down for 8+ innings but then jumped all over Looper and Izzy to claim 2 runs in the 9th but just fall short with 2 men left on!! The Cardinals prevailed by a score of 6-4.

Life looks very promising in Milwaukee this year. I don’t foresee a trip to the World Series, but .500+ season is definitely in their grasp. Good luck to all in Miller Field.. For more Brewer information go to Daron Sutton’s blog