## The 1999 Subway series: A Preview of Things to Come
While today’s New Yorkers might take a Subway Series between the Yankees and Mets for granted, back in 1999, the excitement was palpable. Interleague play was still in its infancy, only in its third year, making these matchups a novelty for fans eager to witness the “Battle of the Big City.” [2]
On July 10th, 1999, Shea Stadium in Queens hosted a clash of titans. The reigning World Series champions, the Bronx Bombers, faced off against their crosstown rivals, the Mets. Both teams delivered a thrilling performance,setting the stage for what would become a legendary rivalry.
this game wasn’t just another regular season matchup; it was a foreshadowing of the 2000 world Series,a true Subway Series that captivated the city. The Mets, hungry to prove themselves, sent a clear message to the Yankees: New York baseball was a two-team town.
For a glimpse into this historic game, fans can relive the action through condensed footage available on the MLB YouTube channel.
The 1999 Subway Series: A Glimpse into the Future with Mike Piazza
Fellow baseball enthusiasts, tonight we journey back to 1999, a year that reverberated with the electrifying pulse of a burgeoning rivalry. Our guest tonight is none other than the legendary Mike Piazza, who stood at the heart of this New York clash. Welcome, Mike!
Mike: Thanks for having me. it’s always great to reminisce about those days.
moderator: Mike, let’s set the scene. interleague play was still new, almost a novelty.The ’99 Subway Series game at Shea Stadium wasn’t just another game; It was a preview of the 2000 World Series. What were your feelings heading into that game against the Yankees?
Mike: The atmosphere was electric, no doubt about it. You could feel the tension in the air. It was a chance to prove ourselves, not just against the Yankees, but against the best in baseball. We wanted to show New York that the mets were a force to be reckoned with.
Moderator: You certainly made a statement. The Mets challenged the reigning World Series champions adn sent a powerful message. Looking back, do you feel that 1999 game served as a catalyst for the intensity of the 2000 World Series?
Mike: Absolutely. That game was a taste of what was to come. It built momentum, fueled the rivalry, and raised the stakes for the next year. You could see that we were both evenly matched, both hungry for that title.
Moderator:
Now,some might say the 2000 World Series belonged to the Yankees. Though, given the context of that 1999 showdown, do you think the Mets could have gone all the way that year had the World series been played then?
Mike: (chuckles) That’s a hypothetical, but look, we had a great team in ’99. I believe we were capable of winning. Anything can happen in baseball,and on any given day,any team can rise to the occasion.
Moderator: Those are fighting words, Mike! This sentiment surely resonates with Mets fans who still reminisce about what could have been.
Let me open this up to our readers. Would the Mets have upset the Yankees in 2000 if the Subway Series had transpired a year earlier?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.Let’s have a lively debate!
And back to you, Mike. Was there a particular moment from that 1999 game that stands out as particularly intense or memorable?
Mike: Every moment was intense!
The fans were incredible, both sides going back and forth. But, I’d have to say, the energy in the late innings was something special.
We were battling tooth and nail,every pitch felt like a battle,and you could just feel the entire city holding its breath.
Moderator: Powerful words, Mike. Truly, the 1999 Subway Series wasn’t just a game; it was a testament to the passion that fuels this city’s love affair with baseball.
Thank you for taking us back to those unforgettable days.
Mike: my pleasure. It was a privilege to be a part of it.
