With a mix of young, homegrown up-and-comers and talented veterans, the 1973 Mets were expected to pummel the National League, but injuries hampered them throughout the year. In late August, they found themselves in last place in the National League East, as many as 6.5 games behind first place. Urged on by Tug McGraw’s “You Gotta Believe” mantra, the Mets went 18-8 in September, overtaking the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Montreal Expos to win the National League East. They met the Big Red Machine in the National League Champion Series and dominated the heavily favored Reds, taking the series 4-1.
Deconstructing the Draft: 1974
