Growing up a Mets fan in Southern California is not optimal, but it may be the best place outside of the Northeast to be one. The schedule will guarantee a series every year in Los Angeles and another in San Diego, and the interleague schedule will also take them to Anaheim once every few years. No one really hates the Mets down there, either, so the live experience is generally pleasant. All things considered, having the ability to see your favorite team live—within a reasonable driving distance—six-to-twelve times per year is pretty cool.
2003 happened to be one of those years where the NL East and AL West matched up for interleague play, giving me a chance to see my team against the Anaheim Angels for the first time in my life.