Since my 14th birthday, I always look to take stock of where the Mets are in the standings. That year the Mets were a 3 games under .500 with no hope for the playoffs . . . and not just because of the strike. 

Typically, I will go to the Mets game if they are in town on my birthday. Usually, they’re not in town. Mostly, they’re not in contention. I still go because I enjoy the games. However, we all enjoy the games more when the Mets are good and in contention. 

It would not be for another four years before they would be in playoff contention on my birthday (thank you Mike Piazza). The Mets would then be in contention for the following two years before the team started to decline in 2001. 

It wouldn’t be until that glorious 2006 regular season that the Mets would be in first place on my birthday. They would be the next year as well until that horrid collapse. They were in second in 2008 before yet another collapse. I still don’t know how Jerry Manuel got a contract extension off of that season. 

Six years later, and the Mets are in first place again on my birthday. Next to a beautiful wife and an amazing son, this is what I’m celebrating most. I’m not going to tell you what I’m wishing for when I blow out the candles . . . but I’m sure you can guess.