The New York Mets, who began play in 1962, were originally named The New York Metropolitan Baseball Club. This official designation was chosen in 1961, paying homage to New York's rich baseball history.
The Genesis of the Mets' Name
While officially known as The New York Metropolitan Baseball Club, the team quickly became affectionately known as the "Mets." This shorter, more common name was a direct nod to a historical predecessor. A professional baseball team from the 19th century, known as The Metropolitan Club (or often simply the New York Metropolitans), played in New York City from 1880 to 1887. The founders of the modern Mets adopted "Metropolitan" to connect their new franchise to this historical lineage and the city's established baseball identity.
Key Aspects of the Name Choice
The selection of "Metropolitan" for the modern Mets was a thoughtful process that encompassed several considerations:
- Historical Connection: It provided a link to a previous New York baseball team, tapping into the city's long-standing love for the sport.
- Geographic Identity: "Metropolitan" clearly signifies New York City, a major metropolis, making the team's origins instantly recognizable.
- Fan Familiarity: The shorter "Mets" quickly became a popular and easy-to-use moniker among fans, making it an enduring part of New York's sports culture.
This strategic naming allowed the new expansion team to immediately establish a strong identity rooted in both historical significance and local pride.
