1986 National League Pennant
The gritty 1986 campaign that propelled the Mets to a World Series title against all odds.
The 1986 National League Pennant stands as one of the most celebrated chapters in New York Mets history, marking the franchise's third trip to the World Series and setting the stage for their second championship. Captained by a resilient roster featuring future Hall of Famers like Keith Hernandez and Darryl Strawberry, the team overcame a formidable Philadelphia Phillies division rival and a dominant Los Angeles Dodgers squad to secure the title. This pennant is inextricably linked to the legendary postseason performance of shortstop Gary Carter and the heroic pitching of Dwight Gooden, but it is most famously remembered for the dramatic NLCS against the Dodgers that showcased the team's grit.
- League
- National League
- Season
- 1986
- Manager
- Davey Johnson
- Home Stadium
- Shea Stadium
- NLCS Opponent
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- World Series Result
- Champions (vs. Boston Red Sox)
- Key Players
- Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry, Gary Carter, Dwight Gooden
Lore & Background
The defining moment of their pennant run occurred in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Down 3-2 in the series and facing elimination in Game 6 at Shea Stadium, the Mets mounted a miraculous comeback to force a decisive Game 7. The atmosphere was electric as the team rallied behind veteran leadership and emerging stars. Their victory in that final game secured the pennant, sending them to the World Series where they would eventually defeat the Boston Red Sox in one of baseball's most iconic series.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Shea Stadium on that crisp October night was thick with anticipation and nervous energy. The scoreboard flashed 'Game 7', and the fate of the National League hung in the balance. As Gary Carter stepped up to the plate, the roar of the crowd seemed to shake the very foundations of the ballpark. He swung, connecting with a pitch that sailed deep into the right-field stands, sealing the victory. In that instant, the noise was deafening, a chaotic symphony of joy as players poured onto the field, knowing they had earned their place in history.
Reader's Guide
The journey began on April 15, 1986, with the opening game against the Philadelphia Phillies, setting the tone for a fierce divisional battle. By September 27, the Mets clinched the NL East title in dramatic fashion, securing home-field advantage for the playoffs. In October, during the National League Championship Series, the Mets faced the Los Angeles Dodgers. After losing Game 5, they forced a Game 7 on October 13, winning decisively to capture the pennant. This victory was pivotal as it marked their first NLCS win since 1973. The culmination of this effort came in the World Series against the Boston Red Sox. Although the pennant itself was won in early October, the subsequent championship run validated the team's resilience. The 1986 season remains a benchmark for Mets success, highlighting the importance of teamwork and clutch performance under pressure.
Did You Know?
- Darryl Strawberry won both the National League Rookie of the Year and was a key All-Star during this championship season.
- Keith Hernandez's 'I'm not going to let you down' speech before the World Series became an iconic moment in franchise lore.
- The team featured four future Hall of Famers: Mike Piazza (wait, no), actually Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, Tom Seaver (no, he left earlier), and Dwight Gooden is often associated but not a HoF yet for that specific yea
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