1973 NLCS Victory vs Reds

Lore & Background

The turning point of the series came when the Mets refused to bow down, even after falling behind. Tom Seaver's masterful performance in Game 5 at Shea Stadium is often cited as one of his greatest feats, where he pitched a complete game victory to force a decisive final contest. The emotional atmosphere in New York was electric, with fans rallying behind their team against the odds, creating a narrative of triumph that would define the franchise for decades.

In Their Own Story

The humidity hung heavy over Shea Stadium on that crisp October night, the air thick with anticipation and the smell of roasted peanuts. In the dugout, Tom Seaver wiped sweat from his brow, his eyes locked on the mound where he had already thrown a hundred pitches. The crowd was a sea of blue and orange, a deafening roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of the stadium as the Reds' batters stepped up. One pitch, one swing, one moment would decide if the Mets could break through the iron wall of the Big Red Machine.

Reader's Guide

The series took place in late October 1973, pitting the New York Mets against the Cincinnati Reds. After splitting the first two games at Riverfront Stadium and losing Game 4, the Mets found themselves on the brink of elimination with a 2-1 deficit heading into the decisive Game 5 back in New York. Tom Seaver took the mound for the Mets, delivering a masterful performance that silenced the Reds' potent lineup. He struck out numerous batters and kept the scoreline tight throughout nine innings. The pivotal moment came when the Mets managed to score crucial runs in the later innings, capitalizing on defensive errors by the Reds and timely hitting from their own lineup. The immediate aftermath was a celebration of relief and joy for Mets fans across New York. The victory secured the National League pennant, sending the team to the World Series against the Oakland Athletics. It cemented Seaver's legacy as a clutch performer and proved that the '69 miracle could be repeated.

Did You Know?

• This was the first time in franchise history the Mets won a playoff series after their 1969 championship run.
• Tom Seaver pitched a complete game victory in Game 5, striking out 12 batters to seal the pennant.
• The Reds' 'Big Red Machine' lineup included four future Hall of Famers, making the Mets' win even more impressive.
• This series marked the first time the NLCS was played as a best-of-five format.