The Subway Series That Could Have Been

Art provided by Anaika Mehta ‘27

It has been a momentous year for professional baseball. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious in the World Series over the New York Yankees. 

But one thing that caught the eyes of many New Yorkers is that, for the first time in 24 years, there was the possibility of a baseball World Series clash between the New York Mets and New York Yankees.

Grace students eagerly debated over why the Mets or Yankees would win the World Series if they faced off against each other, providing various insights as to why they supported each team and who was better. 

For some students, their passion for a team was rooted in nostalgia and fandom. Cole D. ‘27 said,  “I watched Mets games as a kid so I fell in love with them.” 

More Mets fans were excited to voice their opinions. Jasper J. ‘27 proclaimed that a Subway Series would be “great for the Mets because [they] would beat the Yankees and win the World Series.” 

Comparatively, Edin C. ‘28 expressed his support for the Yankees, stating, “I like their history and culture.”

The 2024 Major League Baseball season was filled with crazy headlines, blockbuster trades, and huge postseason possibilities, captivating millions of fans. The Yankees were optimistic for a great 2024 season, especially after signing Juan Soto, a left outfielder phenom and baseball superstar. 

The Yankees were not the only team to make a splash in the offseason, with the Los Angeles Dodgers signing Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels to a shocking 10-year, $700,000,000 deal, making the Dodgers an even greater powerhouse in the league and a huge contender for a World Series championship ring. 

One thing, however, that the Major League Baseball world was not expecting was the exhilarating playoff run that the New York Mets would make. Following a calamitous and disappointing season for the New York Mets in 2023—where the Mets finished with a losing record of 75-87—their success this year was a pleasant surprise. Despite having a solid roster with superstars such as Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander—who were each eventually released in the 2023 offseason—the Mets made significant changes regarding coaching and management, including appointing David Stearns as President of Baseball Operations and hiring new manager Carlos Mendoza. Nonetheless, no large additions were made to their overall 40-man roster from last year. 

Luka H. ‘27 voiced, “I did not think that the [Mets] would make the playoffs, and I expected them to be a high-70 to low-80 win team.” 

The dreams of a Subway Series also intrigued Grace faculty. Sergio Anglade, a physical education teacher said, “My freshman year of highschool was the last time we had a Subway Series [in the World Series]. On the bus rides, I remember fan bases were going at it … I would love to see that same energy brought back to New York City.”

While many Mets and Yankees fans often have little respect for each other and exchange jeers, many New Yorkers still came to a consensus: a Subway Series would be historic and exciting no matter the outcome. Even though it did not pan out this year, a Subway Series would leave a lasting impression on the sport and both organizations for years to come.

Blake Herman ‘27, the author, is a staff writer for The Grace Gazette.