Listen up, because the New York Mets have a secret weapon nobody ever really talks about, and it’s wild: their absolute dominance in the National League Division Series. For a team that is, let’s be real, not exactly famous for consistently winning it all, their 5-0 record in the Division Series round is straight-up unbelievable. They’ve played in five of these series, in 1999, 2000, 2006, 2015, and 2024, and every single time, they’ve advanced to the National League Championship Series. You know how many other franchises can say that? Just one, the Toronto Blue Jays. With the 2026 DS in the books, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of the best moments from this unreal, undefeated streak.
Franco Freezes Bonds: The Ultimate Showdown
Talk about high drama! Back in Game 2 of the 2000 NLDS against San Francisco, the Mets were up 4-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth. Then, Armando Benítez coughed up a three-run, game-tying homer to J.T. Snow with two outs. Brutal, right? But Jay Payton came up clutch with an RBI single in the top of the 10th to put the Mets back ahead. Benítez then let Armando Ríos get on with a single to start the bottom of the frame, and it felt like things were about to unravel again. But then John Franco came in to clean up the mess. He got a couple of groundouts, one of which erased Ríos thanks to a bad baserunning blunder. So, with two outs, who strides to the plate as the potential tying run or final out? None other than Barry Bonds, the three-time MVP! Franco worked a full count, then delivered a pitch that was either perfectly placed on the inside corner or just beautifully framed by Mike Piazza. Either way, the umpire rang up a visibly disgruntled Bonds. Series tied, and the Mets were heading back to Shea with momentum. What a moment!
deGrom’s Dozen: A Postseason Statement
Let’s fast forward to Game 1 of the 2015 NLDS, where Jacob deGrom made his first postseason start, and man, was it a statement. This dude, who would go on to win two Cy Young Awards, was electrifying, tying a Mets postseason record with 13 strikeouts. That record was set by Tom Seaver all the way back in Game 1 of the 1973 NLCS. deGrom also became just the ninth pitcher ever to strike out 13 batters and give up zero runs in a postseason game. Only Gerrit Cole and Clayton Kershaw have joined that exclusive club since. While his Game 5 performance, where he battled through not having his “A stuff” but still delivered a quality start to clinch the series, was arguably even more impressive, his Game 1 was pure majesty. You could just feel something special brewing.
The Mets have always had their Opening Day magic, boasting a 42-23 record. But their perfect 5-0 run in the Division Series adds a whole different layer to their postseason lore. With the 2026 DS now wrapped up, looking back at these incredible, nerve-wracking, and downright majestic moments just solidifies their unique place in playoff history. They might not always get the glory, but when it comes to the DS, they simply do not lose.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Amazin’ Avenue.
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