The New York Mets and the Houston Astros have turned what was seemingly a lost season into an amazing turnaround. Think about it: back in April, both teams looked like they were on the brink of collapse. Fast-forward to September; they’re on the verge of making the playoffs. Their journey is just short of a baseball fairytale.
New York Mets, Astros Win Against All Odds
The Houston Astros, the defending American League champions, started their 2024 season in the worst possible way with a disastrous 7-19 record, the worst start since 1969. People started thinking that dominance had finally come to an end. Like a team possessed, they went on an about-face. Come September, the Houston Astros have surged to the top of the AL West with a 75-63 record. Their dramatic revival paralleled the feats of other historic comebacks in MLB history. Rarely does it happen that a season sees multiple teams advance from 11 games under .500 to 11 games over, but now the Astros join that elite company, having done so twice before.
For their part, the New York Mets had fans holding their collective breath early. By the end of May, their record was the worrying sort: 22-33. Having opened the season with a 0-5 record, the Mets were staring at an obstacle that no World Series champion has ever overcome. Yet here they are, on September 4, half a game off the third NL Wild Card spot at 75-64. The Mets’ ascent back into contention speaks volumes about their character and resolve. But still, they could make history and enter the select list of teams ever to have made the playoffs after such a terrible start.
Historical Turnarounds: Rare Breed
According to Opta stats, the improvements the New York Mets and Astros have made this season are truly rare. Only twice previously in MLB history has more than one team improved by such a margin in a single season. In 2005, the Astros and Oakland Athletics pulled off the feat, while the St Louis Browns and New York Giants did the same thing in 1916. The rarity of those comebacks further illustrates just how remarkable what both teams have done this season.
The Astros are just about a lock to make the playoffs as the second half of the season wears on. The road ahead is still treacherous, but what has happened thus far with the Mets has been nothing short of remarkable.
Adversity into Opportunity
The teams have shown unprecedented resilience in their struggle to make it to the top. While the Astros have struggled to reclaim former glory, it has been a fight against the tide and one for atonement for the New York Mets. It’s a stern reminder of how surprising and thrilling baseball can get.
The season’s final stretch will see many keep a close eye on both of these teams. Their respective tales of woe have already given some extra sheen of drama and excitement to the 2024 MLB season. Playoffs or no playoffs, the Astros and the Mets proved that will and grit can easily overcome even the most daunting of challenges.
The New York Mets and the Astros have taken two seasons that looked like losses and made them into potential wins. Their stories, as shared, captivate audiences while truly reflecting the spirit of baseball. As we watch these last games unfold, we are reminded that through sports, hope and hard work can lead to amazing, unforeseen victories.
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