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1973 Timeline

Mets Rewind Timeline
1973

The 1970 season marked the first time in Mets franchise history that the team came into a season defending a World Series title. Coming off a 100-win season and a championship, the Mets battled opponents — and themselves — in an effort to remain the best team in baseball.

March 20

Mays manages Mets to spring win in Puerto Rico
In an exhibition game played in Puerto Rico, Willie Mays, subbing for manager Yogi Berra, pilots the Mets to an 8-3 win over the Pirates.

April 27

Dobson three-hits Mets in 1hr, 37min
Braves hurler Pat Dobson three-hits the Mets and beats Tom Seaver, who also gives up only three hits, 2-0. The Atlanta Fulton County Stadium contest takes one-hour and 37 minutes to complete, making it the quickest game ever played in Mets history.

May 8

Matlack hit by line drive
On a rainy night at Shea Stadium, the seventh-inning line drive off the bat of Atlanta's Marty Perez that strikes Jon Matlack in the forehead is hit so hard that the ball ricochets into the Mets dugout. Matlack sustains a hairline fracture of his skull and returns to the mound on May 19 to pitch six shutout innings at Pittsburgh.

June 9

Mets retire No. 14
The New York Mets retire No. 14 to honor the life and career of the late Gil Hodges. He played two seasons with the Mets (1962-1963) and managed the team for four seasons (1968-1971) including a World Series title in 1969.

June 27

Capra pitches with inspiration
Hours after attending his father’s funeral in Illinois, Mets pitcher Buzz Capra pitches four innings of no-hit relief against the Philadelphia Phillies to record the save as the Mets beat the Phillies, 7-6, in the opener of a doubleheader at Shea Stadium.

September 25

Mets honor Mays at Shea
The Mets hold a post-game ceremony for Willie Mays at Shea Stadium. Following the Mets 2-1 win over the Montreal Expos, Willie Mays Night includes Joan Payson and a large crowd to say goodbye to the future Hall of Famer.

October 1

Mets clinch NL East division title
The Mets clinch a postseason bid for the second time in franchise history with a 6-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

October 8

Rose, Harrelson brawl in Mets win, 9-2
Game 3 of the National League Championship Series is marred by a bench-clearing brawl after Mets SS Bud Harrelson and Reds’ Pete Rose trade punches at second base. Fans throw beer bottles at Rose from the left field bleachers. The Mets eventually win the game, 9-2.

October 10

Mets down Reds, advance to World Series
The New York Mets beat the Cincinnati Reds, 7-2, in Game 5 of the NLCS to advance to their second World Series in five years.

October 18

Game 5: Mets 2, Athletics 0
The New York Mets beat Oakland Athletics, 2-0, in Game Five of the World Series. Jerry Koosman and Tug McGraw combined on the shutout to give the Mets a 3-2 series lead.
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