With all the media hype surrounding the closing of Yankee Stadium, it’s been easy to overlook that New York’s other team is having a final season of their own. This afternoon, the Mets will take the field against the Philadelphia Phillies in what will be the Final home opener in Shea Stadium.

The Mets had their first home opener at Shea Stadium on April 17, 1964 when they took on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets lost 4-3, but to a Mets fan it didn’t matter as they finally had a home of their own. They were no longer in the dilapidated Polo Grounds, but a state of the art sports arena.

In reading about Shea lately, I guess I sort of overlooked how old Shea really is. Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, and Dodger Stadium are the only active stadiums older then Shea. What’s ironic about that is those stadiums are considered baseball shrines, and Shea Stadium is considered a dump.

Sure it’s not the prettiest place to watch a baseball game, but for a Mets fan it’s the place they call home.

As excited as I am to see the completion of CitiField, I have to say, I’ll miss Shea. Thinking about it sort of makes me nostalgic. Growing up in a family full of Mets fans, I spent a lot of time at Shea Stadium. In the early 80’s the Mets weren’t much to watch, but I remember going to games with my dad seeing the likes of Pat Zachary, Dave Kingman, and Joel Youngblood. Although the Mets weren’t very good, sitting with my dad in mid-level loge seats I learned the game of baseball.  A game today I love. 

I know I’m not the only one with those fond memories.

So today at 1:10, Oliver Perez will throw a pitch to Jimmy Rollins, and the final home opener at Shea Stadium will be underway…