Best Gifts for Fans of the New York Mets

It has been two decades since the New York Mets defeated the Boston Red Sox in the 1986 World Series, and after many disappointing seasons, the Miracle Mets are finally in contention for another World Series pennant. Whether the Mets falter as they did in the 2000 Subway Series or recapture the magic of the 1986 season, New York Mets fans are as proud as they have been in twenty years, so what better time to present them with a gift that honors their passion for this truly amazing team.

My first gift suggestion for the New York Mets fan in your life is the dual autographed framed photograph of the final at-bat in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, featuring both Mookie Wilson and Bill Buckner. For those of you who don't know, in Game 6 of the World Series, New York Mets outfielder Mookie Wilson hit a ground ball that went through the legs of the usually reliable Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner, allowing the winning run to score in the tenth inning. The Red Sox had been one strike away from winning their first world championship since 1918 when the New York Mets rallied to tie and eventually win the game. Of course, the New York Mets came back the following night to win Game 7 and the World Series pennant.

You can purchase this framed photograph from many online dealers, but be certain the dealer is reputable. Be certain that the photograph contains the dual signature of both Mookie Wilson and Bill Buckner. The photo is generally sized 8 x 10 or 16 x 20. Be sure that the photograph contains a Certificate of Authenticity. You can purchase the 8 x 10 photograph without the frame for as little as $99 at Walmart.com. The 16 x 20 photo is $145.

If you would like to buy the framed 8 x 10 photograph, I suggest visiting the New York Times Store at http://www.nytstore.com/ProdDetail.aspx?prodId=6563. Here you can purchase the photo along with a 15 x 17 cherry wood frame for approximately $195. The New York Times Store will ship your order within three to five business days and provide you with the Certificate of Authenticity.

If you are searching for a stocking stuffer for your New York Mets fan, I highly recommend one of the best sports book I have ever read: THE BAD GUYS WON! by Jeff Pearlman. This book documents much of the 1986 team's off-the-field antics, including drugs, sex and groupies. Pearlman uses his words efficiently and effectively to illustrate the rowdiest and most exciting team ever to play in New York. This book is available in both Hardcover and Paperback from Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Or you may purchase a copy directly from the publisher, HaperCollins. This book is so good, you may want to purchase an extra copy for yourself. The full title of this book is The Bad Guys Won! A Season of Brawling, Boozing, Bimbo-Chasing, and Championship Baseball with Straw, Doc, Mookie, Nails, The Kid, and the Rest of the 1986 Mets, the Rowdiest Team Ever to Put on a New York Uniform - and Maybe the Best.

My final gift selection for the New York Mets fan in your life is The New York Mets 1986 World Series Collector's Edition DVD box set. The recipient of this gift will be able to relive every moment of the miraculous 1986 World Series between the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox. DVD Special Features include the 1986 World Series Clubhouse Victory Celebration, the Official Trophy Presentation, Post-game Interviews, the 1987 Ring Ceremony and Championship Banner Unveiling, and Exclusive Interviews with Mookie Wilson, Bill Buckner, Gary Carter, Ray Knight, Keith Hernandez, Kevin Mitchell and Lenny Dykstra. You can find this item at amazon.com and other online retailers.

Of course, all three of these items would also make great gag gifts for the Boston Red Sox fan in your life. Happy holidays, and good luck to the New York Mets in the 2006 Post-Season and beyond.