Best Moments for the 2007 New York Mets

Now that the 2007 season is officially over for the New York Mets it's time for fans to reflect on the year that wasn't. In my three previous pieces I discussed the collapse of the Mets as they completed the biggest choke in the history of Major League Baseball. The entire 2007 wasn't a bust, though. There were plenty of great moments for the Mets and their fans during the season. Here are my five favorite moments of the 2007 season for the New York Mets.

Best moments for the 2007 New York Mets #5: Tom Glavine wins 300

Glavine started the season with a 5-1 record, leaving many fans to wonder if he could get his 300 win right around the All-Star Game. Glavine began to struggle in his quest for win number 300, however, losing four out of five. He finally got back on track and, on August 5 on the road against the Cubs, Glavine finally got his 300 in front of a nationwide audience on ESPN. He was given a standing ovation by the Chicago fans after the game in a great moment for one of the best pitchers of this generation. Too bad you couldn't come through for the Mets when they needed you most, eh Tommy?

Best moments for the 2007 New York Mets #4: Maine's attempt at a no-hitter

The New York Mets have never had a pitcher throw a no-hitter for them in the entire existence of the franchise. John Maine came very close. In a game that the Mets had to win in order to have a shot at playing in the postseason, Maine delivered the best outing of his career. He struck out 14 batters and took his no-no into the eighth before Paul Hoover hit an excuse-me infield single to break it up. Maine would leave the game after that AB and receive a standing ovation from the Shea crowd.

Best moments for the 2007 New York Mets #3: Mets score five runs in the bottom of the ninth to defeat the Cubs

On a sunny afternoon at Shea Stadium the Mets trailed the Cubs 5-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth. Facing Ryan Dempster, the closer for the Cubs, the Mets loaded the bases before Endy Chavez walked to score the first run of the inning. Ruben Gotay singled to left, which brought home Carlos Gomez. With the score 5-3 David Wright hit a shot to center, scoring Carlos Beltran. Finally, Carlos Delgado completed the rally with a base hit to right that scored Chavez and Gotay.

Best moments for the 2007 New York Mets #2: Endy Chavez's walk-off bunt

In the early part of the 2007 season the Mets were involved in a pitcher's duel with the Rockies. In the bottom of the twelfth inning the Mets and Rockies were tied at one apiece. Shawn Green reached first via a walk, moved to second on a sacrifice and then advanced to third via a balk. David Newhan struck out, Jose Reyes was walked intentionally and Endy Chavez came to the plate. Chavez noticed that the infield was playing back due to there being two outs in the inning and believed he could get on base with a bunt. He did just that. Endy's bunt was perfect and there was no play either at first or at home.

Best moments for the 2007 New York Mets #1: Benitez balks and Mets win

The Mets were playing the Giants in late May and the Giants had taken a 4-3 lead in the top of the twelfth. Jose Reyes reached base for the Mets and then moved to second on Benitez's first balk of the inning. Endy Chavez moved Reyes to third on a sacrifice and Carlos Beltran struck out, setting up quite the exciting ending. Reyes began dancing towards home plate, rattling Benitez. Benitez was subsequently called for his second balk of the inning and Reyes scored. Carlos Delgado was at the plate at the time and he made sure to capitalize on Benitez's woes. Delgado hit the game-winning home run and the Mets won a crazy game at home.

The 2007 season had plenty of heartbreaking moments for the New York Mets and their fans. It's important for fans to remember the great moments. It's moments like the five above that will help Mets fans move on and look forward to the 2008 season.