Party like its 1969

by raysfaninminnesota on Aug 5, 2008 2:54 PM EDT

ESPN.com researcher Mark Simon has dug up some pretty interesting comparisons between this year's Rays and the '69 Mets. Here is the breakdown:

On the 1969 Mets, the ace starter was 24-year-old Tom Seaver
On the 2008 Rays, the ace starter is 24-year-old Scott Kazmir
The 1969 Mets had a 61-101 record 2 years prior to winning the World Series (1967)
The 2008 Rays had a 61-101 record 2 years ago (2006)
The 1969 Mets had a closer, Ron Taylor, who had won a World Series (1964)
The 2008 Rays have a closer, Troy Percival, who has won a World Series (2002)
The 1969 Mets were 53-39 at the All-Star break
The 2008 Rays were 55-39 at the All-Star break
The 1969 Mets manager had a 3-letter first name (Gil) and a 6-letter last name (Hodges)
The 2008 Rays manager has a 3-letter first name (Joe) and a 6-letter last name (Maddon)
The 1969 Mets had a rookie as their primary third baseman (Wayne Garrett)
The 2008 Rays have a rookie as their primary third baseman (Evan Longoria)

While some of this is ridiculous (3 letter and 6 letter name comparisons for example), there is something to be said about linking this year's Rays to the '69 Mets club. Here's hoping history repeats itself.

0 recs | Comment 6 comments

Story-email Email | Print |

Comments

That is the kind of in depth analysis ESPN is known for

bullshit coincidences in lo of actual statistical analysis. Nice to know I can still count on them for style that will get higher ratings than substance. I don’t mean to sound like a racist, but this is just lazy.

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 5, 2008 3:02 PM EDT 0 recs

I really get irritated by those kinds of stories,

more than I should, I know. After all, they are purely for entertainment. Unfortunately, it seems to me that an awful lot of people miss the silliness of it all and confuse forced coincidences with cause and effect or some actual omen. I suppose it is my general distaste for superstition of all sorts, but while I used to chuckle appreciatively at these kinds of stories I don’t find them quite so harmless any more.

I wonder if Carlos Pena will see an image of Donn Clendenon in his margarine cup to complete the connection to the 1969 Mets. Then we can all make a pilgrimage to his refrigerator.

by bobr on Aug 6, 2008 1:01 AM EDT 1 recs