You don’t have to have a shatter-proof heart to be a Mets fan, but it helps. I’m lucky, the rest of my life has conditioned me. I work in a service business in NYC, with clients who treat me like so many opponents have treated the Mets over the years.
When I think about the comparison, it actually hurts more. Like there’s always a different fundamental flaw. With me, one week – according to clients – I’m okay at tasks A, B, and C, but deeply flawed at task D. Different day, different client, I’m said to rock at D, and suck at everything else.
So I can completely relate to how the Mets can endlessly sway between the poles. If the lineup is looking potent, the defense is suspect. If the infield is tight as a drum, the outfield can’t throw. If the starters have potential, the relievers have exceptional potential for game-blowing meltdowns.
So I cracked up when I read Howard Megdal’s story about indoctrinating your kid to be a Met’s fan at sportsonearth.com . Not only because I keep banging my head against the wall year after year expecting things to change, but because I actually dragged my own kid into my world of delusion. The Mets will pull it all together this year…just like I will. Or at the very least families will have the joy of suffering together.