This Date In Mets History: April 16 - Shea Stadium Christened

Forty-eight years ago today, on April 16, 1964, Shea Stadium was christened by its namesake, Bill Shea, with two bottles: one containing water from the Gowanus Canal, which passes near to the Brooklyn Dodgers' old home at Ebbets Field, and the other carrying water from the Harlem River, which passes near to the New York Giants' old home at the Polo Grounds.

Last year on this day, the Mets dropped both ends of a double header to the Braves at Turner Field. In the first game, D.J. Carrasco lost in relief to Derek Lowe; in the second game, Mike Pelfrey lost to Jair Jurrjens making his first start back from the disabled list.

Birthdays

• Ken Takahashi (2009) turns 43. He appeared in 28 games for the Mets in 2009, striking out nearly eight batters per nine innings while walking around five.
• Fernando Vina (1994) turns 43. Most people remember him as a Cardinals nuisance during the 2000 NLCS, but Vina was originally a ninth-round pick of the Mets in 1990 (actually, he was originally selected by the Yankees in the 1988 draft but he didn't sign). Vina kicked around the Mets' minors for a couple of seasons before the Mariners plucked him in 1992's Rule 5 draft. He was returned to the Mets later that year and hit .250/.372/.298 in 150 plate appearances. He was also hit by twelve pitches.
• Bruce Bochy (1982) turns 57. Bochy, much better known as a manager than a player, hit .306/.358/.510 in 53 plate appearances as a catcher with the 1982 Mets. He was released the following January.

Game Of Note

On April 16, 1971, Tom Seaver went the distance against the Pirates for a 1-0, three-hit shutout victory. Seaver walked none and struck out fourteen; the three hits he allowed were all singles.