Iconic Highlights That Define Yankees-Mets New York Rivalry
Every Yankees vs. Mets game has that weird tension in the air, like anything can happen and someone’s definitely walking away with bragging rights. If you’ve lived in New York long enough, you already know what this feels like.
Dave Mlicki’s Shutout in the Inaugural Interleague Game (1997)
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On June 16, 1997, journeyman pitcher Dave Mlicki shocked Yankee Stadium by tossing a complete-game shutout. He scattered eight hits, struck out eight, and led the Mets to a 6–0 win. This was the first-ever regular-season meeting between the rivals and marked a new chapter in New York baseball.
Jacob deGrom’s Impressive MLB Debut (2014)
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After being called up from Triple-A, Jacob deGrom made his MLB debut against the Yankees on May 15, 2014. He delivered seven innings of one-run ball, striking out six and walking two. Although the Mets lost 1–0, deGrom’s performance immediately signaled he was no ordinary rookie in Queens.
Historic Two-Stadium Doubleheader (2000)
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Rainouts forced a one-of-a-kind event—two games played at two stadiums on the same day. The Yankees beat the Mets at Shea in the afternoon and again that night in the Bronx. It was the first such twin bill in MLB since 1903.
Luis Castillo’s Costly Error (2009)
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With two outs in the ninth, Luis Castillo dropped a pop-up from Alex Rodriguez that should’ve ended the game. Instead, both Yankee baserunners scored, and the Mets lost 9–8. It was a jaw-dropping finish and a moment that quickly joined the rivalry’s most infamous highlights.
Yankees Clinch 2000 World Series Against Mets
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The Yankees won the 2000 World Series in five games, besting their crosstown rivals in a rare Subway Series Fall Classic. Game 5 ended with a 4–2 Yankees victory after late-inning drama. Mets ace Al Leiter threw 142 pitches, but couldn’t hold off the final Yankee rally.
Mets’ Walk-Off Wins Against Mariano Rivera
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Despite his dominance, Mariano Rivera was on the wrong end of three Mets walk-offs. Matt Franco’s pinch-hit in 1999, David Wright’s liner in 2006, and Lucas Duda’s bloop in 2013 all stunned the Yankees.
Juan Soto’s Controversial Move to the Mets (2024)
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After a strong year with the Yankees, Juan Soto shocked the city by signing a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets. It was the richest deal in MLB history. The blockbuster move didn’t happen on the field, but it instantly added new fire to the rivalry.
Roger Clemens Throws Bat at Mike Piazza (2000)
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In Game 2 of the 2000 World Series, Roger Clemens fired a broken bat shard at Mike Piazza after a foul ball. The benches cleared as tensions boiled over. Given their history, including a beanball months earlier, the bizarre act escalated an already fierce feud into chaos.
Stanton’s Home Run Sparks Tension (2021)
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Giancarlo Stanton tied a game with a towering home run, then exchanged words with Francisco Lindor while rounding the bases. The rivalry’s tension erupted on national TV. No punches were thrown, but the standoff showed the series’ boiling intensity.
9/11 Anniversary Tribute Game (2021)
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The Mets and Yankees shared a rare moment of unity on September 11, 2021. On the 20th anniversary of the attacks, the teams honored victims and first responders before a nationally televised game. It was a powerful reminder of how baseball can help heal a wounded city.
Dae-Sung Koo’s Unlikely Heroics (2005)
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Dae-Sung Koo, a Mets reliever with almost no batting experience, stunned fans by doubling off Randy Johnson. He then scored from second base wearing a jacket on a bunt play. It was one of the most bizarre and hilarious moments in Subway Series lore—Koo’s last MLB at-bat.
Mariano Rivera’s 500th Save and First RBI (2009)
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Mariano Rivera hit a milestone and made some personal history. He earned his 500th career save—and, improbably, his first RBI by drawing a bases-loaded walk. Rivera smiled widely after the game, saying he was more excited about the RBI than the save.
Carlos Delgado’s Record-Setting Performance (2008)
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Carlos Delgado exploded for nine RBIs, including a grand slam, as the Mets crushed the Yankees 15–6 on June 27, 2008. The outburst set a Mets record and helped Delgado snap a 0-for-14 skid. It was a career night and a turning point in his season.
Matt Franco’s Walk-Off Against Rivera (1999)
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In a dramatic showdown on July 10, 1999, Matt Franco lined a single off Mariano Rivera to score two runs and give the Mets a walk-off win. The Yankees had hit six homers, but Franco’s clutch moment off the Hall of Famer stunned Shea and ignited the rivalry.
David Wright’s Walk-Off Hit (2006)
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On May 19, 2006, David Wright delivered one of his most beloved Mets moments. He smashed a walk-off single off Mariano Rivera, scoring Paul Lo Duca and capping a 7–6 comeback win. Wright called it one of his favorite memories from the Subway Series—and fans haven’t forgotten.