New York Mets’ Rally Attributed to Unlikely Mascot

In a surprising twist for the 2024 Major League Baseball season, the New York Mets have become the talk of the town, attributing much of their unexpected success to an unusual good luck charm: Grimace, the purple mascot from McDonald's.

The Mets faced early challenges this season, beginning with a poor start that saw them lose their first five games and struggle through May with a 9–19 record. The situation appeared grim, with Edwin Diaz, the team’s once-reliable closer, suffering multiple failures, including blowing four saves in a single month. Amidst this downturn, reliever Jorge Lopez was suspended for throwing his glove into the stands in frustration.

However, a peculiar shift in fortunes occurred in mid-June, coinciding with the appearance of Grimace at Citi Field, where he threw out the first pitch. According to the New York Post, this marked a turning point for the team, who were then 29-37 and trailing significantly in the National League East. The Mets defeated their opponents 10-4 that night and went on to win seven consecutive games, subsequently turning their season around.

Entering the postseason, the Mets secured an 89–73 record, clinching the NL’s final wild-card spot. They progressed through the playoffs, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the wild-card round and the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series (NLDS). As they now face the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), the statement “It wasn’t luck. It wasn’t fate. It was Grimace,” emblazoned on a Times Square billboard, encapsulates the sentiment of many fans.

Jose Iglesias, owner of Middle Village restaurant, has capitalized on this newfound mascot mania by introducing a sandwich served on “Grimace bread.” Despite its blue hue rather than a purple one, it pays homage to the character that has inadvertently become synonymous with the Mets’ comeback.

As the Mets prepare to host the Dodgers for Game 3 at Citi Field, starting pitcher Luis Severino will take the mound against Walker Buehler. Fans can expect to see numerous Grimace costumes popping up among the crowd, a testament to the mascot’s influence on the team’s morale this season.

The Mets are experiencing their first NLCS appearance since their advance to the 2015 World Series, powered not only by their athletic prowess but, as some believe, by the mystical support of a McDonald’s mascot.