The 1968 New York Mets hold a special place in baseball history, not only for their performance on the field but also for the colorful personalities and memorable moments that surrounded the team. While the Mets had infamous struggles during that season, their fans were never short on creativity—especially when it came to nicknames. The camaraderie and humor that stemmed from these nicknames provided a much-needed uplift during a time when the Mets were trying to overhaul their approach to baseball. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some very hilarious nicknames that fans and players associated with the “Amazin’s” during the memorable 1968 season.
- “The Worst Team Money Could Buy” – A tongue-in-cheek jab at the Mets’ roster, this nickname highlights their struggle to attract talent. Even though they had some stars, the team seemed perpetually underwhelming, leading to fans to use humor as a coping mechanism for their team’s woes.
- “The ‘68 Flops” – A simple yet effective play on words, this nickname encapsulates the Mets’ disappointing performance. The term “flop” not only indicates their win-loss record but also hints at the sense of irony as fans tried to retain humor amid hard times.
- “The Amazing (‘Amazin’) Mess” – A clever twist on their “Amazin’ Mets” moniker, this nickname reflects the chaos that often defined the team’s play. It captures the essence of the roster that featured a mixture of talented players and misfits, leading to unforgettable and tragic moments alike.
- “New York Met-astrophe” – A pun merging the team’s name with “catastrophe,” this nickname was often bandied about during long losing streaks. It perfectly sums up the feeling for fans who were witnessing more losses than wins that season.
- “The Mediocre Mets” – While not as colorful as some of the other nicknames, it succinctly sums up the franchise’s struggles during the season. Ironically, the term attempted to find comfort in a dismal reality and was often humorously accepted by fans.
- “The Flub-a-Dub Mets” – This lighthearted name pokes fun at the myriad mistakes the team made on the field—from errors to miscommunications. It’s a nickname that brings laughter to the grimaces of disappointment, illustrating the willingness of fans to find humor in failure.
- “The ‘Subway Series’ Outcasts” – A nickname that reflects their rivalry with the New York Yankees, highlighting their position as the ‘other’ team in the city. This was humorous because while rumors began swirling about a “Subway Series,” the Mets were struggling to stay relevant.
- “The ‘Can’t Win for Losing’ Crew” – A classic expression matched with the players’ performance, this nickname reflects the situation where losses piled up despite the team’s effort. The ironic humor in the name gave fans a humorous outlet to express their frustrations.
- “The Lovable Losers” – This nickname portrays a combination of affection and frustration from fans. It underscores the idea that, even in losing, elements of charm and loyalty were central to the Mets’ identity, who still drew fans to the ballpark.
- “The ‘We’ve Got a Long Way to Go’ Gang” – This humorous moniker got straight to the point about the team’s rebuild. It pointedly described their trajectory while still managing to bring a smile through humor that fans could rally behind.
In the annals of baseball history, the humor and rhyme of these nicknames embody the spirit of the 1968 Mets. While they may not have donned any trophies or accolades, the creative humor surrounding the team showcased the heart of their dedicated fans. Even with the mixed emotions arising from their performances, fans demonstrated unwavering loyalty and, of course, a great sense of humor. Ultimately, these nicknames tell a story about the Mets that transcends the field—and that is a legacy worth celebrating. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the world of baseball, the creativity and camaraderie that these hilarious nicknames fostered remind us all of the joy of being part of a community, no matter the circumstances.