An advantage to getting to Shea well before the gates open on Saturday was that we had all kids of time to explore and snap photos to remember my favorite ballpark.Here are some images I thought folks might enjoy.I really like the neon players over the gates. They are features unique to Shea.The Citi Field logo might grow on me, someday. But that won't happen anytime soon.I've never noticed this co...

OK, so we were off by a day. I'm glad the Mets could finish off Shea's final Subway Series on a high note.Here's the second part of my 20-point Shea Quest "Bucket List," with photo evidence where possible.And I'd be remiss in not thanking all the folks who left comments and sent e-mail offering tips and suggested. Some of these would not have been possible without your assistance.The previous post...

Me, Dad and Tim before our final game at Shea Stadium.In my very first trip to Shea Stadium in 1971, the best pitcher on the Mets – if not all of baseball – lost 3-2 on a rainy afternoon.In what I expect to be my last trip to Shea on Saturday, the best pitcher on the Mets – if not all of baseball – lost 3-2 on a rainy afternoon.I am, if nothing else, a creature of routine. And my streak of...

Tom, before making his dash to the mound.Shea Memory Countdown No. 1: July 24, 1988, Braves 4, Mets 2I suppose it's fitting that the Mets didn't even win the games that make up my top two Shea Stadium memories.That must mean that my glass is half-full when it comes to the Mets, and that our happiness doesn't necessarily depend on the final score. I think anyone who stuck by this team through the 19...

I'm going to lay Shea Memory Countdown games No. 3 and 2 side by side here for a reason. I'll actually start with No. 2 and work backward. It will all make sense in the end.Shea Memory Countdown No. 2: July 23, 1988, Braves 6, Mets 1It can be said that we came to Shea that day for the exhibition, not the main event.That year, July 23 and 24 were dedicated to Tom Seaver, No. 41 was going on the wall...