I became a die-hard Mets fan towards the end of 2005 and throughout the 2006 season. In 2006 my favorite players were David Wright and Xavier Nady. I loved them both and never wanted to miss an at-bat. I was ecstatic whenever the lineup had David batting fifth and Xavier batting sixth. I'd smile with every pitch and cheer every hit. I couldn't imagine the Mets without them.
My fandom was tested on July 30. Xavier was traded to the Pirates. I was upset. I was beyond upset. I cried. After that I could've forgotten about him. He could've become some random player I would never think about again. But that's not what happened. I followed the Pirates games. I looked at every box score to see what how he did. And eventually I started to like other players. As unfortunate as it sounds, I became a Pirates fan. I was still a Mets fan but I wanted the Pirates to win as well. When the Mets had the chance to clinch in Pittsburgh my heart was torn. I saw Xavier and wanted to root for the Pirates, then I saw the Mets
and I wanted them to win and invite X to celebrate. The Pirates swept the Mets and I don't remember how I felt, probably because I didn't feel anything.
Xavier Nady and the trade to the Pirates taught me to love baseball and not only the Mets. I learned about another team and other players. I followed games besides the Mets games. I found out I could be a die-hard Mets fan while rooting for other teams. My baseball life has really only gotten better since the trade, even if I still want X back today.
That's what I'm thankful for in baseball, not only this year, but every year.
Let's Go Mets!
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