Time CapsulePublished: Oct. 27, 2025, 8:00 a.m.1986 New York Mets baseballJesse Orosco’s pitching in the 1986 postseason was one of the key reasons the Mets won the World Series. He was on the mound for the final pitch of the final game of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox, striking out the final batter.Staten Island Advance

In 1986, the New York Mets weren’t just a baseball team — they were a force of nature.

With an unforgettable roster, the Mets stormed through the season, capturing the attention of fans and the nation. Their World Series victory over the Boston Red Sox remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history and is a memory that defined a generation of New Yorkers.

This vintage photo collection takes us back to that electric year, showcasing the grit and glory of a team that refused to quit.

Doug Sisk pitching1986 New York Mets baseballDoug Sisk played for the Mets from 1982 to 1987. He was a relief pitcher and was known for his sinker, which was very difficult pitch for batters to drive in the air.Staten Island AdvanceRay Knight batting1986 New York Mets baseball Mets fans remember Ray Knight for scoring the winning run of game six of the 1986 World Series. Staten Island AdvanceManager Davey Johnson1986 New York Mets baseballManager Davey Johnson instructs Lee Mazzilli on his swing follow-through. He managed the Mets from 1984 to 1990.Staten Island AdvanceWally Backman on second base1986 New York Mets baseballNew York Mets Wally Backman rounding 2nd base. Backman was with the Mets from 1980 to 1988.Staten Island AdvanceLee Mazzilli in the dugout1986 New York Mets BaseballLee Mazzilli resigned with the New York Mets just months before their 1986 World Series win.Staten Island AdvanceLenny Dykstra and Wally Backman1986 New York Mets baseballCenter fielder Lenny Dykstra and second baseman Wally Backman on the field.Staten Island AdvanceBill Robinson at the batting cages1986 New York Mets baseballNew York Mets batting coach Bill Robinson oversees his charges at batting cage. He was the team’s hitting coach from 1984 to 1989.Staten Island AdvanceBob Ojeda pitching1986 New York Mets baseballPitcher Bob Ojeda on the mound. Ojeda was a left-handed pitcher who has his best season in 1986 with the Mets.Staten Island AdvanceDarryl Strawberry at Game 31986 New York Mets baseballDarryl Strawberry at World Series Game 3. Strawberry was one of the most feared sluggers in the sport during his 17-year career.Staten Island AdvanceMookie Wilson with fans1986 New York Mets BaseballNew York Mets’s Mookie Wilson waving to the fans. Wilson is most famous for his iconic hit in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.Staten Island AdvanceRusty Staub honored1986 New York Mets baseballRusty Staub and his portrait at Shea stadium. Although he retired in 1985 Staub was honored by the Mets for his career, inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame, and received a World Series ring, on “Rusty Staub Day” on July 13, 1986Staten Island AdvanceRoger McDowell pitching1986 New York Mets baseballIn 1986, Roger McDowell was a relief pitcher for the Mets. He achieved a career-high 14 wins and 22 saves.Staten Island AdvanceGary Carter, star catcher1986 New York Mets baseballIn 1986, Gary Carter was the star catcher for the New York Mets.Staten Island AdvanceKeith Hernandez on camera1986 New York Mets baseballKeith Hernandez gives himself a Bronx cheer after screwing up a promo. He was the team’s first baseman and captain.Staten Island AdvanceKevin Mitchell at bat1986 New York Mets baseballIn 1986, Kevin Mitchell was a versatile rookie for the New York Mets. He played most positions and was a key part of the teams comeback in Game 6.Staten Island AdvanceDwight Gooden in the dugout1986 New York Mets baseballDwight Gooden played for the Mets from 1984 to 1994. He is a Mets Hall of Famer.Staten Island AdvanceRafael Santana with fans1986 New York Mets baseballRafael Santana obliging some early fans. He was the starting shortstop and was known as a steady defensive player.Staten Island AdvanceDarryl Strawberry slides1986 New York Mets baseballDarryl Strawberry slides home during a game.Staten Island AdvanceGary Carter watching the ball1986 New York Mets baseballGary Carter, the team’s catcher, watches the flight of the ball.Staten Island AdvanceStaten Islanders heading to the parade1986 New York Mets baseballThe 10:30 a.m. Staten Island Ferry going to the NY Mets ticker tape parade was packed as it heads to Manhattan on October 28, 1986.Staten Island AdvanceRon Darling at the parade1986 New York Mets baseballRon Darling before the victory parade on Broadway. One of the many female fans jumped the barrier to get a kiss. He played in Major League Baseball as a pitcher from 1983 to 1995.Staten Island AdvanceFans at the parade1986 New York Mets baseballMet fans react with glee after a car with Keith Hernandez passes by.Staten Island Advance

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