Generation K: The magic and regrets of a Mets dream that never was

The first miracle was born before Cleon Jones squeezed the final out.

It came in 1964, when a 53-win, third-year franchise defined by failure opened Shea Stadium and outdrew the season-long crowds that watched Mickey Mantle and the pennant-winners in The Bronx, beginning a 12-year run in which the Mets posted higher home attendance figures than the Yankees. In 1984, the Mets took back the town, starting another eight-year attendance winning streak.

In 1991 — when the Mets were only five years removed from a championship, but had no starting position players left from their World Series team — they claimed their final head-to-head victory over the Yankees.

Then came “The Worst Team Money Could Buy.” Vince Coleman’s firecracker. Bret Saberhagen’s bleach. Bobby Bonilla, unofficial Bronx tour guide. Multiple players accused of rape and sexual harrassment. Dwight Gooden’s downfall, culminating with a pair of failed drug tests and a year-long suspension.