History of Mets–Yankees rivalry in Timeline

The Mets–Yankees rivalry, also known as the Subway Series, is a Major League Baseball interleague rivalry between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees. The Yankees, from the American League, and the Mets, from the National League, represent different fan bases within New York City. The rivalry gained prominence with the 2000 World Series, where the Yankees defeated the Mets. Media coverage often depicts the Yankees as the established, successful team and the Mets as the underdog, adding another layer to the dynamic.

1903: Two games in different stadiums

During the regular season on July 8, 2000, it was the first time since 1903 that two teams played two games in different stadiums on the same day.

1903: Three New York City MLB teams

In 1903, the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, and Yankees were the three Major League Baseball teams of New York City until 1957.

1951: Shot Heard 'Round the World

In 1951, Bobby Thomson's 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' exemplified the Dodgers–Giants rivalry during the National League tie-breaker series.

1956: Last Subway Series World Series

In 2000, the Mets and Yankees met in the World Series for their first championship contest. It was the first Subway Series World Series since 1956.

1957: Three New York City MLB teams

From 1903 to 1957, the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, and Yankees were the three Major League Baseball teams of New York City.

1958: Giants and Dodgers Move to California

In 1958, both of New York's National League teams moved to California. The Giants relocated to San Francisco, and the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles.

1962: Mets Join the National League

In 1962, the expansion Mets joined the National League, becoming New York City's second Major League Baseball team.

1963: Mayor's Trophy Game

From 1963 through 1979, and then again in 1982 and 1983, the Mets and Yankees played in the Mayor's Trophy Game, an in-season exhibition game.

1964: Yogi Berra manages Yankees to pennant

In 1964, Yogi Berra managed the Yankees to a pennant.

1970: Start of Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates dominance

In 1973, Yogi Berra managed the Mets to a pennant, the only time between 1970 and 1980 that the National League East wasn't won by either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1973: Yogi Berra manages Mets to pennant

In 1973, Yogi Berra managed the Mets to a pennant, the only time between 1970 and 1980 that the National League East wasn't won by either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1979: Mayor's Trophy Game

From 1963 through 1979, the Mets and Yankees played in the Mayor's Trophy Game, an in-season exhibition game.

1980: End of Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates dominance

In 1973, Yogi Berra managed the Mets to a pennant, the only time between 1970 and 1980 that the National League East wasn't won by either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1982: Mayor's Trophy Game

In 1982, the Mets and Yankees played the Mayor's Trophy Game, an in-season exhibition game.

1983: Discontinuation of Mayor's Trophy Game

In 1983, the Mayor's Trophy Game was discontinued following the 1983 season due to dwindling interest and public bickering between the owners of both teams.

1983: Mayor's Trophy Game

In 1983, the Mets and Yankees played the Mayor's Trophy Game, an in-season exhibition game.

1986: Clemens's previous World Series loss

In 2000, Roger Clemens won the World Series in the same stadium he lost it in 1986 with the Red Sox. Members of the Mets' 1986 team threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

1986: Mets' last World Series appearance

In 2000, the Mets and Yankees met in the World Series for their first championship contest. It was the Mets' first appearance since winning the title in 1986.

1988: Mets losing the NLCS

In 1999, the Mets needed an extra game for their first playoff appearance since losing the 1988 National League Championship Series.

1988: Mets win first division title since 1988

In 2006, both the Mets and Yankees finished at the top of their respective divisions. This was the Mets' first division title since 1988.

1989: Revival of Mayor's Trophy Game

In 1989, the Mayor's Trophy Game was revived as a pre-Opening Day series titled the 'Mayor's Challenge'.

1992: First Time Both Teams Have New Managers Since 1992

The 2018 season marked the first time since 1992 that both the Mets and the Yankees had new managers to start the season.

1993: Yankees and Mets Miss Postseason

The 2008 season marked the first time since 1993 that both the Yankees and Mets failed to qualify for the postseason.

1996: Yankees' World Series Winning Streak

In 2000, the Mets won Game 3, ending the Yankees' fourteen-game winning streak in World Series play dating back to 1996. The Yankees won the series in five games.

1997: Inception of interleague play

In 1997, interleague play started in MLB, leading to regular season games between the Mets and Yankees for the first time.

1997: Yankees Fail to Finish First

In 2007, the Yankees, though unable to finish first in the AL East for the first time since 1997, rebounded from their losing ways and clinched their 13th consecutive playoff berth.

1997: First Official Game

On June 16, 1997, the Mets and Yankees played their first official game at Yankee Stadium, which the Mets won 6–0.

1998: Study on Economic Effect and Fan Distribution

In 1998, the Independent Budget Office of New York City published a study on the economic effect of the city's MLB teams, analyzing the residences of Mets and Yankees fans. It found that 43% of Mets fans lived in one of the five boroughs, 39% in the tri-state area outside the city, and 12% elsewhere. Fan distribution varied by region and ethnicity.

1998: Yankees win World Series

In 1998, the Yankees won the World Series, the first of three straight titles for them. David Cone won 20 games in 1998 for the Yankees, 10 years after he accomplished the same feat for the Mets, becoming the only player to win 20 games for both teams.

July 10, 1999: Rivera's Blown Save

On July 3rd in 2011, the Mets tied the final game of that year's Subway Series against Mariano Rivera, who had one previous blown save against the team on July 10, 1999.

1999: Interleague play expanded

In 1999, Major League Baseball expanded Interleague play, allowing the Mets and Yankees to host a series at their home stadiums. The Mets won their first series against the Yankees, 2 games to 1.

1999: Mets and Yankees in Postseason

In 1999, both the Mets and Yankees qualified for the postseason in the same season.

1999: Yankees Win the World Series

In 1999, the Yankees swept the Atlanta Braves in the World Series, securing their 25th franchise title after defeating the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS.

July 8, 2000: Day-Night Doubleheader and Clemens-Piazza Incident

On July 8, 2000, the Yankees defeated the Mets in a day-night doubleheader with games at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium, a rare occurrence. During the second game, Roger Clemens hit Mike Piazza in the helmet with a fastball, causing a concussion and escalating the rivalry.

2000: Rivera Saves 22 Against Mets

During the July 3rd, 2011 game between the two teams, it was noted that spanning the regular season and the 2000 World Series, Mariano Rivera had converted 22 of 23 save opportunities against the Mets.

2000: Mets and Yankees in Postseason

In 2000, both the Mets and Yankees qualified for the postseason in the same season and faced off in the World Series.

2000: Record low television ratings

In 2000, the 2000 World Series had the worst television rating and share in history.

2000: Subway Series World Series

In 2000, the Mets and Yankees met in the World Series for their first championship contest and the first Subway Series World Series since 1956. The Yankees won Game 1 in extra innings.

2000: Media coverage of the 2000 World Series

In 2000, the Yankees were portrayed as the heel, while the Mets were seen as the underdog during media coverage of the 2000 World Series.

2000: Chance to repeat Subway Series

In 2024, with both teams returning to the postseason, the World Series had a chance to be the first Subway Series since 2000.

2000: Yankees Last Title

The 2000 championship was the Yankees' last title until their 2009 World Series win.

September 11, 2001: 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001

In 2026, the Mets and Yankees will play at Yankee Stadium on the weekend of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

2001: Post-9/11 baseball in New York

In 2001, following the attacks in New York City, Shea Stadium hosted the first professional sporting event in the city when the Mets hosted the Atlanta Braves, while Yankee Stadium held a memorial service called 'Prayer for America'.

June 15, 2002: Clemens Returns to Shea Stadium

On June 15, 2002, Roger Clemens faced the Mets at Shea Stadium for the first time since the Piazza controversy. Mets pitcher Shawn Estes attempted to hit Clemens in retaliation, and Estes later homered off Clemens as the Mets won the game 8–0.

2003: Yankees Sweep the Season Series

In 2003, the Yankees became the first team to sweep the season series, winning all six games against the Mets.

2003: Yankees Hired Aaron Boone

In 2018, The Yankees parted ways with Joe Girardi after they lost in the 2017 ALCS to the eventual champion Houston Astros, and was replaced as skipper with 2003 ALCS hero Aaron Boone

2004: Mets Win Season Series

In 2004, the Mets won the season series against the Yankees for the first time, going 4–2 and sweeping the three games at Shea Stadium.

June 26, 2005: Yankees Avoid Sweep

On June 26, 2005, Jason Giambi's bases-loaded single in the ninth inning drove home the tying and winning runs for the Yankees, who forced a season series split with the Mets after the Mets won their first series at Yankee Stadium.

2005: Carlos Beltran was a Met

Carlos Beltran was a Met from 2005 to 2011.

2005: Mets sign Willie Randolph

In 2005, the Mets signed Manager Willie Randolph, who coached with the Yankees for over a decade.

May 19, 2006: Mets win over Yankees

On May 19, 2006, David Wright drove home the winning run for the Mets with a single off of Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera, after the Mets rallied against Randy Johnson.

May 20, 2006: Yankees Win in Extra Innings

On May 20, 2006, the Yankees won in extra innings after Billy Wagner blew the save in the top of the ninth. Andy Phillips singled in the go-ahead run for the Yankees, while Mariano Rivera pitched two shutout innings for the win.

2006: Mets and Yankees in Postseason

In 2006, both the Mets and Yankees qualified for the postseason in the same season.

2007: Mets and Yankees' Inverted Fortunes

In 2007, the Yankees were tied for last place on May 29, 14.5 games behind the Red Sox, while the Mets led the Braves by four games. The Mets had a late-season collapse that led to them being eliminated from playoff contention, while the Yankees clinched their 13th consecutive playoff berth.

March 25, 2008: Alex Rodriguez Regrets Not Signing with Mets

On March 25, 2008, Alex Rodriguez expressed regret over signing with the Texas Rangers and wished he had signed with the Mets, his childhood team. He admitted to prioritizing money over playing for a team he liked, a mistake he aimed to avoid by staying with the Yankees.

August 2, 2008: Randolph Honored at Yankee Stadium

On August 2, 2008, Willie Randolph received a standing ovation at Yankee Stadium during the Old-Timers' Game, despite his controversial dismissal as Mets manager.

2008: Yankees and Mets Miss Postseason

The 2008 season marked the first time since 1993 that both the Yankees and Mets failed to qualify for the postseason. 2008 was also the last year both teams played at their old ballparks, Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium.

June 12, 2009: Yankees Win First Game at New Yankee Stadium Against Mets

On June 12, 2009, the Yankees and Mets played their first game at the new Yankee Stadium, which ended in a 9-8 victory for the Yankees. Luis Castillo of the Mets dropped the ball, leading to the Yankees scoring the winning run.

June 26, 2009: Yankees Defeat Mets at Citi Field

On June 26, 2009, the Yankees defeated the Mets 9-1 at Citi Field in the first game between the two teams at the new stadium. Alex Rodriguez hit his 564th home run, surpassing Reggie Jackson. The Mets committed three errors, leading to four runs for the Yankees.

2009: First World Series appearance since 2009

In 2024, the Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS for their first AL pennant and World Series appearance since their championship season of 2009.

2009: Yankees World Series win

The 2000 championship was the Yankees' last title until their 2009 World Series win.

2009: New Stadiums and Yankee Championship

The 2009 season marked the debut of the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field for the Yankees and Mets, respectively. The Yankees inaugurated their new stadium by winning their 27th World Series championship against the Philadelphia Phillies. This remains the most recent World Series championship for a New York City team.

May 22, 2010: Mets Win at Citi Field

On May 22, 2010, the Mets won their first Subway Series game at Citi Field, defeating the Yankees with a score of 5-3.

June 20, 2010: Yankees Earn 9,500th Victory

On June 20, 2010, the Yankees achieved their 9,500th franchise victory with a 4-0 win over the Mets, with Mark Teixeira hitting a grand slam.

2010: Granderson played for the Yankees

Curtis Granderson played for the Yankees from 2010 to 2013.

2010: Wall Street Journal "Exclusive Poll"

In 2010, The Wall Street Journal conducted an "Exclusive Poll" comparing Mets and Yankees fans.

July 12, 2011: Derek Jeter Sits Out All-Star Game

On July 12, 2011, Derek Jeter chose not to participate in the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game due to exhaustion. This decision drew criticism from some players and officials, including Mets outfielder Carlos Beltrán.

2011: Carlos Beltran was a Met

Carlos Beltran was a Met from 2005 to 2011.

2011: Yankees Sign Pedro Feliciano

In 2011, the Yankees signed left-handed relief pitcher Pedro Feliciano from the Mets, compensating the Mets with a draft pick. The Mets used this pick to get Michael Fulmer. Feliciano went on the disabled list and never threw a pitch for the Yankees.

June 2012: Yankees Sweep Mets at New Yankee Stadium

In June 2012, the Yankees swept the Mets at the new Yankee Stadium for the first time. Johan Santana allowed a career-worst four home runs in the first game, and Russell Martin hit a walk-off home run in the second game.

2012: Six games per season

From 1999 through 2012, the Mets and Yankees played six games per season.

April 1, 2013: First Time Ever Both Teams Play in NY on Opening Day

On April 1, 2013, for the first time ever, both the New York Yankees and the New York Mets played their first game of the season in New York on Opening Day.

December 6, 2013: Mets Sign Curtis Granderson

On December 6, 2013, the Mets agreed to terms with Curtis Granderson on a four-year contract worth $60 million. Granderson, who had previously played for the Yankees, expressed excitement about playing for Mets fans.

2013: Six games per season

In 2013, the Mets and Yankees met six games a season; when the AL East and NL East faced each other and four games the other years.

2013: Mets Sweep Yankees, Rivera's Last Game

In Mariano Rivera's final regular-season game at Citi Field in 2013, the Mets honored him, and he threw out the first pitch. Rivera blew his first save of the year, contributing to a Mets win, which completed the sweep of the season series. It was the first blown save of Rivera's career where he did not record at least one out.

2015: Mets and Yankees in Postseason

In 2015, both the Mets and Yankees qualified for the postseason in the same season.

2015: Playoff drought ends for both teams

In 2015, both the New York Mets and the New York Yankees both made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

September 2017: Yankees-Rays Series Relocated to Citi Field; Thumbs Down Incident

In September 2017, due to Hurricane Irma, the Tampa Bay Rays' series with the Yankees was moved to Citi Field. Mets fan Gary Dunaier's thumbs-down gesture towards Todd Frazier's home run went viral, leading the Yankees to adopt it as a rallying cry. Frazier later signed with the Mets.

2017: Yankees Parted Ways With Joe Girardi

In 2018, The Yankees parted ways with Joe Girardi after they lost in the 2017 ALCS to the eventual champion Houston Astros, and was replaced as skipper with 2003 ALCS hero Aaron Boone

2018: New Managers for Both Teams

The 2018 season marked the first time since 1992 that both the Mets and Yankees had new managers to start the season. Aaron Boone replaced Joe Girardi for the Yankees, and Mickey Callaway took over for Terry Collins as Mets manager.

2020: Mets Play Home Games at Yankee Stadium

During the 2020 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mets played two "home" games against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Amed Rosario hit a walk-off home run, becoming the first visiting player since 1899 to achieve this in the opposing team's ballpark.

2020: Steve Cohen Purchases Mets

In 2020, Steve Cohen purchased the Mets, promising increased spending to make the team more competitive.

2021: 9/11 Anniversary Game and Lindor's 3 Home Runs

In 2021, the Mets and Yankees played a game on the 20th anniversary weekend of the September 11th attacks. The Yankees won the first game, and in the second game, Francisco Lindor hit 3 home runs, becoming the first player in Subway Series history to do so in a single game.

2022: Mets and Yankees in Postseason

In 2022, both the Mets and Yankees qualified for the postseason in the same season.

2022: Mets-Yankees Trade and Playoff Appearances

In 2022, the Mets traded Miguel Castro to the Yankees for Joely Rodríguez, marking their first major trade in 18 years. Both teams made the playoffs for the first time since 2015, with the Mets losing in the wild card round to the San Diego Padres and the Yankees losing to the Houston Astros in the ALCS.

2023: MLB teams start facing each other

In 2023, all MLB teams started facing each other, including the Mets and Yankees who played four games each in 2023 and 2024, and six games in 2025.

2023: Castro and Rodríguez play for other teams

In 2023, both Miguel Castro and Joely Rodríguez, who were traded between the Mets and Yankees in 2022, ended up playing for different teams.

2023: Disappointing Seasons for Yankees and Mets

In 2023, both the Yankees and Mets had disappointing seasons, missing the playoffs after being pre-season favorites to win the World Series. The Yankees finished with 82 wins, and the Mets finished with 75 wins.

October 30, 2024: Pennants won by both teams

As of October 30, 2024, Pennants won by both teams include pennants won before the modern World Series.

2024: Juan Soto Signs with the Mets

After the 2024 season, Juan Soto became a free agent and signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets after a bidding war with the Yankees. This deal, the largest in professional sports history, sparked outrage among Yankees fans and is seen as reigniting the rivalry.

2024: Postseason Return and World Series

In 2024, both teams returned to the postseason, reaching their respective League Championship Series. The Mets lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, while the Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS but lost to the Dodgers in the World Series.