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The London Mets entered into the 2023 National Baseball League season with 3 goals:
to win the CEB Federation Cup Qualifier in Poland, promoting British Baseball to the 2024 Federation Cup.
to win the NBL division, securing the London Mets spot at the 2024 Federation Cup.
to win the team’s 7th consecutive National Championship.
Mets accomplished their first goal in Poland, winning the Fed Cup Qualifier in dramatic fashion. This secured the BBF a place at the 2024 Fed Cup, but not necessarily the Mets. The Mets were in a tight divisional race with the Essex Arrows, going into a pivotal series on July 16th. If either team swept, they would clinch the division. A split would leave the division undecided until the Mets and Arrows meet again on August 13th.
Essex turned to their ace, Gio Pappalardo in game 1. Pappalardo historically has given the Mets trouble, shutting them out twice in recent years. But the Mets offense came out swinging. Rory Chandler’s bat stayed hot, sparking the Mets offense, and Mike Banagale came through in the clutch with key RBIs.
Mets offense delivers with speed and power from Banagale (left) and Chandler (right).
The Mets gave the ball to Lucas Friss, who has a track record of rising to the occasion in big moments. Friss again delivered a stellar performance in a high-stakes game. He kept the Essex hitters off balance with his deceptive change-up and devastating curveball, aided by a great defensive game at 3B by Jamie Dix. Friss threw a 3-hit complete game shutout and led the Mets to a 5-0 victory.
Friss poised to fire a strike to the plate.
Game two had a couple of crafty pitchers matching up. Mario Rueda looked to keep the Mets off balance with his wide arsenal of offspeed pitches. Sidearmer Mitchell vom Scheidt delivered a heavy diet of sliders to the Arrows hitters to keep the Mets in the hunt.
The game was well-balanced. Doubles from Jar Parker and Rich Minford drove in runs to build the Mets lead. Essex battled back, scoring two in the 4th and again threatening in the 5th with two more runs. Minford relieved vom Schiet to close out the game, striking out 6 over the last three frames to win 6-4. A strong and gritty performance by Mets rookie catcher Sean Gondobintoro both games was crucial to the Mets victories.
Sliders coming in from low arm slots from vom Scheidt (left) and Minford (right).
The sweep moves the Mets a 20-2 record, clinching the NBL division championship for 2023, and securing the team’s spot in the 2024 Fed Cup. Mets head coach Derrick Cook said the following of the 2023 season so far: “It's been exciting to watch each member grow individually but seeing everyone gel as a team has been amazing to see. From easy games to tough games, this team has proven resilient and unbreakable. Each player is an absolute warrior and a key piece to our success.”
The Mets look to finish strong with their final 3 regular season games against the Sheffield Bruins and Essex Arrows before the NBL playoffs commence.
The 1 seed Mets will most likely play the 4 seed Sheffield Bruins in the semifinals. The Essex Arrows play the London Capitals on the other side of the bracket. The winners will face each other in a 3-game championship series on August 26th and 27th as the Mets look to continue their historic run of national championships.
Mets GM, Brendan Power (left) & Mets Head Coach Derrick Cook (right)
Mets GM, Brendan Power, had the following to say on the team and season so far, "The London Mets have had a lot of new faces this year and it's been great to see the players embrace the mentality that has made this team champions for the last 7 years. We have a target on our backs every year and we've continued to answer that challenge. The team has come together over the year and it's been great to see. It's a special group of players who are looking forward to taking home the club's 10th National Championship."