The Mets’ season already seems to be hanging by a thread. At 3-9 they face the Dodgers on the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s momentous debut. President Bill Clinton, Rachel Robinson, and Acting Commissioner Bud Selig all address the 54,000 at Shea when the game is halted in the fifth inning. Robinson’s number will be retired forever in a stunning announcement. Minutes after the game resumes, Lance Johnson, hoping to rise to the momentous occasion, singles home the first two runs of the game. Toby Borland pitches the last four innings to save the 5-0 win for Armando Reynoso. From that night on, Bobby Valentine’s 1997 Mets will go 84-64 and contend until the final week.
