August 17, 2002 - The Mets celebrate their 40th anniversary by having the fans select the "All Amazin' Team". The team, which was announced prior to the game against the Dodgers, was comprised of manager Gil Hodges, first baseman Keith Hernandez, second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo, shortstop Buddy Harrelson, third baseman Howard Johnson, catcher Mike Piazza, outfielders Mookie Wilson, Lenny Dykstra and Darryl Strawberry, pinch-hitters Rusty Staub and Ed Kranepool, righthanded starter Tom Seaver, lefthanded starter Jerry Koosman, righthanded reliever Roger McDowell and lefthanded reliever John Franco. Also on that night, Mike Piazza hits a two-run home run in the seventh inning that is the 328th of his career, moving him past Johnny Bench for second place on the all-time list for homers by a catcher. Piazza's blast also makes him the National League leader for home runs as a catcher.

August 2002 - The Mets go 0-13 at Shea for the month. They became the third team in Major League history to go winless at home during a calendar month with a minimum of 10 decisions. The 1969 Seattle Pilots went 0-13 in August and the 1996 Detroit Tigers were 0-16 in September.

Sept. 3, 2002 - The Mets drop the first game of a doubleheader to the Marlins, establishing a new National League record with their 15th consecutive home defeat. The Boston Braves held the previous mark with 14 straight losses at home in 1911.

Sept. 5, 2002 - Armando Benitez earns his 30th save against Florida, becoming the first Met in franchise history to record three consecutive seasons with 30 or more saves.

Sept. 7, 2002 - Mets manager Bobby Valentine is named the recipient of the prestigious Branch Rickey Award, which honors individuals in baseball who contribute unselfishly to their community and are strong role models for others. He is the first non-player to be honored with the award.

Oct. 1, 2002 - After six-plus years with the Mets, Bobby Valentine is relieved of duties as manager.

Oct. 28, 2002 - Art Howe is hired as the 17th manager in franchise history.

April 20, 2003 - John Franco returns from Tommy John surgery and appears in his 1000th Major League game in the second game of a double-header with the Brewers.

April 22, 2003 - Mike Piazza cracks his 350th home run against the Houston Astros.

June 15, 2003 - Jose Reyes becomes the second player in Mets history to have his first Major League home run be a grand slam and becomes the youngest player (20 years, 4 days) in the league to hit a grand slam since Tony Conigliaro in 1964.

August 15, 2003 - Tom Glavine gets his 250th win against the Colorado Rockies.

August 28, 2003 - Jose Reyes becomes the youngest player in Major League history to hit a home run from both sides of the plate against the Atlanta Braves.

September 24, 2003 - Hall of Fame radio announcer Bob Murphy announced his last game after 42 legendary years of service for the Mets.

The Mets were plagued by injuries throught the 2003 season and finished in last place for the 2nd season in a row. In Art Howe's first year at the helm, the Mets led the NL with 506 games started by rookies. One of the bright spots of the year was the play of rookie Ty Wigginton who set Mets rookie records in doubles (36), hits (146), extra base hits (53), and at-bats (573).

The ’05 Mets were a qualified success in other ways, as well. Pedro Martinez made them an attraction, though they lost 14 of his 31 starts. Tom Glavine executed a remarkable about-face at the All-Star break and again was one of the league’s premier pitchers. But his post-break record was 7-6. Before the break, it was 6-7. The acquisition of Carlos Beltran excited the Mets market, his play did not. Mike Piazza, in his final Mets season, produced as well as any catcher in the game until early August. But he hardly was the force he had been.

But the emergence of David Wright (.306 average, 27 home runs and 102 RBI), Jose Reyes (99 runs, 60 steals, 17 triples) and Aaron Heilman, who became a formidable force in set-up relief, changed the team’s image and outlook. The season was a step in the right direction.