The relationship between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets runs deeper than standard inter-league play or routine divisional matchups. Rooted in the foundational geography of New York baseball and punctuated by historic postseason collisions, this matchup carries a unique historical weight. Fans tracking this pairing look past regular-season standings to examine decades of organizational crossover, iconic playoff battles, and high-stakes drama.
Understanding this baseball narrative requires looking at how two iconic franchises became intertwined, tracing the path from the 1962 expansion era to modern October battles.
Origins of the Connection: Brooklyn Roots and 1962 Expansion
The structural link between the two clubs began when Walter O'Malley moved the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles following the 1957 season. That departure left millions of New York fans without a National League team. To fill the massive void, Major League Baseball awarded New York an expansion franchise for the 1962 season—the Mets.
The newly minted Mets adopted team colors that bridged the past: blue from the Brooklyn Dodgers and orange from the New York Giants, who had also departed for California. The franchise hired legendary former Brooklyn manager Casey Stengel to helm the club and stocked the roster with former Dodger players and personnel. This direct lineage ensured that even as the Dodgers found immediate success on the West Coast, their ghostly footprint remained firmly planted in Queens. To explore the bigger picture, check out the recent analysis by ESPN.
The 1988 National League Championship Series
Decades passed before the two franchises met with a pennant on the line, but the 1988 National League Championship Series established a competitive fire that endures today. The Mets entered the series as heavy favorites, boasting a star-studded roster built around their core veterans and young pitching depth.
The series stretched into a grueling seven-game battle. In Game 7 at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles ace Orel Hershiser delivered a legendary performance, shutting out the Mets 6-0 to secure the pennant. It marked the first and only time the Dodgers clinched a postseason Game 7 on their home field, breaking the hearts of Mets fans and solidifying a bitter October precedent.
Fall Classics and Division Series Clashes
As Major League Baseball expanded its postseason structure, the two teams crossed paths in October with increasing frequency, shifting from rare meetings to high-stakes autumn drama.
The 2006 National League Division Series
The Mets captured the National League East crown and entered the 2006 division series riding high. Facing the Dodgers, New York's offense overwhelmed Los Angeles pitching, sweeping the series three games to none. Carlos Beltrán, David Wright, and a relentless lineup exposed pitching vulnerabilities for Los Angeles, advancing the Mets deeper into the postseason.
The 2015 National League Division Series
The rivalry added another fierce chapter in October 2015. Anchored by a dominant young pitching rotation featuring Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, and Noah Syndergaard, the Mets squared off against a star-heavy Dodgers squad led Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke.
The series swung back and forth over five games. Memorable moments included Chase Utley's controversial slide in Game 2 that broke Ruben Tejada's leg, shifting the emotional tenor of the matchup. Ultimately, the Mets secured a 3-2 series victory in Game 5 behind clutch hitting and shutdown pitching, returning to the National League Championship Series.
Modern Era and Star Power
In recent seasons, the fixture has evolved into a showcase of premier baseball talent. High-profile acquisitions, massive free-agent contracts, and elite superstars have transformed regular-season series into national showcases. Games played at Dodger Stadium and Citi Field draw intense media scrutiny, blending the historical ghosts of Brooklyn with modern superstar battles featuring luminaries like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Francisco Lindor.
For deeper statistics on historical head-to-head performance, check out the StatMuse Dodgers vs Mets Playoff History. To explore official franchise milestones and updates, visit MLB.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Mets fans care so much about the Dodgers?
The connection stems directly from the relocation of the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1958. When the Mets formed in 1962, they absorbed displaced Brooklyn fans, creating an inherent historical kinship and competitive tension.
Who has won more postseason series between them?
The Mets hold the upper hand in direct postseason series matchups, having won series in 2006 and 2015, while the Dodgers secured victory in the legendary 1988 NLCS.
Did the Mets ever wear Brooklyn Dodgers gear?
While they didn't wear official Dodgers uniforms, the Mets adopted the exact shade of Brooklyn Dodger blue—combined with Giants orange—for their 1962 expansion uniforms to honor traditional New York baseball.
Where can I check current regular-season standings between these teams?
You can view active schedules, live scores, and updated team standings directly on the Official MLB Schedule.
