Number 31 + 2

The return of Mike Piazza to Shea Stadium highlighted an interesting juxtaposition: the adoration of a former star, who left the team on amicable terms and the desire to win baseball games. Playing in Shea Stadium as a visitor for the first time since leaving the Mets, he got a standing ovation every time he stepped up, and last night, was treated to a curtain call as a visiting player. But then, when he came up with a chance to win the game, he went from New York hero to traitor, and strangely, was both at the same time. As that third fly ball soared through the night, on a collision course with the apple behind the centerfield fence, half of the stadium was on its feet, cheering for their hero, and the other half slouched back in their seats, seeing another game slip away. Then, when the ball fell into Carlos Beltran's glove, everything was okay again. Piazza gave the fans a show: two long homeruns and a third blast that fell just short, returning the love showed to him by New York, but the Mets still had the lead, and would still win the game.

Maybe when his Padres contract is done at the end of the year, he'll retire and come back to New York to announce/coach in the Mets system. But the past three games have shown one thing (aside from the Mets clear dominance of the major leagues): Mike Piazza could run for Senate in New York as an independent and win hands down. Too bad he's a Republican.