The New York Mets suffered their 12th consecutive loss Tuesday, matching their worst streak since 2002 and effectively ending playoff hopes. Superstitious fans point to socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s April 9 visit to Citi Field, when team mascots embraced him just before the collapse began.
Historic Collapse Defies Expectations
The Mets held a three-run advantage Tuesday after Francisco Lindor’s home run, and pitcher Nolan McLean delivered five perfect innings. Yet the team found a way to lose 5-3 to the Minnesota Twins. At 7-16, they now share the worst record in Major League Baseball. No team in baseball history has reached the postseason after suffering a 12-game losing streak, making this slide statistically catastrophic for a franchise that entered the season with division title aspirations.
Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed frustration with the inexplicable pattern of losses. The team went hitless over the final five innings Tuesday despite the strong start. Player Devon Williams admitted he has never experienced anything comparable in his career, stating the team simply needs one victory to break the psychological barrier. ESPN reporter Jeff Passan noted the Mets failed to capitalize on Juan Soto’s expected return, which offered a potential turning point.
The Mamdani Connection
While the losing streak technically began April 7, eleven of the twelve losses occurred after Mamdani’s ballpark appearance. The mayor, known for his socialist political positions, embraced Mr. and Mrs. Met during his visit. Fans quickly dubbed the phenomenon the “Curse of the Mambino,” drawing parallels to historic baseball superstitions. The timing has resonated with supporters searching for explanations beyond conventional baseball analysis.
What This Means Going Forward
CBS Sports noted this streak stands apart from the team’s expansion era struggles, coming instead against preseason expectations of contention. Historical data shows no path to playoff qualification exists once a team endures such a prolonged collapse. The Mets face an uphill mathematical battle with their current record, though technically enough games remain to reverse course. The psychological impact may prove harder to overcome than the statistics themselves.
