10 Greatest Seasons In 'JIM Fan' History
By Daniel Friedman
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These are exciting times for JIM fans.
With the Mets challenging for an NL East title, the Jets bringing back Darrelle Revis and a strong supporting cast and the Islanders coming off a renaissance season, things really do appear to be looking up. However, as any JIM fan knows all too well, never count your chickens before they hatch.
Here are 10 chickens that did hatch, and were quite healthy and successful.
NOTE: Not all three teams had to have made the playoffs for a season to be eligible for this list. The Jets and Mets predate the Islanders by at least eight years; all three teams do not necessarily have to have been in existence for a season to count towards this list.
10. 2001-2002
The Islanders acquired Alexei Yashin, Michael Peca and a host of quality veterans, hired Peter Laviolette to coach the team and made the playoffs for the first time in eight years. The Jets won the AFC East in 2002 (the second division title in franchise history) and blew out the Colts 41-0 in the first round of the playoffs.
9. 2006-2007
The Mets won the NL East, dethroning the Atlanta Braves, who had won it every year since 1995. They ultimately fell in seven games in the NLCS. The Islanders made the playoffs in 2007 after missing out the previous season, but lost in the first round. The Jets lost to New England in the first round of their playoffs.
8. 1972-1973
The Islanders played their inaugural season, setting an NHL record for futility in the process. The Mets went to the World Series, but lost, and traded for Rusty Staub along the way. Joe Namath was healthy for an entire campaign for the first time in three years, but the Jets finished 7-7.
Honorable Mention: 2000-2001
The Mets played the Yankees in the World Series, coming up short on what was a truly magical run. Charles Wang and Sanjay Kumar bought the Islanders, rescuing them from almost certain financial ruin. The Jets drafted Chad Pennington.
7. 1983-1984
The Islanders' Cup streak came to an end, as they lost to the Edmonton Oilers, but they did win their 19th consecutive playoff series, a record that still stands. Meanwhile, the Mets drastically improved from the previous season and finished in second place in the NL East. Doc Gooden was the Rookie of the Year, while Keith Hernandez won his second consecutive Gold Glove and added a Silver Slugger award. The Jets' Mark Gastineau set a single-season NFL record with 22 sacks.
6. 1981-1982
The Islanders won their third-straight Stanley Cup. The Mets acquired Ron Darling in April of 1982 and drafted Doc Gooden in June.
5. 1979-1980
Darryl Strawberry was drafted by Mets in June 1980, and the Islanders won their first of what would be four consecutive Stanley Cups.
Honorable Mention: 2009-10
The Jets appeared in consecutive AFC Championship games. The Islanders drafted John Tavares, while the Mets drafted Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom.
4. 1985-1986
The Mets won their second World Series, defeating Boston in seven games after a miraculous comeback in Game 6. The Jets made the playoffs in 1985, but lost in the first round to New England. The Islanders lost to Washington in the first round of the playoffs.
3. 1980-1981
Gang Green made the playoffs for the first time in 12 years. The Islanders won their second Stanley Cup. The Mets brought back Rusty Staub in December, 1980.
2. 1982-1983
The Jets advanced to the AFC Championship Game, while the Islanders won their fourth-straight Stanley Cup, Darryl Strawberry made his Mets debut and won Rookie of the Year honors. Tom Seaver was re-acquired, and Keith Hernandez was brought aboard.
Honorable Mention: 1998-99
The Jets went 12-4 and went all the way to the AFC Championship Game. Vinny Testaverde, Curtis Martin and Keyshawn Johnson lead the way for Gang Green's unexpectedly formidable offense. The Mets acquired Mike Piazza.
1. 1968-1969
The Jets won their only Super Bowl in January, the Mets won their first World Series title in October. The only season to end with at least two JIM championships. Many of those fans didn't know it yet, but they were just three years away from adopting another group of loveable losers -- the Islanders.
Honorable Mention: 2000-2001
The Mets played the Yankees in the World Series, coming up short on what was a truly magical run. Charles Wang and Sanjay Kumar bought the Islanders, rescuing them from almost certain financial ruin. The Jets drafted Chad Pennington.