Mets History: The one where Shea Stadium hosts its first game

Shea Stadium introduced herself to the world on April 17, 1964, with a New York Mets game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

On April 17, 1964, the New York Mets played their very first game at Shea Stadium, a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets, the newest addition to the New York baseball canon, were beginning their third season in the National League. For the past two years, the Mets had played their home games at the hallowed Polo Grounds, previously the home of the New York Giants baseball team from 1911 through 1957.

The Mets had not had much success in their first two seasons, going 40-120 and 51-111 in 1962 and 1963, respectively. But with the opening of their new ballpark in…