The New York Mets have surprised baseball fans by advancing to the National League Championship Series with a mix of good-luck charms and infectious camaraderie. The team's culture of embracing fun and enjoying the game has been a key factor in their unexpected success this October.
First baseman Pete Alonso's small 'playoff pumpkin' and the catchy pop song by infielder Jose Iglesias have become symbols of the Mets' magical run. Alonso's go-ahead homer in the Wild Card Series clincher and the team's victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series have propelled them to the NLCS for the first time in nine years.
