The euphoria of Pete Alonso’s game-winning home run still hasn’t worn off for Sal Licata, but he does have his eyes set on the Phillies as the NLDS gets set to begin on Saturday afternoon.
And even after one of the biggest home runs in Mets history, Sal wants this next series badly.
“I want this series more than any series I’ve wanted in a long time,” Sal said. “Obviously, 2006 comes to mind and 2015, but this one is different.
“This? This is personal, when you involve Philadelphia and those losers down there. This is personal.”
The Mets and Phillies have never met in the playoffs before, and now, the two division rivals will clash in October riding two very different narratives. The Mets, the underdog that has taken the league by storm, and the Phils, the team carrying World Series expectations since March, in first place for much of the season. For the Mets to continue their fairytale story by taking down their hated foes, that would make 2024 even more special for Sal.
“This would be even sweeter,” Sal said. “But a part of me is still afraid to dive all the way in.”