Pete Alonso’s pumpkin, first purchased in Wisconsin when the New York Mets played the Milwaukee Brewers in a playoff series, is now in his locker at Citi Field. It’s a reminder not only of Alonso’s ninth-inning home run off Devin Williams, the Brewers shutout who saved the Mets’ season, but of all the good fortune that has befallen the Mets up until now in October. Alonso seemed a bit possessive of his precious gourd. Of course, it’s been with him on the road from Milwaukee to Philadelphia to New York to Los Angeles and now back to New York.

Mets Playoff Pumpkin Premium SS T-Shirt

Playoff Pumpkin is the Mets’ latest meme in this tumultuous season, as they nearly fell to the bottom of the National League standings in early June and didn’t earn a playoff berth until the day after the postseason Annual ended. Many Mets fans believe the season turned around on June 12 – when McDonald’s mascot Grimace threw out the first pitch at Citi Field. Going into that game, the Mets had a 28-37 record and no chance of making the playoffs. There is talk of players they could trade at the last moment including Alonso, who is headed for a free contract. The Mets defeated the Miami Marlins, hitting three home runs and starting a seven-game winning streak. From June 12 through the end of the regular season, the Mets had the best record in the major leagues.

Give credit to Francisco Lindor for playing better after a slow start or to Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana for dominating the second half but definitely give credit to Grimace. If the Mets actually win their first World Series since 1986, the players will surely have to give a reward to Grimace and maybe another reward to the pumpkin patch in Wisconsin.