Mets Stories I Only Tell My Friends

by Art Shamsky, Matthew Silverman

Art Shamsky, 1969 New York Met and noted author, shares with readers stories and anecdotes from his 50-year association with the New York Mets. Through stories of varying lengths, readers will be privy to behind-the-scenes and first-hand accounts of the New York Mets from lovable losers to impossible winners in 1969, and beyond, including stories about today's players. We witness the leadership of Tom Seaver, the steady hand of manager Gil Hodges, what it was like to share right field with charismatic Ron Swoboda, what it was like to grace a magazine cover with 1960s supermodel Lauren Hutton, in addition to a wealth of stories about the Mets, the organization, and its star players over the past half century.

Genres: Baseball

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Trevor Seigler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art Shamsky wrote a great book about the Mets, entitled "After the Miracle." A chronicle of his time with the 1969 "Miracle Mets" as well as a pilgrimage to see beloved pitcher Tom Seaver one last time (as the former All-Star was slowly dying), that book was amazing. This one is just okay.

"Mets Stories I Only Tell My Friends" (co-written with Matthew Silverman) is a more fragmented, less cohesive retelling of some of the stories Shamsky featured in his previous book, as well as some stories from his time as a broadcaster and restaurant owner. I think I went into this expecting something on the same level as "After the Miracle," but this book isn't that. It's not *trying* to be that, either. If I had to pick which book is better, it's obvious that I'm going with "After the Miracle," but "Mets Stories" is entertaining enough in places that I doubt a devoted fan of the '69 Mets would be disappointed.

[Scott Breslove · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a voracious reader, and an ever more voracious Mets fan (is that a thing?) I was worried I would be reading a rehashing of all the old stories I’ve already read a million times. But even I was pleasantly surprised that there were a few stories even I hadn’t heard. The format is kind of strange, it’s really choppy without a lot of flow, but it works. I guess now Art and I are friends, lol

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 40% was great. The rest I found less interesting...at least all the detail. Art S. did some very interesting things after baseball...for example. But the stories in the first part of the book were fantastic and make it a worthwhile read!

[John Clifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a few interesting things about the 1969 Mets. Overall it was just a book detailing how much Art Shamsky loved his Met teammates and how he parlayed that into staying involved with his teammates, the Mets, baseball and New York City for the rest of his life.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice summer read. Good way to learn about the Mets. I won this book on Goodreads.

[Dennis Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

First hand accounts of baseball events for all Met fans to read. Loved it!