### "Mets' 2024 Season Marked by Icons, Music, and a Playoff Push"

The New York Mets have turned their 2024 season into a captivating storyline filled with unexpected heroes and quirky rituals. Highlighting this trend, the Mets surged to a 7-2 victory over the Astros, lifting them to a 40-39 record for the first time since May. This shift was marked by an exceptional postgame performance by Jose Iglesias, or Candelita, who serenaded fans with his hit single, "OMG," on June 28. The thirty-four-year-old infielder, called up from Triple-A just a month earlier, debuted his song in full Mets uniform, backed by his supportive teammates. By July, "OMG" soared to No. 1 on Billboard's Latin Digital Song Sales chart, becoming the Mets' summer anthem. A remix of the song featuring Pitbull and Silvestre Dangond is set for release on October 11, just in time for the postseason.

Adding to the season's unique flavor, Pete Alonso introduced the "Playoff Pumpkin" right after belting a game-winning three-run homer against the Brewers. His choice of pumpkin, picked from a Wisconsin farm, quickly became a good-luck charm, symbolizing fall and playoff baseball. "Nothing's more fall than playoff baseball and pumpkins," said Alonso, whose pumpkin now stands as a testament to the team's exciting postseason journey. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his amusement and support for the quirky traditions, attributing the team's success to both talent and team spirit.

June 12 marked another turning point when the Mets, lagging at 28-37, hosted the Marlins. That night, Grimace, McDonald's iconic purple character, threw out the first pitch, igniting a winning streak for the Mets. They achieved a seven-game winning streak following Grimace's pitch, eventually winning 12 out of their last 16 games of the month. The Grimace lore carried on into the postseason, highlighted by Alonso's purple Grimace cleats during his decisive homer at American Family Field.

These memorable moments and rituals, from Candelita's feel-good music to the whimsical charms of the Playoff Pumpkin and Grimace, have defined the Mets' thrilling 2024 season. Left-hander David Peterson summed it up aptly: these elements have kept the team's spirit high and continue to make their journey enjoyable.