How 1981 actually went.
A players’ strike split the season in half and created a strange playoff format. The Mets were poor before the stoppage and slightly better after it, finishing fifth in one half and fourth in the other. The interrupted schedule prevented any normal rhythm and left the club with only 103 games.
Mookie Wilson and Hubie Brooks represented the beginning of the next core, while Lee Mazzilli and John Stearns were still the familiar faces. The offense remained weak, but the younger roster offered more movement and athletic ability than the late-1970s teams. Mike Scott and other developing pitchers received opportunities without immediate results.
A 41–62 record made the year another losing season, though comparing it with a full schedule is difficult. More important changes were happening in the farm system: Darryl Strawberry was developing, and the front office was collecting talent instead of searching for quick fixes. The future champion remained several years away, but the path was finally pointed in the right direction.
The split season was confusing; seeing Mookie and Brooks arrive was the part worth remembering.