The emotions of the New York Mets’ postseason run have left a lasting impact on a new family. Elisabeth Tarlor, a 32-year-old Mets fan who used to support the New York Yankees, was pregnant with her first child during the team’s National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The excitement of the series caused her to go into early labor during Game 2, and she gave birth to her daughter, Summer Shea, at 3 a.m. on Tuesday. The couple decided on the name Shea in honor of the late William Shea, who played a key role in establishing the Mets franchise in the 1950s and ’60s. Shea was a New York City lawyer and civic leader who helped bring National League baseball back to the city after the Dodgers and Giants left.
Despite considering naming their child after the McDonald’s mascot Grimace after it was associated with the Mets’ winning streak earlier in the year, the Tarlor family ultimately decided on Summer Shea. They ensured that their newborn daughter had a closet filled with Mets gear, plushies, and books celebrating the team. The birth of their daughter took priority over watching the next two games of the Mets’ series against the Dodgers, as they welcomed her into the world just after Game 2. Unfortunately, the Mets suffered back-to-back blowout losses in their home playoff games following their win in Game 2, falling into a 3-1 hole in the series.
As the Mets face elimination in Game 5, the Tarlor family remains hopeful for the future of their daughter’s fandom. Despite the recent losses, they believe that the Mets’ current success indicates a promising future for the team and hope that their children will grow up in a world where the Mets are consistently good. The couple’s dedication to the team is evident in their decision to name their daughter Shea and fill her closet with Mets memorabilia. Even though the team is facing a tough battle in the postseason, the family remains optimistic about the Mets’ future success and their daughter’s role as a fan.
The name Shea holds special significance for Mets fans, as it was the surname of William Shea, who played a crucial role in bringing the Mets franchise to New York. Shea lobbied Major League Baseball for a new club and founded the Continental League to expand National League baseball in 1962. The couple chose the name Shea for their daughter as a tribute to Shea’s contributions to the Mets’ history. The decision to name their daughter after a prominent figure in the team’s creation underscores the family’s deep connection to the Mets and their passion for the team.
The couple’s decision to name their daughter Summer Shea reflects their love for the team and the excitement surrounding the Mets’ postseason run. While their daughter’s arrival during the series was unexpected, it added a special significance to their experience as Mets fans. The emotional rollercoaster of watching the Mets compete in the series paralleled their journey into parenthood, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for the Tarlor family. Despite the tough losses in the postseason, the family remains committed to supporting the Mets and fostering their daughter’s love for the team as she grows up.
