The Mets were looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 1988 in their first full season with Bud Harrelson as manager following the firing of
Davey Johnson during the 1990 season. They started out the season strong, briefly holding first place in the National League East during April. They put together a ten-game winning streak in July, and by the 14th stood at 49-34, 2.5 games behind the division leading
Pittsburgh Pirates. From that point forward, the Mets' fortunes changed drastically. After finishing 6-11 in their final games in July, the Mets started August by losing five straight games. After defeating the Pirates in two games on August 7 and 8, they lost their next eleven games to not only fall below .500, but drop to fourth place in the division. As the slump continued into September, Harrelson was fired with seven games to go. Third base coach
Mike Cubbage managed the Mets for the remainder of the year, finishing up with a series loss to the
Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets finished with a 77-84 record, marking the first time since 1983 that they finished with a sub-.500 record. ==Offseason==