What a year it’s been, not just for the Mets but for Just Mets as well.

The site was conceptualized a year ago between myself, Rich MacLeod and MLB Advanced Media, and at the time I really had no idea what I wanted this to be. Everyone in this community has a valid voice and opinion, but how I could make this voice standout was–and still remains–a challenge.

But after dealing with some growing pains and adjustments to the voice and style of the site, Just Mets was able to complete a surprisingly successful first year.

Sure, it helps that the Mets are both good and relevant again, and the chance to be great again in 2016 and beyond has only furthered the unification of our community.

And the one thing I’ve learned after covering this team for seven seasons is that every day provides a story, whether it’s a good one or bad one.

But what has helped steer and guide the site to the success it’s enjoyed is the inspiration of the audience. I’ve taken my unique opportunity as both a fan of the Mets and a member of the media to listen and understand you, and attempt to relate what I learn on a daily basis in various forms of writing, whether it’s an analytical story about a player’s performance, a player the club may or may not be interested in trade or free agency, or something I see or hear at the ballpark or during a game you may not have known or realized.

And I think that’s been the common goal of the Just Mets brand, to provide you that unique perspective on the club.

I hope we are off to a good start.

In conclusion, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for reading, thank you for tagging along, thank you for teaching me and guiding me through the first year of Just Mets. Without this audience, Just Mets doesn’t exist and doesn’t function, but you gave me the inspiration to launch this brand, and continue to build what I hope is becoming a daily landing spot for you and your Mets reading. It’s not easy and a lot of sacrifices have been made to make this site possible, but your support makes it all worth our while.

Happy New Year, and here is to the Mets bringing it all home in 2016!

As 2014 came to a close and 2015 was upon us, co-writer Michael Baron and I prepared the launch of–what is now known as–Just Mets.

When this venture began, I didn’t know what to expect.

The Mets hadn’t been to the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons, and went six straight years without a .500 season. Not to mention that this team was already armed with a terrific group of beat writers and popular blogs such as MetsBlog and Amazin’ Avenue–among others–I knew this adventure wouldn’t be easy. In order to gain traction and the respect of Mets fans, we had to work hard from Day One.

And I think we’ve done that.

The reception that we’ve gotten over our first season has been far greater than I ever could have imagined and I have you all, our readers and fans of this franchise, to thank for that (with a big hat tip to the Mets for their performance on the field).

2015 was an incredible roller coaster ride from the onset as the Metropolitans went through an 11-game winning streak in April, a two-month long scoring drought, a myriad of trade deadline acquisitions, a prolific march towards the team’s first National League East title since 2006 and all the way to an unbelievable run into the World Series.

From the debuts of Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz, to Wilmer Flores’ near-trade, crying episode and subsequent walk-off home run, to Yoenis Cespedes putting this team on his back, Daniel Murphy making postseason history by hitting home runs in six consecutive games and so many more moments throughout the year, the 2015 season was an unforgettable ride that produces chills down my spine–the good kind–every time I reflect upon them.

The first year of Just Mets has gone better than I ever expected and I can promise you all that we will put forth the same tireless effort to bring you daily content, photographs, videos, quotes, breaking news, opinions and insight about the New York Mets in 2016 and beyond.

Thank you all once again for following along this season. At the end of the day, like all of you, I am a Mets fan–plain and simple. So, enjoy this picture of me appropriately losing my mind as the Mets clinched their NLDS series victory this past October.

The best is yet to come.