“Los Mets”

The 2005 Mets fielded a team with many new Latin players. New York magazine called the team "Los Mets," but that isn't the first use of this term. It's also a label that has been used by Yankees fans to Mets fans.

25 October 2000, The Record (northern NJ), pg. A8:
Claro!" he said. Of course. "Los Mets."

15 July 2002, New York Observer:
No Language Bar for Los Amazin's

19 January 2005, Associated Press Newswires:
Minaya Brings Latin Touch to "Los Mets"
by Ricardo Zuniga
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Omar Minaya takes the podium, speaks a few words in English, then stops.

"Since we are in Puerto Rico," he said, "I think we should do this in Spanish."

With charm and a personal touch, the new Mets general manager convinced Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran to sign with New York's No. 2 team, rapidly remaking their image as "Los Mets."

27 February 2005, New York Daily News, pg. 66:
PORT ST. LUCIE - Omar Minaya had dramatically altered the face of the Mets in one winter, from Al Leiter and John Franco to Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran. As he did, the whispers began throughout New York, about the ethnicity of Minaya's imports.

"Los Mets," became a phrase uttered often, albeit quietly, or anonymously on fan message boards, though it was even used in the clubhouse this spring.

6 March 2005, The Record (northern NJ), pg. S01:
The irony here is that Minaya has been hearing whispers all winter about the Mets' diversity. "Los Mets" is the way Minaya's team is being referred to by some outsiders. To that, the GM stiffly says, "Anyone who thinks that way has their own problems."

7 March 2005, New York magazine, pg. 20:
LOS METS