Part 2/7:
The interview opened with a look back at the significant achievement in 2006 when the Mets clinched the National League East for the first time since 1988. Wagner recalls the palpable nerves he felt when coming onto the field during that game, particularly as he prepared to face Todd Willingham, a player who had a history of success against him.
Wagner described the atmosphere, emphasizing the electric crowd and the weight of the moment. With the Mets holding a comfortable lead, he felt the freedom to “go right at him without any real consequence.” The satisfaction of clinching the division two weeks ahead of schedule, under such pressure, was not just a relief for him, but also for the entire team that had faced constant questioning about when they would clinch.