Photo: Shea Stadium

Shea Stadium is named after William Alfred Shea, an attorney who was instrumental in acquiring a new team for New York following the city's abandonment by the Giants and the Dodgers in the 1950s. In 1960, National League owners decided to expand to 10 teams and awarded franchises to Houston and New York. There were rumors that New York would be rejected unless it guaranteed construction of a new stadium. The Mets moved into Shea Stadium in 1964. A new ballpark is currently under construction just beyond Shea's walls. Citi Field will open in 2009.