Angels, Mets: We're no strangers

The Angels and Mets kick off a three-game interleague series at Angel Stadium tonight. Here are some ties between the organizations:

On Dec. 10, 1971, these two teams completed one of the more significant trades in each organization's history...The Angels acquired Nolan Ryan, Don Rose, Leroy Stanton and Francisco Estrada from the Mets in exchange for Jim Fregosi....

Angels' Manager Mike Scioscia hit the most memorable home run of his career at Shea Stadium, a two-run game-tying shot off Dwight Gooden in the 9th inning of Game 4 of the 1988 NLCS and a turning point in the series...The Dodgers would win the game in 12 innings and tie the series at two wins apiece.

Mets' Coach Sandy Alomar, Sr. was an All-Star second baseman with the Angels in 1970 and still holds the club record for consecutive games played with 648 from 1969-73...

Vladimir Guerrero hit for the cycle against the Mets at Olympic Stadium on Sept. 14, 2003, completing the effort with a HR in the 7th inning.

Angels' Special Assistant Bill Stoneman threw his second career no-hitter vs. the Mets as a member of the Expos on Oct. 2, 1972 at Jarry Park (7-0 score)...

These two teams were one strike away from meeting in the 1986 World Series...With the Angels holding a 3-1 series lead in the ALCS vs. Boston, the Halos dropped the last three games of the series...In Game 5, the Angels had a 5-4 lead with two outs and two strikes on Dave Henderson in the 9th inning before his two-run home run put the Sox up 6-5...The Sox won the game 7-6 in 11 innings...The Mets beat the Astros in the 1986 NLCS in six games...