Sunday’s bittersweet farewell to Shea Stadium had a “You Gotta Believe” aspect to it right ’til the end of the Mets’ 4-2 loss to the Florida Marlins.

Hopes for one last round of October excitement at the venerable ballyard faded along with the Mets’ season.

Yes, there was a melancholy cast to the post-game farewell festivities. But what a run it’s been.

Tom Seaver, hero of the Mets’ “miracle” 1969 championship season, threw a ceremonial last pitch to catcher Mike Piazza, who helped lead the team to the World Series in 2000.

And pitcher Dwight Gooden, first baseman Keith Hernandez and outfielders Darryl Strawberry and Lenny Dykstra were on hand from the 1986 World Series champions.

That’s a proud history for any ballpark.

Next year, the Mets move to Citi Field now rising next door. Time marches on, but the memories of Shea are indelible.

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