There are many adjectives that are used in conjunction with the 86 Mets. Confidence. Arrogance. Swagger. Obnoxious. But they were good, damn good. And they knew it. That’s a far cry from the 2013 Mets.

However, it’s not just wins that count. It’s playing as a cohesive unit. It’s playing as, no pun intended, a TEAM. And that is something this club does not do. You don’t have to get along off the field. You don’t even have to like it each other. But when you’re on that field, you play as a team. You fight as a team. The Jordany Valdespin situation shows in glaring fashion how incredibly dysfunctional this “team” is.

The 86 club was a bawling and brawling brazen bunch of ballplayers chasing women and partying. But there were exceptions. For all intents and purposes, Gary Carter was an outcast. He was a family man, religious and clean-cut. Heck, the guy was so pure he did a commercial for Ivory soap. Mookie Wilson was one of the longest tenured players on that club. Yet, he graciously accepted becoming a platoon player with Lenny Dykstra. Or moving to left. But yet, they won. 108 times. The 4th highest win total in the last 50 years.

That club had issues. No doubt about it. Darryl referred to Wally Backman as a “(expletive) redneck.” In his 1985 book, “Bats,” Davey Johnson referred to Dykstra as “an ***hole kind of guy.” When they were posing for their team picture in the spring of 1987, Keith Hernandez and Strawberry came to blows about seating proximity to Davey. What is this, 3^rd grade? But yet, on the field, they pulled together.

After being chided with chants of “Daaaah—ril” in Fenway, Straw answered back. In the 8^th inning of Game 7, it was he who hit a towering blast off of Al Nipper that was the final nail in the Sox coffin. And then he strolled around the bases in probably the longest HR trot in history. Confidence. Swagger. The following spring Nipper beaned Darryl. And the dugouts promptly emptied. Who else but the Mets could get in a bench-clearing brawl in spring training? Straw was not overly popular with some of his teammates. But they immediately came to his defense. Why? Because that’s what teams do. That’s what winners do.

When Valdespin gets set-up by his manager to get plunked, what do the 2013 Mets do? They sit on their ass. And then rub salt in the wound by condoning the actions of the Pirates.

This is a team?

Baseball is filled with players that did not get along off the field. But yet, they pulled together and they won. The Oakland A’s of the early 70s bickered constantly. Yet, they won 3 straight World Series. Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent loathed each other. But they put their differences aside and gave their team 2 division titles and 1 pennant over 6 seasons. Ruth and Gehrig were polar opposites who disapproved of the other’s lifestyle. Yet, the Yankees of the 1920’s and 30’s seemed to do okay. And how about ‘The Bronx Zoo’ of the late 70’s. Those guys not only clashed off the field but on the field. And in the dugout on national TV. When Reggie Jackson wasn’t avoiding being punched by Billy Martin, he was getting into it with Thurman Munson. Talk about a dysfunctional mess! But yet, the Yankees won 5 divisions, 4 pennants and 2 World Series over a 6 year span.

The Mets, meanwhile, bicker amongst themselves. Then, go out and lose.

Did Valdespin act bush league by hitting that HR and then showboating on a very small scale? Did he act inappropriately for a rookie? Personally, I don’t give a damn. He’s a New York Met and as such he should be defended by his, pardon the pun, “team” mates. Terry Collins set him up to get beaned. I guess we should be thankful Collins allowed him to wear a batting helmet.

Had any other rookie done that they’d be praised for trying to light a spark on a team where no spark exists. Last season Bryce Harper played with arrogance rarely seen in a rookie. And although Valdespin is no Harper, I don’t recall Harper getting blowback from his teammates. He gets praised while Valdespin gets violently slammed in the face by John Buck. John Buck who is on his 4^th team in the last 5 years. John Buck who will be riding the pine once D’arnaud arrives. Can you imagine back-up catcher Ed Hearn violently slamming a pie into the face of Lenny Dykstra? I can’t either.

Kevin Mitchell was a rookie in 86. Does anyone think had Mitch been purposely beaned like that, the Mets would not have retaliated? Tell me Bobby Ojeda wouldn’t have had someone kissing the dirt the next inning. In 1969 Wayne Garrett was a rookie. Garrett was unassuming and quiet. But can you imagine Gil Hodges setting up Garrett to get beaned? I can’t either.

Why should we expect the 2013 Mets to fight the other teams in the NL when they don’t even fight for each other?

You can clearly see the dissension on this “team” by some of the quotes of Valdespin’s “team” mates.

Latroy Hawkins: “What, now we’re supposed to get into a fight for that?” First of all, I didn’t even know Hawkins was still in the majors until the Mets found him on the scrap heap. Secondly, to answer your question, Latroy, yes. Yes you are.

Marlon Byrd: “The Pirates did what you’re supposed to do. We would have done the same thing.” With all due respect, Marlon, I disagree. When was the last time the Mets protected one of their own and retaliated?

If the Mets are going to lose, at least lose with some dignity. Losing is one thing. Being a doormat is unacceptable.

And to David Wright, you’re the captain. Avoid the politically correct statements and settle this in the clubhouse. You’ve got that “C” on your jersey. Now act like a captain. I can’t imagine Keith or Gary or John Franco allowing this to fester. Isn’t it David who said, “You play for the name on the front of your jersey, not the one on your back.”

One vivid memory of 86 was the all-out bench-clearing brawl when Ray Knight decked Eric Davis in Cincinnati. Dugouts emptied…except for one player. Former Red George Foster sat on the bench and watched the Mets fight his old team. And although Foster was the 2^nd highest paid player on the team (and yes, an outcast even before), GM Frank Cashen had no problems immediately getting Foster out of New York. Why? He realized that Foster was not a team player.

Thank goodness Alderson was not the GM in 86. He would’ve kept Foster and gotten rid of Ray Knight.

And ask yourself this: What’s easier to imagine—a guy like Valdespin fitting in with the 86 Champions…or a guy like Keith Hernandez fitting in with the 2013 Mets?

So, to Valdespin, I say, hang in there. Your time here is probably limited. The fact that you’re exciting, try to light a spark and want to win, is clearly not in synch with the 2013 Mets. Management wants everyone to be nice and quiet. We don’t want to upset anyone else in the league.

Shhh. Heaven forbid someone gets mad at us. So, sit tight, Jordany. We’ll probably get rid of you like we did Beltran or Pagan. You know, two ex-Mets who escaped this madness. Two ex-Mets now wearing or pursuing World Series rings. Yes, World Series rings, something Terry  Collins can only view on Google Images.

Las Vegas 4, Albuquerque 3

Last night I was at Cashman Field to witness the ace of the Las Vegas 51s and prized prospect Zack Wheeler on the mound. In many ways Wheeler lived up to the hype and pitched as expected. However, what I did NOT expect was the competitive spirit he displayed. His poise is more expected of a crafty veteran than a kid three weeks shy of turning 23.

Wheeler pitched well, keeping Albuquerque batters on their toes all evening. He tossed 7 1/3 innings, the longest of any 51s pitcher this season, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits. He fanned 7 while walking just 1. 61 of his 99 pitches went for strikes.

Albuquerque scored in the first. With Elian Herrera on 2nd and two outs Rusty Ryal singled hard to right. Eric Campbell fired a rocket to the plate. Herrera was out by ten feet. However, he avoided the swipe tag by Las Vegas catcher Juan Centeno. Ryal took second on the throw home. Wheeler, however, was unfazed. He turned it up a notch and fanned the next batter. No opposing batter reached second base again until the seventh inning.

In the seventh, with Wheeler and the 51s leading 2-1, he delivered a first pitch fastball that Matt Angle promptly sent high into the Vegas night. Wally Backman showed faith in Wheeler. He didn’t come out to settle him down. He didn’t wave to the bullpen. He gave Wheeler a chance to show what he’s made of and the young pitcher answered the call by striking out the next batter on a knee-buckling curveball.

Eric Campbell’s home run to lead off the home seventh put Vegas back on top, 3-2. Wheeler gave way to Justin Hampson in the eighth after allowing his one and only walk of the night. In the ninth, Hampson squandered the lead and Albuquerque tied the game at 3-3, therefore giving Wheeler a N/D.

The 51s won the game in the bottom of the ninth on a lead-off single by third baseman Zach Lutz followed by a walk to Eric Campbell. A fielder’s choice moved the runners to 2^nd and 3^rd. Omar Quintanilla was intentionally walked to load the bases. Backman had Reese Havens pinch hit. He fell behind quickly in the count, 1-2, but managed to work out a walk. A walk-off walk.

After watching him tonight, it’s clear—as we’ve all been reading and hearing—that Wheeler has “the stuff.” What I learned, however, is that he also has the make-up. He did not get rattled. He did not get flustered. When he had to reach back for something extra, he succeeded.

Another interesting observation about Zack Wheeler is the efficiency he pitches with. He keeps the game moving at a quick clip. He doesn’t take a lot of time between pitches. This obviously keeps the fielder’s sharp. Steve Trachsel he’s not.

2bman Wilmer Flores hit his 3^rd HR of the season in the 4^th and almost hit another in the 6^th, sending the OF to the wall. He also flashed some leather, making a nice diving catch in the hole in the 7th.

It seems like every few years we Mets fans hear about ‘the next’ Tom Seaver or Jerry Koosman. We hear it so much we become numb. Am I saying Zack Wheeler will be the next Koosman to Matt Harvey’s Seaver? No.

However, after seeing Harvey pitch over the last month and personally witnessing Zack Wheeler last night, maybe, just maybe, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Key Stats

Wilmer Flores: 1-for-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB

Eric Campbell: 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB

Zach Lutz: 1-for-4, 1 R

Zack Wheeler: 7.1 IP, 6 H, 1 HR, 1 BB, 2 ER, 7 K

Justin Hampson: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 K

A member of the SABR once said, “There are 499 ballplayers. And then there’s Willie Mays.”

It was way back in the summer of 1973. Camera Day. I was a few months shy of turning 8 years old. My dad nudged me closer to the railing along the third base line so no grown-ups would block my view. Mets players walked around the warning track, stopping every few feet to smile for the cameras. My dad clicked away on his little Kodak Instamatic. I was just feet away from my Mets. Something I still remember 40 years later.

Tug and Harry Parker rode around on the back of the Mets bullpen cart. Jerry Koosman, void of his cap, stopped within arm’s reach. Lanky Jon Matlack smiled broadly. Cleon Jone carried himself with swagger, looking every part the major leaguer. Rusty Staub carried a teddy bear. Then, an eerie hush, the calm before the storm, came over the crowd. The quietness gave way to a volcanic eruption of cheers and shouts. Carrying a baseball bat as if he was born with it in his hand came # 24.

As game time approached and my dad and I walked to our seats in Loge section 5 along first base, he leaned over and told to remember today. One day I would be able to tell my kids that I saw Willie Mays.

I was 7 years old. All I knew about this guy was that he had once played in New York a long time ago and made some important catch once.
When the topic comes up of who is the greatest to ever play the game, I immediately respond without hesitation: Willie Mays. Ruth didn’t have the speed, Williams didn’t have the glove, Cobb, although he played in the dead ball era, didn’t have the power. The Say Hey Kid didn’t just do it all. He did it better than anyone before or since.

Born May 6, 1931 in Westfield, Alabama, William Howard Mays was taught the game of baseball at age 5. His father, William Howard Taft, named after a US president, played in the Negro Leagues for the local iron plant. His mother was a talented basketball and track star. Willie had the genes.

Attending Fairfield Industrial High, Willie set school records in both basketball and football.

Upon graduating, Willie played for the Birmingham Black Barons. He caught the eye of Bud Maughn, a scout for the Boston Braves. Boston was interested in purchasing Mays. However, they dragged their feet and could not come to an agreement with the Barons. Had the Braves moved quicker, it’s likely that Willie would have been teammates with Hank Aaron.

Brooklyn was also interested in Mays, but by the time they got around to it, he’d already been signed by their crosstown rivals, the hated New York Giants.

There was no Roy Hobbs moment when Willie took the field in 1951. He didn’t knock the cover off the ball in his first AB. As a matter of fact, he went 0-for-his first 12. Then, his first hit came: A towering HR off future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn. Spahn later joked, “For the first sixty feet, it was a hell of a pitch.”

Willie hit 274-20-68 in 121 games and won the NL Rookie of the Year. It was Mays who was on deck later that season when Bobby Thomson hit ‘the shot heard round the world.’

The Giants lost the Series in 6 to the Yankees. Mays, along with Monte Irvin and Hank Thomson, were the first all-African-American outfield in baseball history.

After only 127 AB’s the following year, Uncle Sam came calling. Willie was drafted into the Army. He would not return to the majors until 1954. He missed 266 games.

But when he did return in 1954, he returned with a bang. He won his first of 2 MVP’s, hitting a league best 345 along with 41 HR’s. The Giants crushed the heavily favored Indians in 4 straight. The Series is best remembered for Willie’s iconic catch off the bat of Vic Wertz. In what is possibly the most popular image in Baseball history, The Say Hey Kid thus elevated himself to mythical proportions. This was the start of a legend. Modest Willie stated years later, “I don’t compare ‘em. I just catch ‘em.”

It was the last World Series the Giants ever won in New York. The team would not win another until 2010.

That season Willie earned $12,500.

The Giants played 3 more years in NY and over that span, Willie averaged 316, compiled 122 HR’s, 551 hits, 112 XBH, knocked in 308. Oh, and also managed to steal 102 bases.

In 1957, he became a member of the 20-20-20 club. 20 doubles, 20 triples and 20 HR’s. No player has done that since.

Willie Mays was not just a great ballplayer. He was fun, colorful and exciting. He had ‘a lot of little boy in him’ and that showed, both on and off the field. “I like to play happy,” he stated. “Baseball is a fun game. I love it.”

Willie was not only larger than life ON the field but off the field as well. He’d frequently hang out in Harlem, playing stick ball with neighborhood kids. When the Giants moved to San Francisco, he continued the tradition, playing in the sandlots with local kids. He truly was loved coast to coast.

Willie had no trouble winning the hearts of San Francisco fans. His first year out west he hit a career high 347. And although the Giants initially struggled in San Francisco, Willie continued putting up
Hall of Fame numbers.

On April 30, 1961, Mays hit 4 HR’s in a game. He was in the on-deck circle when the final out was recorded.

In 1962 the Giants won a tight pennant race and met the Yankees in the Fall Classic. The Giants lost in a heartbreaking 7 games. Willie hit just 250. He would not appear in another World Series until 1973.

July 2, 1963 is what many claim to be the best baseball game ever played. Two future Hall of Famers, Juan Marichal and Warren Spahn, dueled it out. For 16 innings the game was scoreless. It was like a heavyweight fight between two warriors who refused to go down. In the 16^th inning, it was Willie Mays who delivered the knockout blow, hitting a HR and giving SF a 1-0 win.

In turn, this added yet another historical fact to the lore of Mays. He is the only player to hit a HR in every inning, 1 thru 16.

It was 1964. Willie’s friend and teammate Bobby Bonds welcomed a son into the world and named him Barry. He asked Willie to be the newborn’s Godfather.

August 22, 1965 is widely regarded as one of the ugliest days in Baseball history. The Giants and Dodgers were embroiled in a tight pennant race. Tension was high, tempers were short. Things boiled over. Juan Marichal hit Dodgers catcher Johnny Roseboro in the head with a bat. And then all hell broke loose. Red Sox/Yankees had nothing on this. This was not the usual bench clearing brawl where a couple guys tousle and everyone else stands around. This was an all-out war that went on for 14 minutes. Players were bloodied, uniforms shredded. It was Willie along with Sandy Koufax who restored order. Just a few years ago, Marichal stated, “Had Willie and Koufax not ended that, we’d probably still be going at it today.”

The following year, 1965, Willie surpassed another historic milestone. He hit his 500^th HR, a blast off of Don Nottebart. When he returned to the dugout he was met by now teammate Warren Spahn. 13 years earlier it was Spahn who gave up Willie’s very first HR. The veteran LHP asked him, “Was it anything like the same feeling?” Willie responded, “Exactly the same feeling. Same pitch, too.”

Shortly after Jerry Koosman got Orioles second baseman Davey Johnson to fly out to left in October 69 and the Mets proved miracles can come true, The Sporting News named Willie Mays ‘The Player of the Decade.’

By early 1972, age was catching up to The Say Hey Kid. The Giants were struggling financially. Owner Horace Stoneham regrettably advised the Giant legend that he could not afford to offer Willie any type of position or financial reward upon his retirement. Enter the Mets.

Mets owner Joan Payson had been a minority shareholder for the New York Giants. In the late 50’s, she fought hard to keep them in New York. Payson watched her beloved Giants move 3000 miles away, longing for the day when her adored and cherished Willie Mays would somehow return to New York. That opportunity presented itself now.

Payson saw the chance, fought hard to get Willie back to New York and offered him a coaching position upon retirement. In early May the Mets sent Charlie Williams and $50,000 to Stoneham. The Say Hey Kid was back in New York, just 10 miles away from where the Polo Grounds once stood. And where the legend of Willie Mays was born.

It was a rainy Sunday, May 14, when Willie wore “NY” on his cap for the first time in fifteen years. In the fifth inning of his debut game, Willie, as always, rose to the occasion. He hit a HR that put the Mets ahead to stay. The losing team was, yes, the Giants.

August 17^th of the following season, 1973, Mays hit a solo HR off Reds starter Don Gullett. It was # 660, the final one of his illustrious career.

The Mets shocked baseball once again, coming back from the dead and from last place to find themselves battling the A’s in the World Series. At age 42, Willie became the oldest player to appear in the Fall Classic. He got the Mets first hit in the World Series.

Willie only had 7 AB’s against Oakland. He got 2 hits, including the game winner in the 12 inning Game 2. In spite of Willie’s hit tying up the Series, it was a heartbreaking day for fans of the game. And for fans of Willie. He misplayed a routine fly ball, losing it in the glare of the northern California sunlight. Just across the bay from where Willie established himself as the best fielding CF-er of all time, he dropped a fly ball hit directly to him. After the game, he commented, “Growing old is just a helpless hurt.”

In 1979, William Howard Mays was enshrined in Baseball immortality. He was elected to the Hall of Fame with 95% of the vote. Amazingly, 23 sportswriters did not include Mays on their ballot. Caustic New York columnist Dick Young, never at a loss for biting sarcasm, stated, “If Jesus Christ were to show up with his old glove, some guys wouldn’t vote for him. He dropped the cross three times, didn’t he?”

Willie was at or near the top of every offensive category at the time of his retirement. And in spite of the steroid era, smaller stadiums and weaker pitching staffs, he remains a “giant” among the greats: 660 Home Runs (4^th), 1903 RBI’s (10^th), 3283 hits (11^th), 2062 runs (7^th), 10881 at-bats, 557 slugging (19^th now but 10^th at retirement). All this plus a lifetime batting average of 302 and oh yea, 338 Steals, a 77% success rate on the base paths.

As impressive as these stats were and still are today, keep in mind Willie played the bulk of his career in the 1960’s, a decade dominated by pitching and cavernous stadiums.

He was a 2 time MVP winner (1954, 1965). He won a record 12 Gold Gloves for CF, a remarkable feat considering Willie had 6 years under his belt before the award was even created. And the fact that he played in the swirling unpredictable winds of Candlestick Park. His 24 All-Star games tie him for the most mid-summer classics with Stan Musial. In 1999, Mays was chosen as #2 on the Greatest Players of the 20^th century, the only living member. He holds the record for 13 straight years playing 150+ games.

In addition to his accolades, Willie, usually bashful, was honest and forthright. He knew he was good. And so did we. Some of his quotes:

“They throw the ball, I hit the ball. They hit the ball. I catch the ball.” “When I’m not hitting, I don’t hit nobody. But when I am, I can hit anybody.” “The game was easy for me.” When asked who he thinks was the best ball player he ever saw, Willie replied with a broad smile. “I think I was the best I ever saw play.”

As much as fans loved seeing him play, he was equally respected and admired by his peers and contemporaries.

Ted Williams: “They invented the All-Star Game for Willie Mays.”

Ted Kluszewski: “I’m not sure what charisma is but I get the feeling it’s Willie Mays.”

Mays’ manager Leo Durocher: “He can hit. He can run. He can field. If he could cook, I’d marry him.”

Reggie Jackson: “You used to think if you were winning 5-0 somehow Mays would find a way to hit a 5 run HR.”

Opposing manager Gil Hodges: “I can’t tell my batters not to hit it to him. Wherever they hit it, he’s there anyway.”

It’s been 4 decades since this little scrawny 7 year-old kid with a front tooth missing was nudged closer to the railing at Shea on Camera Day 1973, trying to see past all the tall grown-ups. It’s been 4 decades since my dad told me to remember the day I saw Willie Mays on a Baseball field. It’s been 4 decades and this little kid is now in his late 40’s. And yes dad, I still remember.

The owner is obviously wealthy, a multi-millionaire probably hundreds of times over. One thing I can say is that I don’t feel sorry for the guy.

Therefore, why do I feel sorry for another multi-millionaire named David Wright?

This year David will earn $16 million. If he plays every game this season, he will earn in one afternoon more than most of us earn in an entire year: $98,765. If he plays every single inning of every single game, David will make $10,974 per inning! But yet, I actually feel bad for the man.

David’s a stand-up guy. He’s been the face of the franchise for almost a decade now and will continue to be. He’s a clean cut athlete who stays out of trouble and is never caught up in scandalous headlines or PED rumors. He’s the type of ballplayer you can have your kids look up to. After a tough loss, it’s David who sits in front of his locker and patiently answers all the repetitive questions hurled at him from reporters. While most of his teammates head off to the showers and refuse to talk to the media, David does his job by helping the media do theirs.

He has all the similar traits of another much loved and revered Met by the name of Tom Seaver.

David Wright is only 30 and has already solidified his spot as the best all-around hitter in team history. Safe to say, he will break every team record by the time he leaves. He may also surpass Ed Kranepool as the longest tenured Met.

And this past winter, Sandy Alderson, to his credit, did lock up #5 for the long term. While I do applaud Alderson’s decision and thank David for his loyalty to the blue and orange, I still find myself feeling a bit sorry for him. I feel sorry that he drank Alderson’s Kool-Aid.

Athletes, like the rest of us, want to earn as much money as possible. Unlike Mike Hampton, who accepted an exorbitant salary from the Rockies and claimed his reason for going to Colorado was for the better school system, David is a class act.

The Mets GM tells us we are rebuilding. That it will take 3-5 years. By that time, David will be in his mid 30’s, his most productive years behind him. Yes, money is important, but to a professional athlete winning is more important than money. You cant buy a World Series ring.

Ty Cobb, the greatest hitter ever, never got to win a World Series. Ted Williams would have probably given up that .406 in 1941 for even the opportunity to appear in the Fall Classic.

While I applaud David’s loyalty (I never thought he’d stay), I wonder if he regrets his decision. Let’s be honest. No one is expecting a World Series flag flying over Citi Field anytime soon. Hell, no one’s even expecting us to be competitive in the foreseeable future.

I’m reminded of a little known pitcher named Ed Lynch. Lynch was mostly a spot-starter for the hapless Mets in the early 80’s. From 81-85, Lynch tossed 708 IP and posted a respectable 3.74 era. He was a workhorse who was 38-40 for a team that was far under .500. He was here as the Mets rebuilt. He was teammates with the likes of Lee Mazzilli, Hubie Brooks and John Pacella. Lynch was injured coming into the 1986 season and on June 30, after 6 years of service and just 4 months before the Mets won it all, Lynch was traded to the Cubs for the unforgettable Dave Liddell and Dave Lenderman. (who???) Ed Lynch missed all the fun.

Will this same fate meet David Wright? By the time the Mets are competitive, Wright may very well be expendable, his best days behind him.

I also fret about the boo birds. In spite of David’s stellar career and now being named Captain even he has not been without his critics. It’s been implied that he needs to be a leader on the field as well. I, too, would like to see him assume that leadership role, a la Keith Hernandez. But simply, some guys are not made that way. They don’t have that genetic makeup. And that’s not a slam on him. Cooperstown is filled with players who were not ‘team leaders.’ But yet, now that David is making $98,765 per game, will he be unfairly expected to assume that role?

His stats over the last 4 years (09-12)  are still respectable. But they do fall short of the numbers he put up the previous 4 seasons (05-08.)

As the Mets “rebuild,” one can’t help but wonder if David’s numbers will continue to suffer. It’s very likely there won’t be anyone at the top of the batting order he can bring home. And very little protection behind him. In 2012, David’s line was 307-21-93. Solid stats. But even if he manages to repeat those respectable numbers, are those the type of stats that, along with not being a team leader, warrant $16 million?

David is a much loved Met. No doubt about that. But as we will stumble our way through another season, as the dog days of summer drag on, as attendance drops and our big battle will be beating Miami to stay out of the cellar, I wonder if Wright may unfairly be booed. It seems like there’s always a fall guy, someone to blame, be it Willie Randolph, Aaron Heilman, coaches, even trainers.

So, to David Wright, I thank you. Thanks for being a stand-up guy. Thanks for remaining loyal to the blue and orange. Thanks for not being all about the money and giving Alderson a chance.

He may wind up like Cobb and never win a World Series. Or Williams and never get to play in one. But hey, think of the bright side. Maybe 20 years from now the #5 will be in a circle on the outfield wall alongside #41.

Maybe…

Every once in awhile I, like probably many of you, find myself in a discussion/debate about the “ridiculously high salaries” baseball players get. For as long as I can remember I’ve defended the ballplayer; Be it A-Rod (yes, I did defend him) or going back to 1980 when a pitcher for the small market Astros named Nolan Ryan became the first player to earn seven figures. Baseball players have a gift, a skill, a unique talent. They deserve to get paid.

No one holds a gun to the head of the owners. This is Capitalism. If you have a skill and someone is willing to pay you for it, why not? To quote an iconic movie line, Show Me the Money.

Several months ago a friend of mine, who is not into any sports whatsoever, thought it was “disgusting” that David Wright earned what he did. When I advised her that David was not even the highest paid player on the team, she turned as white as Marvin Miller’s hair.

She, like others, made the usual claim that doctors and policemen and soldiers and teachers don’t earn nearly that much and THEY are important. Sad, but true. Police officers put their lives on the line everyday to protect us. Doctors go to school for years and tally up hundreds of thousands in student loans to keep us healthy. Soldiers risk their lives in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan simply to protect a way of life. Teachers, the ones who shape future generations, get paid nowhere near what they should.

And meanwhile, Ted Lilly earns $13.5 million.

Is it absurd, sickening and downright bizarre? Absolutely. But that’s the world we live in. Right or wrong. My eighth grade Math teacher was named Mrs. Krimsky. She was a rigid, tough, old-fashioned type. Strict, but fair. However, I don’t recall 52,000 people paying admission to her classroom to watch her perform her job.

As of 2010, there were 3.8 million teachers in America. There were just under one million physicians. On the flip side, only 750 can call themselves major leaguers.

Baseball players do have a good life. They stay in the most luxurious hotels, eat the best food, drive the nicest cars, seem to have the sexiest wives or hottest girlfriends (in some cases, both). But it’s also not easy either. They are away from family, children and loved ones from mid-February until late October (if they’re lucky.) They earn a lot. But they also sacrifice a lot. How many of you would be willing to be away from your family more than eight months of every year?

Some athletes are born with it. Not everyone has the instincts of a Mays, the ability of a Seaver, the majestic swing of a Strawberry, the blinding speed of a Rickey or the ability to throw a 12-6 curve like Zito. Some, like a Pete Rose or a Derek Jeter or an R.A. Dickey get there through sheer determination and perseverance.

What I don’t understand and perhaps never will is the double standard. People grumble about ballplayers’ salaries when compared to careers I mentioned earlier. However, when a Matt Lauer or a mediocre actor makes triple or quadruple that, no one says a word. Why?

This year A-Rod will earn $29 million. The second highest major league salary belongs to our own Johan Santana at $25.5 million. Last year, Tom Cruise earned $75 million. Robert Pattinson was the TENTH highest paid actor. Yet, his $26.5 million would make him the SECOND highest paid ballplayer. I’d like to see Pattinson try to get a fastball by Miguel Cabrera.

Putting aside actors, the top paid “entertainers” list is even more “absurd.” I can’t even recall the last hit by Elton John. Yet, last year Sir Elton earned $100 million. Number 7 on the list was the one and only Dr. Phil who came in at a paltry $80 million.

Want to know my definition of disgusting or absurd? The fact that Judge Judy makes almost three times what Albert Pujols does.

Yet, no one complains. Perhaps Historian John Thorn is onto something when, to paraphrase what he said once:

Baseball seduces us with the illusion that we can be down there on that field; that there’s not much separating me from Barry Bonds.

I’ll even go as far as to say Baseball players are underpaid. Think about this: Several years ago the cast of ‘Friends’ negotiated new contracts as a “team.” NBC caved and gave each ‘friend’ one million per episode. David Schwimmer, who worked a few hours a week a few days of the week speaking words written by someone else earned $24 million in Season 9. If Schwimmer can earn $24 million, David Wright is underpaid.

In 2009 the University of Colorado-Boulder did a study that showed some interesting facts. From 1900-1993, the average baseball career lasted just 5.6 years. 20% of all major leaguers, 1 out of every 5 who make it to the show, will only last ONE year. And this study only looked at position players. Pitchers, who are more prone to injuries, were not included.

5.6 years! About half as long as FRIENDS aired.

I’m not putting down Dr. Phil or David Schwimmer or Judge Judy or anyone I mentioned. They, like professional athletes, have every right to earn every penny they can. Although I do tend to think Prince Fielder and Tim Lincecum have more talent than Leonardo DiCaprio or Katie Couric, I don’t begrudge any of them. I just am confused with the double standard.

Am I missing something here?

Please feel free to voice your opinion and add a comment. You can even check back in a week to look at all the comments left by others. One week from today, seven days from now, after Kim Kardashian has earned another $250,000.

We wont win this season. We wont compete this season. We wont be any good this season. Okay, now that that’s settled, lets go ‘Play Ball’ this season and see what happens. Opening Day is a little over one month away and when that first pitch is thrown, the Mets technically have just as good a chance as anyone to win.

We Mets fans are an interesting bunch Always have been. In 1962 that other team in New York were defending World Champions (again) They had guys named Yogi and Mickey and Whitey and Moose. And they had Roger Maris fresh off breaking what had been deemed the unbreakable record. However, just a few miles away, playing in a dilapidated stadium that was close to being demolished, there was a new team in a town. The Mets countered with guys named Choo Choo, Elio, Marvelous Marv and ‘Hot’ Rod.

And yet, even though the 62 Yankees won 96 games and their eighth World Championship in 13 years, it was the new kids in town who drew more fans.

The difference between the fan bases of our two clubs is simple: Yankees fans feel that anything less than a Championship is simply unacceptable. Mets fans, on the other hand, are ecstatic over finishing .500.

We always hope for the best…but prepare for the worst.

When you think back to 1986, what are the words that come to mind? Swagger. Confidence. Arrogance. Buckner. One word that never really gets brought up is ‘Miracle.’ Sure, Mookie’s slow roller was a gift from the ghosts of Joan Payson and Gil Hodges. But ‘miracle’ is more fitting of 1969 than 1986.

Think back to Game Six. No, not that one. The one against Houston. The Mets were leading the Astros three games to two but we came into the ninth trailing by three and Mike Scott, who’d already shut us down twice in a week and on his way to winning the Cy Young Award, was poised for game seven. Remember that feeling?

Remember that feeling in another Game Six? After Keith flied out, Gary stepped to the plate. The Mets trailed 5-3 in the bottom of the tenth, bases empty and two outs. No hope. Shea was deathly quiet. Failure was written on Davey’s face. The players sat on the bench staring in utter shock and despair at what was playing out before them. Losing was bad enough. Being the team whom the Red Sox would break their curse against was downright embarrassing. But the most heart-wrenching feeling of all was disbelief. Why?

1986 was OUR year. We were supposed to win. We deserved to win. We were entitled. We were the best team. My heavens—We had turned into the Yankees.

And two days later when ‘the dream came true,’ sure, we were elated. But the agony of possible defeat far outweighed the thrill of victory.

In the mid and late 80’s expectations were always high. This was something new for our Metsies. We’re never favored or picked to go far. But with this new burden comes a heavy task. When excellence is expected, almost demanded, anything less is deemed failure. However, when nothing at all is expected and something great happens, it’s that much sweeter.

Over the last quarter century, the two most heartbreaking moments for us came off the bat of catchers: Mike Scioscia and Yadier %$#&^% Molina.

In 1988, the Mets were expected to repeat their ’86 performance. We won 100 games, 10 of those coming in 11 matchups against the Dodgers that season. When Scioscia hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth in game four against Doc, we were shell-shocked. The Mets never recovered. We were supposed to win. But in the blink of an eye (or the swing of a bat) our expectations and sense of entitlement was crushed.

Same could be said of 2006. That years’ Mets were similar in many ways to the 1986 club. Confident, some arrogance. We dethroned the much hated Braves. Yes, 2006 would definitely be our year. That is until Yadier Molina dug in.

As if 2006 was not heartbreaking enough, the subsequent collapses the next two seasons were downright unfathomable. Choking is hard enough to swallow. But choking when you’re expected to win? That just seems unfair, cruel.

In 1973, the Mets were not good. To say our hitting was anemic would be an understatement. Only one player had over 16 HRs. Only one player hit over 280, Rusty Staub was our RBI leader, plating a whopping 76. No one even had double digits in SB’s. Even our traditionally strong pitching was a letdown. Two of our big three pitchers, Jerry Koosman and Jon Matlack both finished with more losses than wins. And on August 31, our closer Tug McGraw, had an ERA north of 5.00.

But somehow, with no expectations, 1973 remains one of the best years in Mets history. We managed to finagle the NL East title, upset a Big Red Machine team that was filled top to bottom with would-be Hall of Famers. And then, pushed the A’s in the midst of their dynasty, to seven games, even getting the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning of Game Seven.

There are certain players that are held in reverence by their team’s fans. The Red Sox have Ted Williams, the Cubs Ernie Banks, the Royals George Brett. And for us it’s No. 41.

But Tom Seaver was not always Tom Seaver. In the spring of 1969, Seaver was not yet Tom Terrific. He was a promising 24-year old kid with a mediocre 32 wins and 25 losses. (No one expected Seaver to win almost as many games that season as he’d won in the previous two). In Spring Training that March Seaver was joined by Cleon Jones who was a career .272 hitter. (No one dreamed that Cleon would hit .340 in 1969) Former Rookie of the Year Tommie Agee was coming off hitting .217 the previous year. At 26, Agee was considered a has-been.

And if this wasn’t bad enough, our manager was none other than Gil Hodges. Sure, Hodges was loved by New York fans but as a skipper, he achieved little success. With 6 managerial seasons under his belt, the former Brooklyn first baseman had a lackluster .407 winning percentage.

Now, as we inch our way closer to another season, we have little hope. Will Jon Niese turn into another Tom Seaver? No. Will Lucas Duda, like Cleon, hit 340? Of course not. Will Terry Collins join Davey and Gil as championship managers? No way.

But just for the hell of it, lets play out the season and see what happens. In 1962, Casey Stengel told his team, “All I ask is that you bust your hiney on that field.”

Do the Mets have any chance to win it all this season? I think we have about as good a chance as we did in the spring of 1969.

And then…number 8 stepped to the plate.

In a career that spanned nearly 2300 games and 8000 at-bats over 19 seasons, there are many memorable moments. However, the defining moment of his hall-of-fame career, what typified Gary Carter, was something that happened OFF the field.

“The Mets are still alive,” said Vin Scully as Carter lined a 2-1 offering into left.

In Spring Training 1974, Expos teammates Ken Singleton and Mike Jorgensen chided the exuberant rookie. 19 year old Gary Carter was trying to win every sprint, hit every pitch over the wall. His childlike enthusiasm for the game prompted them to call him ‘The Kid.’

As a late September call-up, “The Kid” made his major league debut. He caught the back end of a double header against the defending NL Champion Mets. He went 0-for-4.

Baseball is and always will be a game of stats. But sometimes even that, no matter how impressive they may be, do not accurately measure the impact of a player. Sure, Gary was an 11 time All-Star, 5 time Silver Slugger, 2 time MVP of the All-Star Game and winner of 3 Gold Gloves. He hit 324 career HR’s and batted in 1225. But that did not define him.

“And the Mets refuse to go quietly,” said Vin Scully, after Kevin Mitchell singled and Carter moved to second.

The road to the Championship began in 1983. In May, the Mets brought up highly touted rookie Darryl Strawberry. Just weeks later, Frank Cashen sent Neil Allen to STL in exchange for former MVP and proven winner Keith Hernandez. 1984 saw the debut of rookie phenom Doc Gooden. But still, something was missing. The crème de la crème came in December 84 when Gary Carter joined the Mets. “He was the final piece of the puzzle,” explained Keith.

On April 9, 1985, one day after his 31^st birthday, Gary made his debut with the Mets. He hit a solo HR in the 10^th off of Neil Allen to give the Mets a 6-5 Opening Day victory. With that blast, Gary won the hearts of Mets fans everywhere. But that moment did not define him.

Gary had an infectious smile. He was the media darling, always willing and ready to give an interview or answer a question. Some referred to him in a derogatory way, calling him ‘Camera Carter,’ accusing him of being the ultimate self-promoter. Gary was not that. He was, however, the consummate professional.

During his tenure with the Mets there were plenty of fist raising curtain calls. Even when he struck out, he’d walk back to the dugout, looking down, shaking his head twice, disappointed with himself but most likely already planning how to adjust in his next at-bat. But the curtain calls and raised fists did not define him.

Let’s be honest. That 1986 team were not exactly boy scouts. They were a bunch of brawling, boozing, hell raisers. Gary, however, was a boy scout. Hell, he even did a commercial for Ivory Soap! But yet, in spite of the fact that Gary may not have fit in with the recklessness of Keith, Darling, Ojeda, Knight, and Darryl, he was still loved by the fans and respected by his teammates. (anyone remember Gregg Jefferies?). However, this was not Gary’s defining trait.

A quarter of a century has now passed since that fateful Game 6 but yet we all remember it like it was yesterday. It was our beloved number 8 who started not only the greatest rally in Mets history, but quite possibly the most amazin’ comeback ever in a World Series.

In the top of the 7^th, Boston took a 3-2 lead and was threatening for more. Rich Gedman singled through the left side and Jim Rice rounded 3^rd. Mookie Wilson fired a rocket to the plate and Carter executed a perfect tag on Rice to keep the Mets within one. Had Carter not made the tag things would be very different. In the 8^th, it was Gary’s Sac Fly that tied the game at 3. But these were not his defining moments either.

This, however, did define Gary. When Ray Knight singled, Carter raced home, bringing the Mets to within 1. He stepped on the plate, defiantly pointed at on deck batter Mookie Wilson. As Gary entered the dugout, he high fived several players, took a breather. And what did he do then? He looked around for his catching gear!

The Mets were trailing 5-4, 2 outs bottom of the 10^th. But yet, in spite of being behind, Gary was preparing to come out for the 11^th inning. The entire 86 season, the entire never-say-die attitude of that 86 club, was captured right then and there. What must Boston have thought when they saw that? That one simple act, something Gary did while not even on the field, not only summed up the Mets attitude that year, but more importantly the eagerness of The Kid. He still wanted to play more baseball.

Mookie Wilson said, “Gary was one of the happiest guys in the world.” “I relied on Gary for everything when I was on the mound,” stated Doc Gooden. “He was a warrior on the field.” Battery mate Ron Darling said, “Gary was everything you wanted in a sports hero; great talent, great competitor, great family man and a great friend.”

However, it was Gary’s manager, Davey Johnson, who perhaps summed it up best. “I loved him very much.” We all did, Davey. And always will. Gary may have only worn the blue and orange 5 seasons but his memories will last a lifetime.

I turned 21 that November. I was now ‘legal.’ I started my senior year in college, my entire life and all my dreams lay ahead of me. I got to meet and party with the members of Van Halen at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. One month after Jesse tossed his glove to the heavens I met the girl I’d eventually marry.

But 1986 also saw me get my first car. You always remember your first. It was a bad-ass silver Chevy Cavalier RS with black racing stripes. If you wanted to find me on a Saturday that summer, I’d be outside wearing my Mets hat, rock t-shirt and heavy metal spiked leather wristband. I’d be waxing my baby, using Armor-All and Windex, polishing her up—fenders, chrome, tires, windows. I had Van Halen, Scorpions, Whitesnake, Springsteen and a new band called Guns-n-Roses blasting from my tape deck. The neighbors heard me before they’d see me. Yes, 86 was a great year. My future—as well as the future of my Mets—was bright.

1989: It was sadly becoming evident that the Mets dynasty may not materialize the way we hoped. We were still reeling from the shell-shocking loss to the Dodgers in the LCS the previous October. Doc was having drug problems. Keith was battling injuries and played only 75 games that season. Mookie was sent away to Toronto—another country!!! In 50 games, 35 year old Gary Carter hit 183.

That summer my wife and I celebrated our one year anniversary. We had the discussion of ‘starting a family.’ Kids??? Hell, I hadn’t even grown up yet. I figured we should start slow. We bought a puppy instead.

I loved my Cavalier. I took care of it, did the routine maintenance, etc…But really, to this kid in his early 20’s, it was an expensive toy. Racing my friends, speeding and driving recklessly had taken a toll and after 3 years and just 51,000 miles, my car was falling apart. My wife suggested I look into buying a Toyota. She loved their cars. But not me. I was a Chevy man tried and true. Growing up, my dad had no loyalty to any particular auto manufacturer—as long as it was American made. There was no way I’d buy a ‘Rice Rocket’ and listen to my father remind me how his older brother fought in World War II.

And after all, the expression is not “Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie…and Toyota?”

My second car, purchased in 1989, was another Cavalier. Sporty, equally bad-ass and blue (as in blue and orange.)

In October of ’94, the unthinkable and unimaginable occurred. For the first time in 90 years, not since Teddy Roosevelt was President, there would be no World Series.

That month I was also in the market for a new car again. My 2^nd Cavalier was starting to fall apart. The repair bills were adding up. Now, as anyone who is married or who has ever watched an episode of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ knows, a home is not a home unless the wife is happy.

My better half again tried to convince me to buy a Toyota. This time I appeased her and went through the motions. I looked, I shopped, I test drove one. And then when I felt I ‘did my part of trying,’ I went across the street and purchased another Chevy.

Equally unimaginable to there being no Fall Classic that October was the realization that my 20’s were coming to an end. I was 13 months shy of turning the ripe old age of 30. My bad-ass cool looking sporty car was replaced by a nice, conservative, safe, economical 4 door sedan. Blue (as in blue and orange.) I drove off the lot in a Chevy Corsica.

With my 30’s unavoidable I was at a good place in life. And my Mets were also in a good place. Generation K were poised and ready to dominate the National League. We had Bobby Bonilla, Todd Hundley, promising youngsters named Jeff Kent and Robert Person and proven winner Bret Saberhagen, Yes indeed, the Mets future, like my own, was bright.

2001: By now, Generation K had become a punch line. Bobby Bonilla went on to be one of the most hated Mets in history. Jeff Kent was 3000 miles away in San Francisco and, teamed with Barry Bonds, was part of the most lethal 1-2 punch in the game.

However, the Mets were defending NL Champions.

Sure, we lost the previous Fall Classic to the roided-up Yankees. But things were positive. For the first time in our history we’d been to the post-season 2 straight years. We were led by the best hitting catcher of all-time, local hero John Franco, quiet star Robin Ventura, much loved Benny Agbayani and Timo Perez, lefty Al Leiter, the glove of Rey Ordonez and the hard-working Todd Zeile and Joe McEwing,

As 2001 wound down it became evident the Mets would miss the post-season. On Sunday, September 9, Steve Trachsel took the loss to Florida, 4-2. The Mets dropped to 71-73, 8 games behind Atlanta. Two days later, the unthinkable and unimaginable happened again.

As the nation came to realize we were not invincible, our own safety shattered and we began shooting questioning looks at each other while giving up many of our rights, American patriotism skyrocketed.

With bodies still being pulled from the debris of where the Twin Towers once stood, I was involved in a car accident. My Corsica was totaled. I was back in the market for a new car yet again. My wife made a half-hearted attempt to talk me into a Toyota. No way! If I never wanted to drive a foreign car before, there was no way in hell I’d drive one now.

Most of my friends and family urged me to buy a Japanese car. They all loved their Toyota’s, Honda’s and Nissans. I resisted.

I was in my mid 30’s and was doing well financially. I bought a fully loaded Chevy Impala. It was the most luxurious and most expensive car I ever owned. Huge payment, my first full size. It took me 6 months to learn all the bells and whistles.

Four months later, I found myself sitting at my kitchen table signing divorce papers. After almost 14 years, my wife and I decided we’d grown apart.

During the first ten years of the 21^st century, as my 30’s ended and I entered my 40’s, with my future now uncertain, I realized I still could rely on my Mets.

Following the Mets personally is not always easy. The closest city to me that has a major league team is almost 300 miles away. Seeing my Mets live is much more difficult than simply hopping the 7 train to Flushing. It requires driving down to Los Angeles or San Diego. Phoenix, perhaps. It’s a weekend getaway that includes, not just the cost of the ticket and parking, but also gas, food and hotel bills.

Still, I was making good money and had no problem forking over hundreds and hundreds to see my Mets. And for spending money on Wright and Reyes t-shirts and Pedro Martinez jerseys. After all, our future was bright. In addition to David and Jose, we had Delgado, Beltran, Wagner, Shawn Green, fiery Paul Lo Duca, clutch Tom Glavine and promising young studs like Mike Pelfrey and John Maine.

Then, once again, the fabric of this nation was torn apart. Thirteen years after the impossibility of the World Series being cancelled and six years after 3000 Americans were killed and an entire generation lost its innocence, we found ourselves in the worst financial crisis of our lifetime. We were now witnessing firsthand what we had only heard about from our grandparents.

I, too, found myself unemployed for an extended period of time. Credit card debt went up, savings went down. But still, I could count on the Mets. Granted, Yadier Molina’s HR in Game 7 of the 06 LCS and Beltran taking a called third strike left us all in shock. The following September, the Mets blew a 7 game lead with 17 left and collapsed.

Six month later, March 08, I found myself getting a paycheck again. I was making only 60% of what I had been.

And then, my expensive, fully loaded, luxury car fell apart.

My Impala, though recently paid off, was costing me more in repairs than my car payment had been. After just 6 years and only 71,000 miles, driving slow, less reckless, not having gotten a speeding ticket in almost 20 years, my American-made car was heading for the junkyard. Four new cars, all Chevys, and only one lasted more than 6 years and exceeded 82,000 miles. To say I was pissed and fed-up would be an understatement.

On a Saturday in early April 2008, I got in my car. Thankfully, it started. I drove a few miles, rattling my way down the street. I did slow a bit as I drove by the Chevy dealer. I proceeded on and drove my piece of junk Impala to Toyota. A few hours later, I drove off the lot in brand new Camry. Blue (as in blue and orange.)

Those who know me literally did not believe me until they saw my new car. There was no way—NO WAY—I’d ever not drive a Chevy. And no way in hell I’d lower myself to buying a Japanese car. But here I was.

In a couple of months from now, my Camry will be paid-off. Five years and not a single problem. I love my Toyota. But still, in spite of Chevy leaving a bad taste in my mouth, I still slow down when I pass the Chevy dealership. I glance over, check out the new cars and feel nostalgic. Chevy will always have a special place in my heart.

Baseball is a unique sport. It’s not like Football where you can be a fan of one team…but still root for a different one. The Mets are a lifetime commitment, a love that extends from childhood into old age. Sure, they frustrate me. Sure, they piss me off. Sure, if Sandy Alderson was crossing a dark street late one night and no one was around, I’d debate flooring it. (just kidding) But what am I going to do? Change my allegiance after 40 years? I’m not about to become a Phillies fan where I have a ‘P’ on my head or root for the Blue-Jays and wear…whatever the hell that logo of theirs is.

With the exception of a trip back to New York in the summer of 2011, my first and only time seeing Citi Field and going overboard in the gift shop, I’ve not handed over any money to the Wilpons in 6 years.

So, yes, I’ll continue to root for my Mets, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. But money is tight. Rooting is one thing—financially supporting them is something different. I don’t plan on driving down to LA and forking over several hundred for a weekend to see a sub-par product. (The same logic applies to forking over thousands to Chevrolet, what I personally consider another sub-par product.)

The Mets are 6 weeks away from embarking on the 2013 campaign, a season where we have no hope to compete. The best thing about this upcoming season will be that it gets us one year closer to ‘the future’ that Sandy Alderson keeps talking about.

People change. I loved my Chevy’s and I kind of always will. I love my Mets. And I always will. But people do change. As a fan, one can only get pushed so much. If this person who swore he’d drive nothing but a Chevy until the day I die can now drive a Toyota, anything is possible.

(as a side note, my ex-wife, who swore by Toyota now ironically drives a Chevy)

My approach to this upcoming season will be rather robotic. If they’re on TV, I’ll watch (probably.) But, most likely, I’ll check the standings, glance at the box score. I’ll see what David Wright did, see how Wheeler or Niese or Harvey pitched. I’ll look to see if D’arnaud is living up to the hype. And then, until we start competing, I’ll move on to other things.

My approach to the 2013 Mets will be similar to passing a Chevy dealer. I’ll look, smile, feel a bit nostalgic. And keep going.

After champagne is poured in the locker room and the commissioner presents the World Series trophy to the winning manager, I start the countdown to Opening Day. There are a few ‘obstacles’ to get through. Perhaps an election. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Years. And last but not least, the Super Bowl. Today, finally, we can get through this final roadblock and get back to what’s important.

I write this blog somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Posting on a baseball related website, I’m hoping not to get crucified too much. I know I’ll probably burn in a red, white and blue hell for being anti-Super Bowl, but here goes.

I used to be a big football fan. Back in the day, I rooted for the Cowboys. Over the years, however, I’ve lost interest in the game. True, Baseball has always been my first love. But as I enter my 40th year of watching America’s National Pastime, I not only still love the game but perhaps, more importantly, I appreciate the game. The nature of its very essence. Is there anything more beautiful than a perfectly executed 6-4-3 double-play? The majestic way a first baseman stretches, scoops the ball out of the dirt and brings his arm up as if it was easy. Poetry in motion. I love how an outfielder turns and races into the power alley to snag a sinking liner, then trots off the field as if he had it all the time. That’s Baseball.

Today one hundred million Americans will tune in to watch a Football game. But yet, for the next several days, what will the nation be talking about? Commercials and the half-time show.

I no longer follow football with any interest. I know the Niners are facing the Ravens. Honestly, I’m not even sure where the Ravens play. But I sure do know that Beyonce is singing at Half Time and Coke got in trouble for some controversial ad.

With apologies to George Carlin, the differences between baseball and football are vast. I’ll take Baseball.

In game 4 of the 2012 World Series the Giants went to the bottom of the 10^th winning 4-3. With the Tigers down to their last out, 3 pitches away from being swept, who stepped to the plate but Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera. Sergio Romo, a man who was not even supposed to be the closer, looked in for the sign to face Cabrera. He didn’t “fall on the ball.”

This is baseball. You can’t run out the clock. Each team has an equal number of chances. I get 27 outs. You get 27 outs. And then the victor is determined.

We’ve all heard the criticisms about Baseball: The game moves too slow. There’s no action. Nothing happens. It’s boring.

Well, imagine this scenario for a moment: The pitcher throws a fastball. Strike one. The catcher walks to the mound, calls in the infield and they discuss the next pitch. The players return to their position. A curve ball that just misses. Ball one. The catcher walks to the mound, summons the infielders and discusses the next pitch. And so on and so on. Now, wouldn’t that be ridiculous? But if you think about it, that’s exactly what they do in football.

Here’s a typical possession: A team huddles, talking in secret about what to do. Then they walk to the line of scrimmage. They count. The quarterback steps back, turns left, hands the ball to a running back. He gains 3 yards. Now, they all walk away, get into their little secret huddle and discuss what to do now. They again saunter to the line of scrimmage where the QB counts. He steps back, turns right this time, hands to a running back. He gains 4 yards. Now what? Well, time to have a meeting. They walk back, have another group meeting and decide the next play. Again, they go to the line of scrimmage. The QB counts. He fades back, looks downfield and throws a 20 yard pass. His tight end catches the ball. First down. Whew! Good, now we sit and watch as the referees, line judges and both teams take a walk to the new line of scrimmage. And what’s the first thing they do? They have a meeting about what to do now.

You tell me. If you think about it, which is more boring? I’d prefer to watch Miguel Cabrera dig in and Sergio Romo looking in to Buster Posey. I’d prefer to watch a speedy base runner dancing off first base, the pitcher holding the ball just a second too long, trying to break the concentration of the speedster while maintaining focus on the batter. To me, that’s more thrilling than watching a bunch of guys talking in a huddle.

And think about this. If Football truly is more exciting, has more action and is faster moving than Baseball, why exactly does it take 3 hours to play a 1 hour game? The game is designed into 4 15 minute quarters. That’s one hour. But yet it takes 3 hours to play. Therefore, the point can be made that for 2 hours, nothing happens.

Let’s say it’s a big game. The clock is ticking down. The team on offense is trailing 21-14 with 35 seconds left. They’re driving down field. They get into their opponents territory. The fans are going wild. After another meeting and some more counting, the QB fades back. He avoids one defender, sidesteps another one. He sees his man open. He fires into the end zone where his receiver is double covered. The clock is ticking. The entire game is on the line. The receiver jumps in the corner sandwiched between 2 defenders who also jump. The receiver comes down with the ball. Touchdown!! Wait. Maybe it’s not a touchdown. There’s a flag on the play. Was there pass interference? Were both his feet in bounds? Hmm, well, let’s check with the officials. Personally, when I’m watching sports and in the heat of an exciting contest, heart beating in my chest, an entire season on the line, is there anything more thrilling, exciting and heart-stopping than watching a guy in a striped shirt talking on a headset to a guy in booth who is watching the play in slo-mo? I just love that tingly sensation I get waiting for the officials to tell me if what I just saw really happened or not.

What about that thrilling moment when a team is at 4th and one. The QB hands off the ball. The player dives through the air. Opponents jump on top of him. His own teammates jump on top of them. Did he make the first down? I don’t know. Let’s wait while the officials untangle the cluster of bodies to see. Oh, they’re still not sure. Time to wave to the sidelines and bring in a ten yard chain that has a stick in the bottom.

When Jesse Orosco struck out Marty Barrett, I didn’t have to wait 3 minutes to see if he really struck him out.

On a Sunday, if a quarterback completes 21 of 30 passes, it’s a great day for him. To me, that means he made 9 errors. Imagine if David Wright made 9 errors in one day.

People complain about baseball players making millions of dollars. However, the season starts in mid-February when pitchers and catchers reports. Six weeks later, they begin a grueling 162 game schedule that extends into October. And if you’re lucky to make it to the post-season, into late October. Eight months of being away from your family, your kids, your loved ones. On average playing 5 games a week. By comparison, football players play once a week. For 3 hours! And even then, after 2 quarters, they need a rest. Halftime. Really???

I don’t watch football anymore. The only Super Bowl I watched recently was the one the Giants won. I don’t even recall what year that was. That, and the one I turned on only to watch Bruce Springsteen perform during halftime. Or maybe that was even the same one.

Keeping in mind, I’m a baseball fan and not a football fan, Baseball creates memories. Over the last 15 years we’ve witnessed countless indelible Fall Classic moments: Edgar Renteria’s shot up the middle to give the upstart Marlins a shocking 7 game victory over the heavily favored Indians.Seven years later it was that same Renteria who hit a comebacker to the mound, thereby ending an 86 year curse. JT Snow crossing the plate, yanking a young Darren Baker to safety. The 07 Rockies, who stormed into the post-season winning 21 of their last 22 games, only to get roundly swept by the Red Sox. Luis Gonzalez getting an unforgettable hit against the best closer in the history of the game. Roger Clemens throwing a shattered bat at Mike Piazza. Guys named Sandoval and Pujols going deep three times in a single game, forever linked with the names Ruth and Jackson. 55,773 fans sitting in The House That Ruth Built, their cheers getting shoved back down their throats as a 23 year-old kid named Josh Beckett silenced the Bronx Bombers. The 2002 Giants were led by the bats of Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent. Yet, it was Adam Kennedy and Scott Spiezio who were remembered for big HR’s. That’s baseball memories. What’s the most talked about moment of the Super Bowl in the past decade, the one single event that people still remember? A wardrobe malfunction.

As I sit here writing this, I hear my neighbors cheering and shouting. Maybe an exciting play just happened. Or since this is the Super Bowl, maybe it’s some really awesome F-150 commercial.

Perhaps the difference between the two sports can be summed up in famous statements made by some revered men from each game. Vince Lombardi said, “Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.” Bart Giamatti said, “The game of baseball is designed to break your heart.” Lombardi’s quote indicates that you’re a failure if you lose. In everyday life, we experience more losses than victories, more failures than successes. Which statement rings truer?

As I said earlier, I write this somewhat tongue-in-cheek. I realize (sadly) Football is more popular than Baseball nowadays. More people watch the Super Bowl than the World Series. I’m not saying Baseball is a better game. I’m just saying, in my opinion, it is.

I’m happy today is the Super Bowl. Good luck to the Niners. Good luck to the Ravens. In three hours when this 60 minute game is over, we’ll be that much closer to Opening Day.

2012 saw our Mets conclude our 51^st season. Man, how time flies. The Mets are now in their second half-century. And it got me thinking (since I have no life) How does the Mets first quarter century compare with our second quarter century? For discussion purposes, I’ll refer to 1962-1986 (our first 25 years) as Act I. 1987-2012 (our next 26 years) as Act II.

When the Mets entered the NL in 1962 along with the Houston Colt 45’s, the baseball landscape was very different. Expansion teams were put together by cast-offs of other teams. Has-beens and never was’s. You couldn’t win a championship in five years like Florida did. Or get to the post-season in three like Arizona. You had to build from NOTHING.

Sure, the rules of the game were the same, sans DH. Although the game itself has remained relatively unchanged since the late 1800’s, the pennant races were very different.

The 1961 World Series was won by the Yankees. Led by the M & M Boys, The Bronx Bombers handily defeated the Reds in 5 games. New York won that final game, 13-5. The date was October 9^th. Yes, that early. October 9^th. In today’s world, we’re first getting our post-season feet wet. But back then, it was all over in early October.

There were no divisions, no LCS’s. Two leagues. 10 teams in each. You won your league and you immediately advanced token to the Fall Classic.

There were many great Mets memories in Act I. But man oh man, there was also endless suffering. Although the 60’s ended on a high, we spent the entire decade finding new ways to lose. In our first 7 years the Mets averaged 106 losses! We finished in 10^th place five of those seven years, 9^th in the other two.

Also in Act I was the post-Seaver era of Grant’s Tomb. In the six year period of 77-83 (I’m not including the strike-shortened 81 season) the Mets averaged 65 wins against 97 losses.

Basically 14 of our first 25 years were a joke. A waste. We were lovable…but we were a laughing stock. We were a doormat for the National League.

In 1962, only 1 out of 10 teams made the post-season. Baseball expanded in 1969 and with the creation of divisions and a “League Championship Series,” now 2 out of 12 teams would make the post-season. 2 out of 12. It remained this way through the remainder of Act I.

The Mets were 1794-2187 in those 25 years. For 15 of those 25 seasons, we finished under .500. However, we had 3 division titles, 3 pennants. 2 World Championships.

Act II: The Mets began Act II in a far better place than we started ACT I. Unlike 1962, when we started at the very bottom, the Mets started 1987 at the very top. Defending World Champions. Cant get any better.

Just 7 years into Act II, Bud Selig became the most despised man in Baseball since Walter O’Malley moved the Dodgers out of Brooklyn. Selig did the unthinkable and for the first time since 1904 there would be no World Series. Selig needed to do something.

In 95, Baseball was re-aligned. There would now be three divisions. And a wildcard! Suddenly 4 out of 15 teams would make the post-season. The Mets now had a better than 1 in 4 chance. Also making it easier for us was that Pittsburgh was moved to the newly formed NL Central. We now had only 4 other teams to beat in our division, not 5.

It didn’t help. In spite of less direct competition and more available post-season slots, the years continued piling up without the Mets playing beyond early October.

This past season another alteration was made to the game steeped in history. Another wild-card was added. Now, 5 of the 16 teams in the NL would see post-season action. Almost 1 in every 3 teams. And yet, the 2012 Mets were, for all intents and purposes, out of it by July.

For the 25 years from 62-86, the Mets compiled a 451 winning percentage. We were under 500 15 of those 25 years.

In Act II, the Mets won-loss record was 2091-2050, .505. Interestingly, however, of these 26 seasons from 1987-2012, we were under 500 13 of these 26 years.

How far have we come?

When you think of Act II, 1987-2012, there are lots of great memories.1987 would see our dynasty continue. We had taken New York away from the Yankees. The pinstripes were ‘the other New York team.’ Later on we’d acquire the best hitting catcher in Baseball history. There would be a Grand Slam single. Endy Chavez ‘saved the day.’ Benny Agbayani represented Hawaii, not Sid Fernandez. The future would be built around David and Jose, not Darryl and Doc.

But yet, in spite of starting ACT II in a better place than Act I, in spite of it now being easier to make the post-season, in spite of directly competing with 4 other teams instead of 9 as we did in 62, in spite of having a 1 in 3 shot of making the post-season as opposed to a 1 in 10, the Mets have fallen short time and time again.

There have been many more avenues to get to the Fall Classic over the last 26 years. But yet the Mets have only appeared in 1 more post-season than they had during our first quarter century.

It makes me feel that the more things change the more they stay the same. Or perhaps, the more things change, the bleaker they become. Something to consider…

Last month, Mets Merized Online began rolling out our Metsmerized Hall of Fame. We decided to begin with our FIVE FOUNDING MEMBERS just as they did when they got started in Cooperstown.

In the last four weeks we have selected Tom Seaver in week one, and Keith Hernandez in week two, Jerry Koosman in week three, and Dwight Gooden in week four. It is now, with great pleasure, that we announce our fifth founding member of the Metsmerized Hall of Fame…  A drum roll please for…

Everything Is All Wright: David Wright, 3B

You can ask ten different Baseball fans “Who is the best all-around player of all-time?” and you’d get ten different answers.

Babe Ruth saved the game and hit more home runs than entire teams. But Ruth did not have the speed. Ty Cobb’s lifetime .367 career batting average has never even been approached in almost a century. But Cobb, due to the era he played in, didn’t hit for power. Ted Williams was a natural hitter with 15/20 eyesight. But Ted was bored playing defense, frequently standing in left field practicing his swing in between pitches.

Me? I always choose Willie Mays for one simple reason. He did it all. He hit for power, average, was the best defensive center fielder in the game, had speed and well…, simply put, how could you not love Willie?

Now, ask yourself who is the best all-around Mets player of all time? There are several names that come to mind.

John Olerud’s .315 batting average is the highest in team history. But Olerud didn’t have any speed. Who is the Mets’ best home run hitter? You can say Strawberry or Piazza. But Straw’s best batting average was .284. Piazza’s offensive numbers were downright frightening, but we all know that opposing base runners seemed to steal at will on him. When you think Mets defense, how can you not think Keith Hernandez? Mex won six consecutive Gold Gloves with us, but he was not a long ball threat. His biggest home run total was 18 in 1987. One can choose Jose Reyes for his speed. Single-handedly, Reyes could change the flow of a game. Like Keith, however, Reyes was not a home run threat.

Me? I’d choose David Wright. In the nine years he’s been wearing the blue and orange, Wright, like Willie Mays, can do it all. He may not be GREAT at one single facet of the game. But he is very, very, very good at all facets of the game.

Former hitting coach Howard Johnson said of David, “He’s the complete package. He uses the whole field with power all over the place. Defensively he makes all the plays.” Teammate Joe McEwing said, “He’s a special player and a special person.” “He has natural ability and a tremendous work ethic,” stated his former High School coach, Steve Gedro. “To have both these things in one athlete is rare.”

David made his debut on July 21, 2004. In 263 AB that season, he swatted 14 home runs, plated 40 RBI’s and batted .293. Along with teammate and friend Jose Reyes, 21 year-old Wright would become the face of the Mets, the players that a championship would be built around.

In 2005, his first full season, the Mets won 12 more games, finishing over .500 for the first time in four years. David’s line was .306 – 27 HR – 102 RBI. He also scored 99 runs and for good measure stole 17 bases. He was the Mets leader in over a dozen different offensive categories.

On August 9th against the Padres, Wright, with his back to the infield, made a bare handed catch over the shoulder. This Year In Baseball chose this as the Best Defensive Play of the Year.

In 2006, David showed no signs of a Sophomore Jinx and in fact he improved across the board. Wright hit 26 homers and knocked in 116 while posting a .311 batting average. To go along with this there were 40 doubles, a .531 slugging percentage and even stole 20 bases in what was a truly amazing all-around season. Wright was in the top 3 of all team offensive categories. Oh, and for good measure, he was the starting third baseman for the NL in the All-Star Game where he promptly hit a home run in his very first at-bat.

In 2007, David showed no signs of slowing down. If anything, he improved, having probably his best offensive season. He reached 30 HR’s for the first time and topped 40 doubles for the 3rd straight year. His .325 BA was third highest at that time in Mets history. He also set career highs in slugging (.546) and OBP (.416). On September 16, David became the 29th player in MLB history to join the 30-30 club, but only the third before turning 25. And while doing all of this, David also put together a 26-game hitting streak. But wait, there’s more… He won his first of two consecutive Gold Gloves and in 39 stolen base attempts, he was safe 34 times. For his incredible season, he finished 4th in the MVP voting.

Yes, he can do it all.

2008 saw David set career highs in HR with 33 and RBI’s with 124, the latter tying a Mets record for most in a single season. He also hit 42 doubles while posting a 534 slugging percentage. And in between David sending outfielders looking over their shoulder or racing into the alley, he achieved a 75% success rate of steals, 15 steals in 20 attempts. Oh, and yes, another Gold Glove, too.

On April 13, 2009, David became forever linked with Gil Hodges and Ron Hunt as the first Mets player to hit a HR in a new home stadium.

Since Citi Field opened, David’s numbers have dropped. He’s also been hit with injuries as well, However, while his stats have decreased since 09, they are still very respectable. In the last 4 seasons (including playing just 102 games in 2011), Wright has averaged 152 hits, 35 doubles, 82 RBI’s, 19 HR’s, a 288 BA and 467 slugging.

His career stats with the Mets are a 301 BA, 204 HR’s, 818 RBI’s, 381 OBP, 506 SLG, 322 doubles and has stolen 166 bases while being caught just 54 times, a 75% success rate.

He is the Mets all-time leader in hits (1426) Runs (790), doubles (322), RBI’s (818) and walks (616). He is 2nd in Batting Average (301) and At Bats (4742), 3rd in HR’s (204), tied for 3rd in slugging (506), 4th in OBP (381) and 5th in SB’s with 166.

In addition to the power, average, speed and glove, David is also the type of athlete that’s become a rarity. He is the consummate professional. When things are going bad for the Mets, he tips his hat to the opponent and makes no excuses. He’ll be the first to admit that the club, himself included, need to work on things. When some of his teammates avoid the media after a tough loss, David is always there, representing the team. He’s the type of ballplayer you can have your son or daughter look up to. In that respect he is like another one time Met, Tom Seaver. Mike Piazza one said, “He’s a good kid. You pull for someone like that.”

I don’t remember the exact date. I don’t even remember the exact year. I think it was about 1976. But I do remember we were playing the Phillies. I was at a game with my dad. I did my duty as a Mets fan, cheering for John Milner and Buddy and Grote and promptly booing Greg Luzinski and Garry Maddox and Steve Carlton. My father leaned over and pointed to the guy playing 3B for the Phillies and said, “You won’t realize what a great player he is until he retires.” Sure, Mike Schmidt was good and hit a lot of home runs, but he was no Dave Kingman! My dad was right. Schmidt went into the Hall of Fame and Dave Kingman? Well, I don’t know what ever happened to him.

Being the best all-around player in team history, it’s safe to say a player like David Wright comes around to the Mets only once every fifty years.

Metsmerized Hall of Fame

Congratulations, David!

Now that our Five Founding Members have been selected, next week we will roll out our 2013 Metsmerized Hall of Fame Ballot. We will ask you, our readers, to cast your vote for who should be selected for enshrinement in 2013. Learn more by visiting our Metsmerized Hall of Fame.

It will be fun playing baseball using solid hard wood bats and other high quality baseball equipments.

We had a pitcher once who seemed to be slipping. He was approaching 33, his best years behind him. Over his last two seasons, his ERA rose 26%, his strikeouts decreased by about 8%, his wins dropped by nearly one–third and he was allowing more home runs. He was sent away for a slick fielding second baseman, a young slugger with a good eye, a lanky righthander who posted a 2.74 ERA the previous year, and a ‘cant-miss’ outfielder with great bad speed.

Just wondering… How many of you who were there, now think trading Tom Seaver for Doug Flynn, Steve Henderson, Pat Zachary and Dan Norman worked out well for us?

I’ve been a Mets fan for 40 years now and thanks to our GM, I apparently don’t understand the game. I always thought that when you have a good player you keep him. You use that player and try to build a winner. Apparently, I’m incorrect. I now see that when you have a good player, you trade him and gamble on young unproven prospects.

Just to digress for a moment, Giants GM Brian Sabean must be an idiot. What does he know about building a winner? So what if his Giants have won two World Series in three years? He’s got Buster Posey who, in three seasons, has won a Rookie of the Year and an MVP. Why isn’t Sabean shopping him, that fool? Think of all the young prospects he could get in exchange for Posey. Hmm, maybe Alderson can call him up and give him a few pointers on building a winner.

Okay, bad analogy. Posey is 25, Dickey is 38. However, Dickey is a knuckle-balling 38. Charlie Hough pitched until he was 46, Tim Wakefield to age 45 and Phil Niekro until 48. Hoyt Wilhelm was 50. Think 38 is old? Well, consider it’s very possible that Dickey will still be pitching when David Wright retires.

Jose Reyes, among the most exciting players in baseball, was one of the most popular Mets in decades. Although he’d been our shortstop for eight seasons, Alderson channeled M. Donald Grant. After putting down his talents by saying speed was not important, he told Reyes, “Show me what you can do.” Jose sure showed him, becoming the first player in team history to win a batting championship… Then Alderson showed him the GW Bridge and pointed him south.

Alderson told us that Reyes wanted too much money and, due to his history of injuries, it was too big a risk. Fine, whatever.

Fast forward to one year later. RA Dickey became the one and only bright spot in yet another abysmal Mets season. He was the feel good story of 2012. For a change, the Mets were presented positively in the national spotlight. R.A. became the first Mets pitcher in more than a quarter of a century to win the Cy Young Award, and the first knuckleballer ever to cop the award. In addition to setting a team record of 32 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, he also led the NL in innings pitched, strikeouts, complete games and shutouts.

Last winter, Alderson told us he couldn’t keep Reyes because he wanted too much money and that he wasn’t worth the risk due to injuries. This winter, Alderson lets Dickey walk because of a difference of only $6 million over three years in a new contract. And ironically, who do we get back, but a catcher who missed half the season with a knee injury, and also missed half a season in 2010 with two bulging discs in his back.

If we had no problem getting rid of Reyes because of injury concerns, then why now is it acceptable to get a player trying to recover from a season-ending injury? An injury to his knee… And a catcher yet, too…

M. Donald Grant is regarded as the worst GM in our history. He traded Seaver, Kooz, Tug, Rusty, Cleon, Buddy, etc… However, I have more respect for him than I do for Alderson.

Grant was an autocrat, a businessman who ran the team with a dictatorial approach. He did not care that the stands were empty. He did not care that the fan base detested him. He did what HE wanted with no fanfare, no concern for us. Mets fans be damned.

Alderson, however, gets rid of players in Grant-like fashion, but then turns around and tells us it’s good for the team. Don’t lie to me. Don’t insult our intelligence. Don’t treat us like we are stupid. Don’t talk down to us. Our wins and attendance have dropped for three straight seasons and these trends will continue into the future. isn’t that the truth?

Whereas Grant destroyed the team, he didn’t placate us with soundbites. Alderson does the same, but then lies to us about how great things are and will be.

If D’arnaud is indeed the next Mike Piazza, the second coming of Mickey Cochrane, then why did we also need to get John Buck? Isn’t one great catcher enough?

I guess the Mets approach is simple: If you’re good, we have no interest in keeping you. But if you’re no good, you’re more than welcome to stay. This approach confuses me.

Am I supposed to root FOR guys like D’arnaud or against him? I mean, lets say he does great. He’s Buster Posey 2.0. He’s Johnny Bench. He’s Yogi Berra. But if he does really well, then what? He’ll want more money and become too costly and we simply cant have that. So we’ll simply trade him for a couple of good prospects. Is that the cycle? The plan? The future?

What’s the long range goal?

When does this merry-go-round of lunacy end?

Why draw the line there? What if, GOD FORBID, Lucas Duda hits 35 HR’s next year? Well, we can trade him for a couple of prospects. Maybe Jon Niese will come through and become a 20 game winner like, say, oh I don’t know, RA Dickey. Eureka – Sell High – We can surely get two huge prospects for him now. Jackpot.

I can almost see M. Donald Alderson licking his chops at the thought of it.

Guys play well, they’ll earn more money, and that’s not something that fits into the Mets plans… This new philosophy.

Hey, here’s something to consider. Maybe if Alderson trades away each player for 2 or 3 prospects, he can get a special dispensation from Bud Selig. Maybe the Mets can have a 60 man roster. (Of course, 57 of them would suck but still…)

And wow, imagine if in 2013 David Wright becomes the first player to hit .400 since Ted Williams. Hmm… A .400 hitter would definitely warrant a few prospects and he is getting long in the tooth at 31.

Last season we bid farewell to Jose Reyes. Now we all watched R.A. Dickey get sent away. Both are now reunited in Toronto, a team that is determined to win. GM Alex Anthopoulos stated on Monday night that the Jays have not been to a World Series in 19 years and “that’s too long to ask fans to wait”. Hey, Alex, try 26 years.

Reyes and Dickey are now with a team that has become the powerhouse of the AL East, and fully capable of dethroning the Yankees. Maybe next October, Reyes and Dickey can join the likes of Carlos Beltran and Angel Pagan. Remember them? They are also ex-Mets discarded by Alderson who then immediately found their way into the post-season with other teams.

In midtown Manhattan, a 58 year old, African-American, mortgage insurance salesman walked out of an office building. He clutched his chest and collapsed onto the frozen sidewalk. By the time the EMT workers arrived, the man was in cardiac arrest. Attempts to revive him on the way to the Bellevue Hospital proved futile and the individual was pronounced dead at 1:05 PM. His name: Tommie Agee.

When we look back at critical plays at crucial moments throughout World Series history, many of them are related to 6 or 7 game Series. A bloop hit by Luis Gonzalez, a ground ball that ‘gets by Buckner,’ a missed third strike by Mickey Owen. It’s hard to imagine that one player could have such an impact in a short 5 game series. But that is exactly what Tommie Agee meant to the Mets in 1969. It’s very conceivable that had it not been for Agee, we would have just one championship.

Tommie Lee Agee was born on August 9, 1942 in Magnolia, Alabama. He was a college star at Grambling and ultimately was signed by the Cleveland Indians. Although his first big league at-bat happened on Sept 14, 1962, he saw very little playing time. It was not until 1966 when Agee became a full time player for the White Sox. He thrived in his every day role. In his first full season he hit 22 Home Runs, knocked in 86 RBI’s, slugged at 447, scored 98 runs and also stole 44 bases on his way to winning the AL Rookie of the Year. The following year, however, his productivity dropped substantially. He batted just .234, 14 HR’s and struck out 129 times. The ChiSox wasted no time in casting off this ‘one year wonder’ and they sent him to the Mets along with Al Weis for Jack Fisher, Tommy Davis and 2 rookies.

The 1968 season started with hope for the Mets. We now had two former Rookie of the Year winners in Agee and Tom Seaver, and a young pitcher named Jerry Koosman was also showing promise. We also had a new manager in the much revered Gil Hodges. On Opening Day, the Mets jumped out to an early 4-0 lead against future Hall of Famer Juan Marichal. However, our bullpen failed., the Giants scored three in the bottom of the 9th and it became clear from that day on that 1968 would be no different than the years prior. Agee had been beaned in Spring Training by Bob Gibson and never got on track. He started the season going 0-34, and things didn’t really improve much for him for the rest of the season. In 132 games, he batted a disappointing .217 with just five homers and an embarrassing 17 RBI’s.

When the 1969 season began, Mets fans, as we always do, hoped for the best but somewhat expected the worst. Gil Hodges saw something in his center fielder. Although Agee didn’t have the natural talent of a Seaver or Nolan Ryan, he worked hard and made the most of his skills. Teammates always described #20 as “Intelligent,” “Hard working” and “A real winner.” Despite having a pitiful 68 season, Hodges stood by his center fielder. The fans never booed. And Agee quickly rewarded his manager, his teammates and the Mets faithful.

On April 10, 1969, Tommie Agee put the NL on notice that he was back! He blasted a home run that would reach the upper deck at Shea. (Insert music from The Natural.) Only 8,608 fans were on hand that day. The game was not televised so there is no footage. On-deck hitter Rod Gaspar said, “I’ve never seen a ball hit like that.” Buddy Harrelson stated, “The ball was still climbing.” Although Shea was only six years old at the time, people assumed that eventually someone would again hit a ball again that far. It never happened. And that blast by Agee became the longest home run ever hit at Shea Stadium. Agee led the 69 Mets in HR’s, RBI’s and RS. He also won NL Comeback Player of the Year.

The Miracle of the 69 season quickly came into doubt during the Fall Classic. Tom Seaver, with a record of 25-7 and a 2.21 ERA started Game One. Don Buford welcomed the Mets into the World Series by hitting a lead-off HR. The Mets were shell-shocked and people wondered if reality would now set in. Was the Amazin’ season coming to an end? The Miracle was in doubt. However, behind the masterful pitching of Jerry Koosman in game 2, the Mets prevailed 2-1, split the 2 games in Baltimore and now returned home.

56,335 fans attended Game 3, the first World Series game ever played at Shea. It was Agee who stepped to the forefront. Leading off against future Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, Agee opened the game with a homer and put the Mets on top. However, the best was yet to come.

The Mets led 3-0 in the top of the 4th. With runners on 1st and 3rd and two outs, Elrod Hendricks hit a shot deep into left center field. Agee ran as fast as his legs would carry him. Approaching the wall at full speed, Agee did not slow down. With no concern for injury, he went after the line drive. As he said years later, “I would have run right through that wall if I needed to.” Agee made a backhanded snow coned catch and saved at least 2 runs. As he trotted off the field, with the white of the ball still in the webbing, Shea erupted like never before. But he was not done yet.

In the 7th, the Mets were now leading 4-0, but Baltimore, winner of 109 games during the season, showed why they were the class of the AL. They refused to roll over. They loaded the bases. Paul Blair, the tying run, stepped to the plate and Hodges brought in Nolan Ryan from the bullpen. Blair greeted Ryan by hitting one deep into right-center field. Once again, Agee sped into the power alley. The possibility of him making TWO great catches seemed impossible and unlikely. But at the last minute, the wind grabbed hold of the ball. Agee extended, dove for the ball, snared the sinking liner, slid onto the warning track and rolled over. The ball was in his glove. Had he not made the catch, it most likely would have been an inside-the-park home run and tied the game at 4-4.

The Mets won the game 5-0, and would go on to win the series in five games. “The Homer meant one run,” Agee said, “But the catches saved more than that.” Agee’s catches also signified the dawning of a new age for the Mets. We would no longer be the laughing stock. The lovable losers were on their way to becoming Champions.

Sports Illustrated ranked Agee’s catches as the best in Series history along with Willie Mays in 1954, Sandy Amoros in 1955 and Al Gionfrido in 1947. They also went on to claim that Agee’s performance in game 3 was the best ever by a center fielder in World Series history. The point can be argued that if it was not for Tommie Agee in Game 3, the Orioles may have quite possibly won the game, salvaged at least one of the three in New York and forced the series to return to Baltimore. And who knows how things may have turned out if that would have happened. Thanks to Tommie Agee, none of that was necessary.

Although 1969 was his high point, Tommie continued to be a major part of the Mets the following season. During 1970 he put together a 20 game hitting streak, hit for the cycle one day in July and even stole home in the tenth inning to win a game. Mets management was so pleased with his performance, they increased his salary to $40,000. However, by 1974, he was out of baseball. Injuries cut short his career. After batting just .227 with 13 home runs in 1972, the Mets traded him to Houston for Rich Chiles and Buddy Harris. He played for Houston and St. Louis in 1973, then was traded to Los Angeles, but failed to make the team out of spring training and at age 30, Tommie Agee retired.

He went on to open ‘The Outfielder’s Lounge’ close to Shea and ultimately worked for Stewart Title Insurance. He remained very active promoting the Mets around the city and spent his later years taking part in numerous charities and baseball clinics. “He was such a good athlete and a real good friend.,” teammate Kenny Boswell said after Agee passed away. Right fielder and fellow champion Ron Swoboda said, “The way he conducted himself on and off the field, both during and after his career, was admirable. He was taken way too soon.”

Mets Merized Online is rolling out our Metsmerized Hall of Fame. We will be enshrining one player each week until our five founding members are all unveiled. So far, we’ve selected Tom Seaver in week one, Keith Hernandez in week two, and Jerry Koosman in week three. After our five Founding Members are selected, we will ask you, our readers, to cast your ballot for who should be selected for enshrinement in 2013. Learn more by visiting our Metsmerized Hall of Fame. It’s with great pleasure that we announce our fourth founding member of the Metsmerized Hall of Fame…

The Doctor Is In: Dwight Gooden, RHP

In the spring of 1973, I was seven years old when my dad introduced me to Baseball. It’s been a love that has lasted 40 years and still going strong. I started reading about the greats of the game, ballplayers who were like Greek Gods to a young boy. I asked my dad what it was like to actually see in person guys like Snider, Campanella, Robinson, Hodges, Mantle, Berra. My dad told me about Ebbets Field and stories of some of the ones I mentioned. However, being a Brooklyn fan, he had no stories about Mickey or Yogi. After all, they were part of the hated Yankees.

On May 5, 1991, no longer living in New York, I took my wife to her first major league game and my first at Shea in 8 years. We sat in the loge section along 3rd base. In the top of the first, I leaned over to my wife, pointed to the guy on the mound for the Mets and said, “One day we’ll be able to tell our grand-kids we saw Doc Gooden pitch.”

THAT was Doc Gooden.

Mets fans had been hearing about this rookie phenom for a while. Along with friend and former Tidewater teammate Darryl Strawberry, Dwight was supposed to lead us to the promised land. For it was he who we would build our dynasty around.

Dwight made his debut on April 7, 1984. He picked up a win in a 3-2 victory over Houston, striking out five in five innings pitched and allowing just three hits.

Knowing how management always leads us to believe that every rookie we bring up will be the next Pete Rose (Gregg Jefferies anyone?) we were, as usual, cautiously optimistic. However, with this Gooden kid, he was the real deal. He possessed a 98 MPH fastball that painted the black and a sweeping knee-buckling curve. Yes, the Mets FINALLY had a rookie superstar.

As the strikeouts piled up and “K’s” started getting hung, Dwight became known as Doctor K. Then simply Doc. Later that summer, the 19 year old became the youngest player to ever appear in the All-Star Game. He pitched one inning—and promptly struck out the side.

As the season wore on and the Mets found themselves in a pennant race for the first time in nearly a decade, the rookie did not show signs of slowing down. If anything, Doc became stronger. He won eight of his last nine starts. In his last three starts alone, the numbers were mind-boggling: He struck out 41 and walked just a single batter. He averaged 11.39 K/9 IP, setting a record. His 17 wins were the most by a Mets rookie since Jerry Koosman in 1968. He was named Rookie of the Year, one year after teammate Strawberry won it in 83 and 4th in Mets history.

Yes, Gooden was definitely living up to the hype. However, it was only the beginning.

By 1985, I was no longer a 7 year old kid who thought of Baseball players as Gods. But I started to rethink that upon seeing Doc pitch.

In previous days, when Tom Seaver would take the mound, Mets fans felt confident we’d win. When Doc took the mound, it was a sure thing. Seeing Doc lose was just…incomprehensible. Attendance at Shea went up by 7500 when he pitched. (Apparently, other fans also wanted something to tell their grandkids about). Gooden dominated the league in a way not seen in a generation. His 1.53 ERA was the 2nd lowest in history since the end of the Dead Ball era. Only Bob Gibson’s 1.12 in 1968 was lower. From his 2nd start of the season, his ERA was never over 2.00. Doc went 24-4 and fanned 268. En route to his first Cy Young award, his ERA, wins and K’s were enough to lead the majors. He also led the NL in IP (276 2/3) and CG (16).

Down the stretch, as the Mets battled St. Louis, Gooden put together a string of 31 scoreless innings.

With numbers like this, it’s easy to see how and why he won 24 games. But what about those 4 losses? Well, in those 4 games, he allowed only 26 hits in 28 innings. He walked just 5 while whiffing 28. His ERA for those 4 losses was 2.89.

In September Doc had two back-to-back no decisions. In each of those he pitched nine innings and allowed no runs.

An enormous photo of Doc was put up in Penn Station that tallied his strikeouts. Sports Illustrated exhibited a 102 foot mural in Times Square. The image was of Doc in the middle of his wind-up. The caption underneath read, ‘How does it feel to be looking down the barrel of a loaded gun?’

Ah, yes. The Mets owned New York.

Although Doc could never repeat his once-in-a-lifetime 1985 season, he still had superb numbers in 1986. He went 17-6 with 200 K’s and a 2.84 ERA. That summer, he became the youngest pitcher ever to start an All-Star Game.

With 3 full seasons under his belt, Doc’s numbers were incredible. His record was 58-19, he had a career 2.32 ERA and 744 strikeouts in 744 2/3 IP. He was just 21. And Cooperstown was a lock!

To actually witness a pitcher like this was something to behold. Knowing he was on MY Mets made it a beautiful thing.

Although he pitched superbly in the NLCS against Houston, he failed to pick up a win. Facing Cy Young winner Mike Scott in Game 1 and Nolan Ryan in game 5, Gooden allowed just 2 ER in 17 innings for a 1.06 ERA. But he was 0-1.

Against Boston in the World Series, Gooden struggled miserably. It was hard for fans to watch, much less fathom. Gooden did not just not pitch well. He got crushed. Of the 3 games the Red Sox won, Doc was the loser in 2 of them. He never made it beyond the 5th. In a total of 9 IP, he gave up 8 ER on 17 hits. Doc was not just human after all. He was ineffective. Something was definitely wrong. A few days later, when the World Champion Mets received their victory parade, Gooden was nowhere to be seen.

Six weeks after that great moment in team history, Gooden was arrested in Tampa for fighting with a police officer. The following spring he tested positive for Cocaine and went into rehab. The 87 season had not even started and already it seemed impossible to repeat as World Champions.

Although Doc did not make his first start until June 5, he still managed to win 15 games.

In 1988, the Mets entered the post-season heavily favored over the Dodgers. In Game 1, Doc matched up against Orel Hershiser who finished the season with 59 scoreless innings. Doc fanned 10 and allowed only 2 ER thru 7. The Mets won, but he got a no-decision.

Gooden took the mound again in game 4. The Mets were up 2 games to 1 and things were looking good. Although Doc gave up 2 in the 1st, the Mets rallied. We had a 4-2 lead going to the 9th, just 3 outs away from going up in the series, 3-1. Gooden ended up giving a 9th inning HR to Mike Scioscia. The Dodgers won the game in 12 and went on to win the pennant. With the shocking defeat, Keith and Gary entering the twilight of their careers and Doc being less effective, this was the moment in team history when we realized the dynasty of the 80’s would never quite materialize.

In 89, Doc was injured. He made only 17 starts and posted a 9-4 record. The following season, he bounced back, going 19-7 and recording 223 K’s.

By 1991, however, it was becoming clear Doc was a shadow of what he had once been. There was the drug use, the numerous run-ins with the law and injuries that were taking their toll.

Was it just one thing or a combination of all three? That’s open for discussion. Many have criticized the Mets for overusing him. Only two pitchers, knuckleballer Charlie Hough and Roger Clemens, have tossed more innings than Doc’s 276 total in 85. Estimates show that from 83-85, Gooden threw just under 11,000 pitches. He was not even 21.

Dwight Gooden was a four time All-Star who throughout his career also pitched for the Yankees, Astros, Indians and Devil Rays. He retired in 2001 with a record of 194-112. Of those 194 wins, more than half came before he turned 25.

Although he struggled at the end of his career with the Mets, he still is amongst the best we ever had. His record with us was 157-85. He is 5th in team history with a 3.10 ERA, 2nd in strikeouts with 1875, 3rd in IP with 2169 2/3 and 4th in shut-outs with 23.

Many can point to Doc and blame him for the reason the Mets of the 80’s never lived up to expectations. And yes, while it is sad ‘what could’ve been,’ Doc, at least for a while, was someone we will never forget.

Dwight Gooden was eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2006. His name was only mentioned on 17 of the 520 ballots cast. Since he received less than 5%, his name was removed and he will no longer be considered to be enshrined. Cooperstown was not a lock after all.

Metsmerized Hall of Fame

Congratulations, Doc! 

The negotiations between David Wright and Mets management also appears to be a no-win situation, primarily for the “Wilderpon’s”

The outcome is really very simple. We keep him. Or we don’t. Either way, someone may wind up looking bad.

The Wilderpons have reportedly offered Wright 6 years/$100 million. Allegedly, David wants more money over a longer term. As both sides play politics and seem to be more concerned about posturing than what’s good for us fans, we, like the American public, are caught in the middle.

Let’s assume we keep Wright. If management meets his terms, it opens up a whole new series of questions. They obviously DO have the money…when needed. Therefore, why did we not make more of an attempt to keep Reyes? If we have the money for Wright, then wouldn’t we also have to make a serious effort to retain our reigning Cy Young winner? Why have we been missing from the Free Agent market for the last several winters?

By locking up Wright and handing over $125-$150 million, as Ken Rosenthal reports, would not the Wilderpon’s have egg on their face? For years they’ve been selling us the line about rebuilding, never missing a chance to remind us they are victims of Bernie Madoff. But then, by signing Wright to such a lucrative deal, they would, in a way, be going back on their original claim of crying poverty. We have no money. We have no money. We have no money. Oh, look—we have money.

If David does ends up walking, then what is the point of all of this? Is this a repeat of how we were lied to last winter? Jose Reyes 2.0. The Wilderpon’s are more concerned about the PERCEPTION of building a winner than actually doing it. If management is attempting to quell a restless fan base by trying to come off looking like the good guys, then isn’t that a slap in the face to all of us?

And what about #5 himself?

David Wright will be 31 on Opening Day. A 7 year extension would carry him through his few remaining productive years and into the twilight of his career. If the Mets sign him for 7, we know that only for 4, maybe 5 at the most, will he be productive.

Also, keep in mind David’s genetic make-up. In spite of the impressive numbers he has put up and in spite of him becoming the best offensive hitter in team history, he’s been unable to shake off a persistent thorn: Leadership.

Over the years fans and the media have wanted/begged/pleaded/hoped David would become the team leader. Yes, he is the face of the franchise. And yes, he is always willing to talk to the media after a tough loss while his teammates head for the team bus. However, the one constant criticism of Wright has been that he is not a ‘team leader.’ Founded or unfounded, not all players have that in them. And that’s not a knock on anyone. Keith Hernandez was a leader. Cleon Jones was not. But both are beloved. Both have a World Series ring.

However, if the Mets do meet his terms, 7/$150, he will indirectly be putting himself in the crosshairs to become that team leader. With that kind of salary fans don’t just want good stats: they expect leadership.

On the flip side, ask yourself this: If you were David Wright would YOU want to stay here? Like most of us who grew up dreaming of playing in the majors, I’m sure David did also. But as he grew and a major league career seemed inevitable, I’m sure his goal was to win a World Series, not to make as much money as possible.

Money, and yes stats, are not everything to a professional ballplayer. They are wired differently than most of us, ingrained with a competitive spirit to win. I’m sure Ted Williams would have gladly given up 30 points on his career batting average for just ONE ring.

And why should David stick around? Players claim all the time they want to play for one team their entire career. Then they turn around and sign somewhere else, partially for the money but also for the chance to “play for a winner.”

If by some ‘miracle’ Sandy Alderson’s ‘blue light special’ approach comes to fruition and the Mets become competitive, it will take several years at least. And in several years, David’s best seasons will be behind him. Does he want to sit back and spend his most productive years surrounded by players learning the game? Playing for a team that is…ahem…rebuilding?

And if David decides he does want to stick around, at what cost? How much will lack of protection affect his numbers? How much will he be pitched around being the only legitimate threat on a weak lineup? How much will his RBI’s drop if there is no one on base for him? And with this very real possibility, the doubled edged sword of decreasing stats and an increasing salary, will the face of this franchise become its whipping boy? Mets fans also had high hopes for Bobby Bonilla and Mo Vaughn and they came to signify everything wrong with the Mets.

If the Wilderpon’s reach deep to retain Wright, they need to follow through and build a winner now.

I do hope we resign him—at any cost. I also hope we re-sign Dickey. And go after Josh Hamilton as well. Sure, I know I’m living in a fantasy world, but I want to win NOW. I know the Wilderpon’s tell us to wait and be patient. To them I say I’ve been waiting 26 years. I think I’ve been patient long enough.

If we do manage to retain Wright, I will be happy. Ecstatic? No. Even by keeping Wright, we’re really not improving; we’re simply avoiding getting worse. And sadly, that is what we Mets fans have been reduced to. We used to be thrilled to sign a big name. Now, thanks to management’s diminishing expectations, we are thrilled to keep the players we have.

Ohhh, how the mighty have fallen.

Last week Mets Merized Online rolled out our Metsmerized Hall of Fame. We will be enshrining one player each week until our five founding members are all unveiled. So far, we’ve selected Tom Seaver in week one, and Keith Hernandez in week two. After our five Founding Members are selected, we will ask you, our readers, to cast your ballot for who should be selected for enshrinement in 2013. Learn more by visiting our Metsmerized Hall of Fame. It’s with great pleasure that we announce our third founding member of the Metsmerized Hall of Fame…

Out Of The Shadows: Jerry Koosman

There have been many great players who lived in the shadow of an even greater teammate. Lou Gehrig had Babe Ruth. Don Drysdale had Sandy Koufax. Jeff Kent had Barry Bonds. Jerry Koosman had Tom Seaver.

Along with Seaver, Koosman played in a time when pitching dominated the game. It seemed like every team had a legitimate ace. However, no team had a 1-2 righty-lefty punch like the Mets. While Tom Seaver turned the Mets into a legitimate team, it was with Koosman pitching the next game that turned the Mets into a pitching powerhouse.

In the mid 1960’s, a young man stationed at Fort Bliss, TX saw one of his fellow soldiers pitching. The man wrote a letter to his father who worked as an usher at Shea Stadium and told his dad about this ‘guy who looks pretty good.’ The usher told some people in the Mets brass about this young kid named Jerry Koosman. Eventually, the Mets gambled and signed the young LHP after being discharged from the Army.

The relationship between Jerry and the Mets got off to a rocky start. En route to his first spring training his car broke down. Standing on the side of the road, broke and broken down, Koosman called the Mets who regrettably wired money to this kid. The always frugal Mets were already disenchanted with having to shell out a few bucks to a nobody. They were ready to give up on him when Joe McDonald had a different idea. He suggested to keep Koosman until he got his first paycheck so they could at least see him pitch. After his first paycheck, they planned to dock him the money they forked over for a tow truck.

In 1968, rookie Koosman burst onto the scene. The Mets won 73 games that season. Koosman won 19 of them. He also whiffed 178 and posted a 2.08 ERA to go along with 7 shut-outs. The wins, shutouts and ERA were Mets records, set the previous season by teammate Tom Seaver. The 7 shut-outs stood as the team record until 1985. On July 9 of that season, the Mets rookie appeared in his first of 2 consecutive All-Star games. In the only 1-0 game in All-Star history, Koosman struck out Carl Yastrzemski to record the save.

At the end of the year, Koosman was in the shadows. He finished 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting, losing out to Reds catcher and future Hall of Famer Johnny Bench.

As the Mets found themselves in their first pennant race ever the following season, Jerry was struggling. On August 12, 1969, the Mets lost to Houston 9-8. Kooz gave up 6 ER in 6 1/3 IP. He dropped to 9-8 and with 6 weeks left the Mets dropped to 9 games back.

Koosman then turned it up a notch. He displayed for the first time that he was a ‘Big Game Pitcher.’ As the Miracle took form and the Mets chased down the heavily favored Cubs, Jerry went 8-1. He finished the season 17-9 with 180 strikeouts and a 2.28 ERA.

In Game 1 of the World Series, the Orioles showed why they were heavily favored over the Amazins. Mets ace and 25 game winner Tom Seaver didn’t make it past the 5th. He allowed 4 ER’s and 6 hits. Mets faithful began wondering if reality was setting in.

Under the brightest spotlight in Baseball, Jerry yet again shone. In game 2, Koosman took the mound. And took control. When the Mets NEEDED a victory, he stepped up. The big bats like Frank and Brooks Robinson, Paul Blair and Boog Powell went silent. Koosman conjured up images of Don Larsen as he took a no-hitter into the 6th. Jerry got the win, allowing just 2 hits in 8 2/3. The series was now tied 1-1 and went back to Shea.

A few days later, Koosman took the mound again. With the Mets up 3-1 and just 27 outs shy of a championship, knowing a loss would send the series back to Baltimore, Koosman struggled early, allowing a couple of HR’s. But with the Mets trailing 3-0 early, he didn’t crack. He settled down and took control of the game. The Mets won 5-3 and The Miracle came to fruition. Koosman pitched a complete game, allowing 5 hits and 3 ER.

The Mets won 4 games to 1. Koosman was the winning pitcher in 2 of them.

In 1971 and 1972, Koosman struggled. He battled arm problems in 71 and went just 6-11. He struggled again in 72, posting a record of 11-12 and his ERA of 4.14 was over a run higher than his career average.

1973 saw the Mets in the midst of one of the tightest pennant races ever. On August 17th, the Mets were only 7 ½ back, but were in last place and 13 games under 500. As he did 4 years earlier, Koosman performed brilliantly down the stretch. As the Mets ended up eking out a division title, Jerry did not lose. He went 5-0 and when the Mets needed him the most, he tossed 31 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, a record that stood for almost 40 years until RA Dickey in 2012.

In the 73 NLCS, it was Koosman who was on the mound for Game 3, a game better remembered for the altercation between Buddy Harrelson and Pete Rose.

In game 5 of the Fall Classic, he outpitched another great LHP, Vida Blue. He allowed just 3 hits and no earned runs through 6 1/3 innings pitched. The Mets won the game and with Koosman’s victory, the Mets were just 1 win away from their 2nd championship. As Koosman walked off the mound, there would not be another World Series game played at Shea for 13 years.

In 1976, Koosman finally became a 20 game winner. He went 21-10 with 200 K’s and a 2.69 ERA. In spite of his stellar numbers, he was again in the shadows. He finished 2nd in the Cy Young Award to Randy Jones.

Arguably one of the top lefties in the game, Koosman could have written his own ticket. He could have gone to another team where he’d have been the ace of the staff. And playing for a different club he could have more run support than the light hitting Mets and increased his win total. But Koosman chose to stay with the team he loved…for a while.

By the late 70’s, M. Donald Grant was like a sniper with a rifle in a bell tower, slowly picking out his next victim. As Jerry Koosman stood on the mound he was surrounded by new faces, strange faces. Gone were his friends like Rusty and Cleon and Buddy. When he looked into the bullpen he didn’t see Tug McGraw. His best friend, Tom Seaver, was not in the dugout. When he’d look in at home plate it was not Jerry Grote putting down any fingers.

With the trade of Tom Seaver, Koosman became the de facto ace of the staff. But being the ace of a staff on the worst hitting team in the league is not appealing. In 1977 and 78, Kooz posted a respectable ERA of 3.62 and fanned 352 while walking 165. However, run support was non-existent. In spite of solid stats, Koosman went just 11-35.

Seeing the writing on the wall and realizing the Mets were going nowhere, the 34 year old demanded to be traded. The Appleton, MN native was sent to the Twins for young pitchers Greg Field and Jesse Orosco.

Over the next 2 seasons, the aging lefty won 36 games.

For a team that is best known for pitching, Koosman remains near the top of every Mets category. He is 3rd wins (140) and strikeouts (1799), 2nd in Shutouts (26), IP (2544), starts (346) and 5th in ERA (3.09).

During his time with Mets he was in the Top 10 in the NL in ERA five times, shutouts four times, and strikeouts six times.

Jerry Koosman was the best #2 in the game. He is the top LHP in Mets history. Buddy Harrelson once stated that in a must-win game, he’d go with Koosman every time. Of the 7 games the Mets won in the 69 and 73 World Series, Koosman won 3 of them posting a 2.39 ERA and allowing just 16 hits in 26 1/3 IP. Although he pitched in the shadow of Tom Seaver, in spite of the fact that he lost the Rookie of the Year to Johnny Bench, even though he was runner-up for the Cy Young Award in 1976 to Randy Jones, it was in the post-season where Jerry Koosman emerged from the shadows.

Congratulations to lefthander Jerry Koosman, the third Mets player to be enshrined into the…

Metsmerized Hall of Fame

Feel more like a baseball player by putting on front buttoned baseball jerseys and heat resistant arm guards.

Keith Hernandez: The Darkness Comes To An End

There are times in our life when we remember exactly where we were and what we were doing. For Mets fans one of those times is June 15, 1977. With one swift move, M. Donald Grant effectively ripped out the heart of this club when he traded away Tom Seaver. The departure of Seaver immediately sent the entire organization into a tailspin. That season the Mets finished last for the first time in a decade, 37 games back. The Mets would remain in the cellar of the NL East for 2 more years after that and 5 of the next 7. Six years after the darkest day in Mets history, we finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel.

When Nelson Doubleday bought the Mets after the 79 season, we were told The Magic is Back. New GM Frank Cashen stated it would take 5 years to rebuild and be competitive. Although attendance improved, the Mets did not. Over the next 3 seasons, our winning percentage was a meek 404.

Half way across the country there was dissension amongst the Cardinals. They were defending World Champions, having defeated Milwaukee in the 1982 World Series. First baseman Keith Hernandez had led St. Louis to a title, knocking in 8 RBI’s in the fall classic. But by the following summer, Keith and Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog were at odds. Herzog questioned Keith’s work ethic, accused him of doing crossword puzzles rather than being involved in the game and called him “a cancer on the club.”

A thousand miles away in Flushing, Frank Cashen picked up the phone.

Cashen knew the Mets had promising stars on the horizon. But he needed a veteran presence to build a winner around. Cashen sent pitchers Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey to St. Louis in exchange for Keith. But the Mets obtained more than just a first baseman. They got a batting champion, former co-MVP and a proven winner. With the acquisition of Mex, the wheels were set in motion. The trade occurred on June 15,1983. Six years to the day after the Seaver trade, the veil of darkness was lifted.

Keith’s contentious relationship with former manager Herzog was the basis for the Mets/Cardinals rivalry throughout the decade.

In St. Louis, Keith had worn #37. Ironically, that was the only number the Mets had retired. He wanted to wear something ending with a ‘7’ as a tribute to his hero and the man he shared a birthday with, Mickey Mantle. Keith elected to go with #17.

The following season, 1984, along with rookie phenoms Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden, Keith’s winning attitude seemed contagious. We won 22 more games, going from 68 wins to 90. The Mets had their first winning season since 1976 and the 90 victories was the 2nd most in club history.

Over the next 4 seasons Keith put up solid respectable stats. He averaged 88 Runs, 174 hits, 32 doubles, 89 RBI’s, batted 305 with an OBP of 396 and slugged at 440. But it was more than just his stats. Keith was a champion. He was one of those rare combinations who was loved by fans, respected by teammates and admired by his opponents.

Intensity. It was written on Keith’s face all the time. Every at-bat, every pitch of every at-bat, Keith approached like it was the bottom of the 9th of a Game 7. In the dugout or on a day off, he was always standing close to Davey Johnson, shadowing him, almost as if he was co-managing.

In Football, the quarterback is referred to as The Field General. For all intents and purposes, Keith was the Mets ‘Field General.’ It was he, almost more than Gary Carter, who would walk to the mound to calm the nerves of a pitcher. He won 6 consecutive Gold Gloves while with the Mets. He played the game and his position the way it was supposed to be played: With class, with flare.

His aggressive defensive prowess literally altered the game. Hal Lanier, manager of the Astros said, “Bunting against the Mets is nearly impossible.” Cubs manager Jim Frey stated, “When you bunt against Hernandez, you’re simply asking for a force out at 2nd and now you’ve got your pitcher running the bases.”

Keith also would take pick-off throws while squatting in foul territory. This allowed him an easier tag on the leg of the baserunner. The move is now illegal.

On bang-bang plays at first base, Keith would sneakily lift his foot from the bag a split second before actually catching the throw, a move perfected by Gil Hodges in the 1950’s.

It was this intensity and style of play, his winning approach to the game itself, which was the reason he became first team captain in Mets history.

Keith was penciled in to the #3 spot for 7 years in New York. However, by 1988, Mex was turning 35 and the years were catching up to him. He battled hamstring problems throughout the summer and played in just 95 games. The following year, 1989, Keith missed nearly 2 months with a fractured kneecap. He played in just 75 games and hit 233. He played one more season in the majors, with Cleveland, before retiring.

During his career, both in New York and St. Louis, Keith batted over 300 6 times. He won two Silver Sluggers, was a five time All-Star. He won eleven consecutive Gold Gloves, the only First Baseman in Baseball History to achieve that.

Keith’s batting average of 297 over seven seasons with the Mets is the third highest in team history, trailing only John Olerud and David Wright. His career 387 OBP is also third highest in team history, behind Olerud and Dave Magadan.

Teammates David Cone (with the Mets) and Ron Darling, Bob Ojeda and Roger McDowell (after they left the Mets) all wore #17 as a tribute to Keith.

Throughout the history of this team, we’ve had countless great and unforgettable moments: Amazin’ catches by outfielders in the post-season, a playoff winning walk-off HR by a reserve catcher, a grand slam single, black cats, a no-hitter tossed by an aging left-hander, a shot to straight away center that healed a city days after the unthinkable happened.

However, in the fifty years the Mets have been part of the Grand Ol’ Game, only a few select moments can be marked as turning points, be it good or bad, in the course of this club. The discarding of Tom Seaver stands as one. Or Tom Terrific’s Imperfect Game in that glorious summer of 1969. The trade that brought us Mike Piazza from Florida.

And yes, the acquisition of Keith Hernandez was also a turning point. When we all think back to the glory days of the 1980’s and the Dynasty that never quite materialized, a smile crosses our collective faces. It all began on June 15, 1983 when Keith put on the blue and orange for the very first time.

It’s with great pleasure that we announce Keith Hernandez as the second player to be enshrined into the…

Metsmerized Hall of Fame

Granted, we all knew at 33, Pedro’s best days were likely behind him. However, it sent a message to the National League. The Mets were back! And ready to build a champion.

Just as the realization of Pedro pitching in blue and orange took hold, the Mets did not back off. Less than one month later our GM went out and signed one of the game’s premier hitters and 5 tool superstars, Carlos Beltran.

Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran within 30 days? Yes, it was a hell of a good winter. Remember how it felt? Remember how we were drooling in anticipation? Opening Day could not get here quick enough.

The Mets improved their win total by 12 and finished just 7 GB. Pedro went 15-8 with a 2.82 ERA and although Beltran struggled in the NY spotlight, we felt hopeful for a bright future. We were heading in the right direction.

Meanwhile, 3000 miles west, in August that year, the Giants called up a pitcher named Matt Cain.

In spite of the improvement in 05, Mets fans hungered for more. We were on the cusp of something great. We had Pedro, Beltran and youngsters David Wright and Jose Reyes were coming into their own.

If we thought the 2005 off-season was good, 2006 far surpassed it. There were areas for improvement. And Minaya acted.

Our closer, Braden Looper, posted an unacceptable 3.94 ERA. The Mets went out and signed Billy Wagner and his 284 career saves. Wagner responded and in his first season he recorded 40 saves (3^rd most in team history) and a 2.24 ERA.

While Doug Mientkiewicz provided a good glove, first base is a power position. Minaya was able to pull the string and bring Carlos Delgado to Flushing. Like Wagner, Delgado put up solid numbers, knocking in 114 RBI’s and 38 HRs.

That same winter we said a tearful goodbye to our beloved Mike Piazza. No one could fill his shoes. But in 2006 it was fiery Paul LoDuca behind the plate. LoDuca hit 318, the 2^nd highest of his career.

Pedro. Delgado. Wright. Reyes. Wagner. Veterans like Glavine and El Duque. Yes, we were on the verge of greatness. A dynasty to rival the 1980’s. We were taking New York back from the aging Yankees.

We still remember that late October evening. Carlos Beltran flinched at the knee-buckling curve delivered by Adam Wainwright. We sat and watched in disbelief as the Cardinals celebrated on OUR field, in OUR home.

The disappointment of 2006 was a bitter pill to swallow. As we blamed Aaron Heilman and cursed Yadier Molina, we were still hopeful. Our young players now had post-season experience. We finally dethroned the mighty Braves and although we fell short in 06, we were confident this was the start of something new, something great. This was only the beginning.

That winter the Mets fine-tuned the bullpen and also acquired veteran Moises Alou.

In 2007, the Mets were on fire all season but suffered a September collapse for the record books. Our 88 wins put us just 1 GB of our 2^nd straight division title.

That season also saw the debut of Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum.

2007 was another bitter pill to swallow…but we remained hopeful. 185 wins in 2 years for the Mets is something to behold. The future was still bright. We were oh-so-close. We could taste it. We were only one or two players away from getting that Championship.

On February 2, 2008, I was driving down the street listening to the radio when I heard the news. I screamed out in excitement, pounded my steering wheel, pulled to the curb, picked up my cell and called my dad. When he picked up, I shouted, “Holy &*%$, we just got Johan!!!”

Once again, Mets fans were chomping at the bit, counting down to Opening Day. The best LHP pitcher in baseball would be towing the rubber for us every fifth day. It was a great time to be a Mets fan. After falling short in 06 and 07, NOW we’d finally get to the Promised Land. We were ecstatic.

That same winter, 3000 miles west, Giants GM Brian Sabean picked up the phone. He asked the Padres if he could negotiate with San Diego’s manager, a guy named Bruce Bochy. The Padres CEO was Sandy Alderson. Alderson said ‘Go right ahead.’

On August 14 of 2008, a rookie third baseman named Pablo Sandoval made his debut.

2008 was another heartbreak. We tallied 89 wins, just 3 GB and missing the Wild Card by 1. Three straight seasons. Three straight heartbreaks. While we were building a winner and focusing on dethroning the Braves, it was suddenly now the Phillies who were the class of the NL East.

Our hope was waning. But we still felt confident. We still had a hell of a good team. We were competitive. We had talent. We could almost taste the champagne on our lips.

That winter Omar Minaya ratcheted things up. He went out and signed the premier closer in the game. Fresh off his record setting 62 saves with Anaheim, K-Rod would now be closing for us. The Mets also acquired innings eater Livan Hernandez and veteran proven winner Gary Sheffield.

In spite of 3 straight gut-wrenching years, we spent the winter eagerly awaiting Opening Day. No matter what happened in the past, the future appeared bright.

I don’t want to start a debate about our GM’s. One ran the Mets as a team, the other as a business. One was concerned about wins on the field, the other is concerned with the bottom line, putting a sub-par product on the field, and then asking fans to hand over money.

Bruce Bochy has been at the helm of the Giants for 6 seasons. The Mets have had 3 managers in that time. In the 16 seasons since Brian Sabean has been running the Giants, we’ve gone through 5 general managers. Maybe something is to be said about the way the Giants do things: After all, they’ve won as many championships in the last 3 seasons as we’ve won in 50.

Did Omar fail? Maybe, maybe not. But at least he tried. All those years he was our GM, we were seemingly only 1 or 2 players away from a championship. How many players away are we now?

Minaya spent winters bringing us guys like Delgado, Beltran, Pedro, Wagner and yes, even Jason Bay—but at least the man tried. Minaya brought us hope. The first winter Alderson was at the helm, we were pinning our hopes on guys like Brad Emaus, Chris Young and Chin Lung-Hu. (I didn’t bother calling my dad to share the news)

With 2 full-seasons under his belt, Alderson has watched our wins decrease both years. Attendance has continued to plummet.

As heartbreaking as 2006, 2007 and 2008 were, wouldn’t it be nice to at least be part of a pennant race again? Wouldn’t it be nice to play meaningful games after June?

We tried to build a winner under Minaya. That didn’t work. But at least we were heading in the right direction. We were so close. But now? Is anyone out there looking forward to Opening Day? Any Mets fans chomping at the bit for that big series in September against the Nationals when we might be fighting for a pennant?

The point I’m making (in a very long winded way) is this: We’ve gone from a fan base eager to win, thirsting for improvement, hungry for a championship to an impatient bunch, worn down by the spin of the front office.

Think about it. Just a few years ago, we spent winters hoping to IMPROVE. Now we spend winters simply not wanting to get any worse.

The Mets front office considers it a victory not to improve with new players, but to retain the players we have.

This winter our goal is not to go after guys like Upton or Hamilton but to keep what we have. Let’s be honest. If we end up keeping both Wright and Dickey, we’ll consider it a great winter. But is that IMPROVEMENT?

Jose Reyes, in spite of being a Met for 8 seasons, was told by Alderson, ‘Show me what you can do.’ Reyes responded by becoming the first Met ever to win a batting title. Alderson’s response was a kick in the butt and sending him south.

Now, the much loved, hard-working, Cinderella story of RA Dickey has played out. Eight months ago who would have dreamed that RA would win the Cy Young? The last time a Mets player won that award was Doc Gooden in 1985. At that time David Wright had just learned to walk and was two years shy of kindergarten.

The Alderson regime has not only attempted to teach us to do more with less, but he has also trained us to expect less. No expectations breeds a contented fan base.

In 2006, the Mets catch phrase was “The Future is Now.” Under Sandy Alderson, the future is…well, the future is in the future.

“I, by no means, am looking beyond 2011. Our job here is to put the best possible team on the field in 2011. And I think if we work at it, we should have every chance to be competitive.”

Sandy Alderson speaking to the media after being announced as Mets GM.  October 29, 2010

The Franchise: The Name Says It All

One of the many great things about the history of Baseball is the abundance of nicknames. Some are based around physical appearance of a player: The Splendid Splinter, Pee Wee, Three Finger, The Beard. For others, the way they played the game is summed up in a nickname: Mr. October, The Wizard, The Iron Horse, Nails. Other monikers can be classified as downright intimidating: Hammerin’ Hank, The Ryan Express, Louisiana Lightning, The Mad Hungarian. In certain cases the nickname has, for all and intents and purposes, become their first name just because it sounds better: The guy who hit those 714 HR’s–George Ruth. The CFer for the Brooklyn Dodgers–Edwin Snider. The outfielder who hit a slow roller to Buckner–William Wilson.

Then, there is The Franchise. This tells us nothing about Tom Seaver’s physical appearance, his professional demeanor on the mound and honestly, is not really even that cool. However, it tells everyone exactly what they need to know. Simply put, Tom Seaver WAS The Franchise.

The 22 year old made his Major League debut on April 13, 1967. Facing Clemente, Stargell and the rest of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Seaver pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing 2 ER and striking out 8. Although he got a no-decision, the Mets won the game. Yes, it was only the 2nd game of the year but the Mets had pulled to .500. Always a bright spot of us fans. The previous day we lost 6-3. The following day we lost 5-1. One week later, April 20, Seaver shut down the Cubs, 6-1. It was his first win. There would be 310 more to follow.

Tom Seaver would go on to win the NL Rookie of the Year with a 2.76 ERA, 170 K’s and 16 wins for a team that only won 61. It was the first time in the short history of this franchise that Mets fans saw hope for a bright future. Tom Terrific was our first superstar. At least once every five days this club had a pretty good shot at putting up a “W.” The days of being the lovable losers were coming to an end.

George Thomas Seaver played in an era when pitching dominated the game. But Seaver dominated pitching. The Franchise was not just one of the best pitchers of his time. He was one of the best in history. He used what was known as ‘Drop and Drive,’ a style of pitching perfected by Christy Mathewson. Seaver relied on strength in his legs to ease the pressure on his arm and in turn prolong his career that was relatively injury free. One could easily tell how well Seaver was in command by looking at the amount of mound dirt on his knee.

In just his 3rd year in the majors, 1969, Seaver won 25 games, a team record which still stands. On July 9 that year, he threw a perfect game for 8 1/3 until giving up a bloop hit to Jimmie Qualls. As great an accomplishment as this would be under any circumstances, the fact that it came against the first place Cubs was that much sweeter. Seaver put the entire league on notice that the New York Mets, for the first time in history, were a serious contender. He posted a 2.21 ERA, struck out 208 and won his first of three Cy Young Awards. He was runner up in MVP voting, finishing second to Willie McCovey.

In Game 4 of the World Series, Seaver shut down the Orioles, pitching 10 innings en route to a Mets 2-1 victory. (Sorry, I don’t know what the pitch count was). The following day the Mets were World Champions.

Seaver had won the hearts of Mets fans. But it was only the beginning.

In one of his first starts the following April, Seaver whiffed 19 Padres, including the last 10 he faced. The 19 K’s tied the major league record at that time.

He stated his best season was 1971. He led the league in strikeouts with 289 (in 286 IP) and ERA (1.79). However, it was Fergie Jenkins who won the Cy Young due primarily to the fact he had more wins.

The Franchise led the NL in strikeouts 5 times and ERA 3 times. He represented the Mets in the All Star game 9 different occasions between 67 and 76.

Tom Seaver also pitched for the Reds, White Sox and Red Sox throughout his 20 year career. At the time he retired he was 3rd in strikeouts with 3640, behind only Ryan and Carlton. His career average of 6.85 K/9 IP is 2nd only to Ryan of any Hall of Famer with 300 wins. He holds the Major League record of 9 consecutive seasons of 200 or more strikeouts. His career ERA of 2.86 is 3rd lowest in the Live Ball era. His 61 shut-outs ties him with Nolan Ryan for the most by a RHP during the Live Ball Era — 8th all-time.

At the end of the twentieth century The Sporting News listed Seaver as the 11th best pitcher in Baseball history. ESPN took a poll of some of Tom’s contemporaries: Bob Gibson, Juan Marichal, Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton, Bert Blyleven and Don Sutton all agreed that it was Seaver who was the best of their generation. Reggie Jackson once said of Seaver, “Blind men come to the park just to listen to him pitch.” In his first year of eligibility, 1992, Tom Seaver was elected to the Hall of Fame with 99.84%, the highest ever recorded.

So, yes, Tom Seaver was a great pitcher. But bringing this full circle, let’s not forget his nickname: The Franchise. Tom remains the Mets leader in wins (198), ERA (2.57), Strikeouts (2541), Shutouts (44), IP (3045 1/3), starts (395), WHIP (1.08) and is 3rd in OAV (219).

Before his arrival the Mets were a joke, a doormat for the National League. With the coming of #41, the Mets had taken the first step to respectability. But as much of a positive impact as his arrival had, his departure brought with it the darkest time in team history.

After M. Donald Grant sent Seaver to Cincinnati in The Midnight Massacre of June 15, 1977, the Mets immediately returned to their pre-Seaver days. The team went on to lose 45 of their remaining 75 games that year and finished in last place for the first time in a decade. The Mets would finish last again in 78 and 79. The 3 straight seasons of finishing last was not something they had done since 1963-1965. Seaver’s dismissal was a big stab in the heart to fans. It took the club nearly ten years to recover.

Attendance dropped to Expos-esque numbers. Shea became known as Grant’s Tomb and frequently the upper level, sometimes upper two levels, were not even opened. In 1979, with the reality of Seaver’s absence setting in, the Mets averaged an embarrassing 9740 fans per game. Seaver’s impact, or lack thereof, was felt on the field as well as in the stands and standings.

From 1968 through 1976, with Tom at the top of our rotation, the Mets averaged 83 wins per year. After Seaver left, from 1978 through 1983 (excluding the strike season of 81), the Mets averaged just 65 wins per year, 18 less with Seaver gone.

If that doesn’t prove his value and importance, here’s something else to consider. From 68-76, the Mets record was 743-714. Seaver’s record during that period was 166-94. The Mets, as a team, were only 29 games over .500. Tom Seaver was 72 games over .500.

It’s been nearly 30 years since this Hometown Hero donned the blue and orange. Yet, he still remains the face of this team. When I told some friends—Mets fans and non-Mets fans—of my involvement in selecting 5 Mets to be enshrined in the Metsmerized Hall of Fame, the first name every one mentioned was Tom Seaver…and 4 others. Seaver is, and always will be, in a class by himself. Seaver is and always will be The Franchise.

It’s with great pleasure that we announce Tom Seaver as the first player to be enshrined into the…

Metsmerized Hall of Fame

Born in Brooklyn on October 13, 1926, Edward Frederick Joseph Yost was signed as a 17 year old straight out of high school by Washington. After serving his country in World War II the following year, Yost returned stateside and was immediately put on the Senators roster. He never played in the minors.

He was nicknamed ‘The Walking Man’ for his uncanny propensity to draw walks. He was regarded to be the best lead-off hitter of his day as well as one of the best defensive third baseman in the league. Over the course of his 16 year career, Yost walked 1,614 times. Eight times he topped 100 walks in a season. At the time of his retirement, only Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Mel Ott had drawn more bases on balls. His greatest total was 151 in 1956. That season his batting average was a meek .231, but he offset that was a .412 OBP.

His best offensive season was 1950 where he matched a .440 on-base percentage with a career high .295 batting average. “Because I could draw walks, pitchers treated me like I was a .400 hitter,” Eddie once commented. An opposing manager, in an effort to motivate his staff, began charging his pitchers $25 every time they walked Eddie. This practice was short lived when his staff complained of being in debt hundreds of dollars to the manager. Senators owner Clark Griffith stated, “I wouldn’t trade Yost for Mantle straight up.” Casey Stengel, who managed the Yankee dynasty throughout the 50’s, wanted desperately to add Yost to his roster. Baseball historian Phil Wood said, “He reached the point where the umps said if Eddie didn’t swing at the pitch, they wouldn’t call it a strike.”

In addition to reaching base via the walk, Yost also set the major league record of the most HR’s to lead-off a game with 28, a record that stood until Bobby Bonds in the 1970’s.

In addition to living up to his nickname of The Walking Man, Eddie also led AL third basemen in put-outs 8 times, double plays 7 times, assists 3 times and fielding percentage twice.

From August 30, 1949 to May 11, 1955. Eddie played in 829 consecutive games, 8^th longest streak in history.

In December 1958, Washington decided to part ways with their Yost after 14 seasons. They needed to make room for a young rookie named Harmon Killebrew and Eddie was traded to the Tigers. That following season, his first year with Detroit, Yost hit a career high 21 HR’s and led the AL in Runs, OBP and walks.

After 2 seasons with Detroit, Yost was picked up in the expansion draft by the Los Angeles Angels. He became the first batter in Angels history.

He retired in 1962 with a mediocre .254 career batting average, 683 RBI’s but an impressive .394 OBP. He returned back east where he became a third base coach for Washington and their manager Mickey Vernon. When Vernon was replaced, the Senators’ new manager requested Yost to stay on board. That new manager was named Gil Hodges.

When Hodges accepted a managerial job in New York, he brought Eddie with him. Yost served as Mets 3b coach from 1968-1975.

Eddie believed in small ball before small ball was cool. He realized the importance of reaching base and playing solid defense. This mantra fit in well with the Mets of that time who were heavy on pitching but light on offense. Yost was influential in the defensive development of Mets infielders, especially Wayne Garrett and Buddy Harrelson, the latter who tried to emulate Yost. Eddie realized the Mets hitting was anemic and he’d frequently wave runners around 3^rd, trying to scratch out every run possible.

Eddie played in the majors 16 years, mostly with the hapless Senators, and never even came close to a post-season. It was during his time as Mets coach when, in 1969, he received what every player dreams of: A World Series ring.

During his playing days, Eddie enjoyed repairing antique clocks. In the 1950’s, he became the player rep for the AL and spoke before Congress on Baseball’s anti-trust. He also fought hard to increase the minimum salary and player pensions. During the off-season he attended NYU where he earned a Masters Degree in Physical Education.

His final at-bat came July 28^th, 1962 when he was used as a pinch hitter. As one would expect, Eddie drew a walk.