The Mets’ Veteran Lefty Stands With the Best in Baseball History
242 of Tom Glavine’s career victories came while wearing an Atlanta Braves uniform. His 56 wins as a Met pale in comparison to what he accomplished behind enemy lines, but I still can’t help getting excited when I think about the number 300. Even the most casual baseball fans know that Glavine will one day be a first ballot hall of famer, enshrined in Cooperstown with an “A” on his bronze statuette.
It took me a while to warm up to Tom, who I will always consider a Brave. But I came to accept him and even like him during his stay in New York. I think it is thrilling to not only get to see a pitcher the likes of Glavine get to 300 wins, but to see him do it in a Mets uniform. It’s not often a pitcher wins 300 plus games, and even less often does a lefty have the kind of success Glavine has had in his career. It is an event that happens once a generation.
The early part of the 20th century brought about lefty Eddie Plank (326 wins.) Then in the mid 40’s a southpaw by the name of Warren Spahn came along and dominated the game for 2 decades (363 wins.) This led into the era of the great lefty Steve Carlton (329 wins,) who made his major league debut the same year Spahn retired. The next great lefty to come along made his debut with the Braves in 1987, and now sits on the precipice of one of the greatest accomplishments in baseball, (and something we may not see again in our lifetime with the way the game has changed.)
Sure, Glavine got roughed up on Thursday night against the Dodgers in a game that could have easily been win number 299. But I also remember him throwing a 2 hit shut out the week before against the Reds. We all know he will get there eventually. The Mets might even be able to make the back pages that day, (imagine that!) and spare New Yorkers the irritation of ANOTHER photo of A-rod.
As you’re watching Billy Wagner strike out the side and secure victory number 300 for Tommy, whenever that may be, just remember how lucky we are as baseball fans to be witnessing history. And remember how lucky we are as Mets fans that it’s happening on our team! Go Tom!
Comments
Great blog but nothing the Mets do will ever make the back pages and spare us another picture of A-Rod. I hope Glavine gets 300 at Shea because I think that's the only thing that WILL get A-Rod off the back cover.
Posted by: Jessica | July 22, 2007 09:08 AM
He is a gem to watch and I got the oppurtunity to see him three times this year with the only bad outting being when it was when the Mets were sliding. I got a chance to be at that game last week against the Reds....and I have to correct you. It was a 1 run 8 innings pitched. But besides the point he is a GREAT player and clutch in his hay day as a Brave. Maybe this year he will be clutch for us in October!!!
Posted by: Mark | July 22, 2007 11:21 AM
I had the pleasure of seeing Tommy pitch against the Pirates at Shea on '05.He was awesome.He may always be a Brave,but He'll still have New York(NL)on his Hall of Fame plaque!
Posted by: Adam Baker | July 22, 2007 12:54 PM
I really hope Tom gets number 300 at Shea.
Posted by: Chris | July 22, 2007 06:58 PM
I hope Glavine does it before Bonds breaks Aaron's mark! I think Glavine may be the last 300 game winner for a long, long time. If A-rod stays healthy, he should pass Bonds in 5 years! That will be worth celebrating assuming A-Rod is with another team. Great Blog Tessa!
Posted by: Derek C. | July 23, 2007 07:54 AM