Commissioner Rob Manfred

“For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. Rickey was one of the most accomplished and beloved Athletics of all time. He also made an impact with many other clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. He epitomized speed, power and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup. When we considered new rules for the game in recent years, we had the era of Rickey Henderson in mind.

Rickey earned universal respect, admiration and awe from sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Rickey’s family, his friends and former teammates, A’s fans and baseball fans everywhere.”

Dave Stewart, childhood friend, World Champion teammate with Athletics

“I can’t explain what someone who was present in every memory, childhood to today, means to me, or what it means to cope with having no more tomorrows alongside him. Rickey Henderson was the best ballplayer many know, but that is nothing in comparison to the brother he is to me.”

Mike Piazza, Hall of Famer, teammate with Mets

“Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind as a teammate and a nightmare for a catcher as an opponent. He was one of the most generous, hysterical and gracious human beings. He will be sorely missed. Prayers for his soul and family.”

Dave Winfield, Hall of Famer, teammate with Yankees

“I truly cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace.”

José Canseco, teammate with Athletics

“I’m heartbroken and devastated. Rickey Henderson was an incredibly talented player but an even better human. I’ll never forget all the incredible memories we created together. Memories I’ll never forget. Rest easy my friend.”

Dennis Eckersley, Hall of Famer, teammate with Athletics

“I’m very sad about the loss of my friend, teammate and fellow Hall of Famer. We were two Bay Area boys. I was proud to play with him. He was the greatest player I ever played with. I cherished our recent times together both in Cooperstown and at the Oakland Coliseum. My condolences to his family.”

Bobby Valentine, Mets manager, 1996-2002

“It was an honor to be in the same uniform with Rickey Henderson. He was the most entertaining and dynamic player I ever saw. RIP Rickey. You were the greatest!”

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Sandy Alderson, baseball executive with Mets, A’s and Padres

“I traded Rickey Henderson twice and brought him back more times than that. He was the best player I ever saw play. He did it all,  hit, hit for power, stole bases and defended,  and he did it with a flair that enthused his fans and infuriated his opponents. But everyone was amused by his personality, style and third-person references to himself. He was unique in many ways. Rickey stories are legion, legendary and mostly true. But behind his reputation as self-absorbed was a wonderful, kind human being who loved kids. His true character became more evident over time. Nine different teams, one unforgettable player. Sandy gonna miss Rickey.”

Willie Randolph, teammate with Yankees

“People always ask me who was the best player I’ve played with. I played with so many tremendous players through the years that I hate picking just one. But pound for pound, Rickey Henderson was the greatest player I ever played with. He possessed so many talents that could positively impact the outcome of a game. I’m going to cherish the memories Rickey and I shared together. He was a special man.”

Buck Showalter, former Mets manager

“I played against Rickey when he was with Jersey City in the Eastern League in 1978. He batted .310 but didn’t hit a home run in 133 games. People don’t realize how dedicated he was to being the best he could be. He took great care of his body and was ahead of his time in nutrition and conditioning. In my opinion, he was the best leadoff hitter of all time.

“He was in my first big league camp, and my first time throwing to big-league hitters was to his batting group. He had a strike zone the size of a thimble, and I had never seen anyone run the way he did, with powerful strides that were fluid and violent at the same time. As a young coach working with the outfielders, Rickey laughed easily and made me feel comfortable. I can’t believe he’s gone. He was one of a kind.”

Associated Press file photos

Billy Wagner, former Mets reliever

“RIP, there will never be anyone like Rickey Henderson. I’m in pure shock. Grew up wanting to be Rickey. Played against him and he was our Mets 1B coach. Truly a great player but a tremendous person. Thank you for Rickey Time.”

Jerry Blevins, former Mets, A’s reliever

“Rickey Henderson was an incredible man. A legend who was so much more approachable than his image would have you think. From playing cards in the clubhouse to picking his Hall of Fame mind about holding runners, Rickey would share his wealth of knowledge with ease. RIP Rickey.”

Pamela Henderson

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”

The National Baseball Hall of Fame

The Man of Steal … and so much more.

• 1,406 stolen bases –  1st all-time
• 2,129 unintentional walks – 1st all-time
• 2,295 runs scored – 1st all-time
• 81 leadoff home runs – 1st all time

The post The Baseball World Continues To Mourn Rickey Henderson appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

He had been part of the Mets organization since 1991, began with the major league club in 1993, was an Opening Day starter in the mid-90s, and an All-Star in 1997. By the time they reached the postseason in 1999, Jones was one of the longest-tenured players.

But when it came time to make up the playoff roster, Jones — who had a 5.61 ERA in just 12 appearances — was left off. Getting the chance to appear in the postseason is a once-in-a-career opportunity for some. And while the Mets were on track for a second straight October trip in 2000, Jones’ effectiveness was continuing a serious downturn. He was sent to the minors at mid-season, only to work his way back into the big league rotation by the time the Division Series arrived.

Following two thrilling wins against the Giants that put the Mets one victory from the League Championship Series, little did anyone believe Bobby Jones was on the verge of an all-time performance. But his wife had a premonition.

“You won’t be sorry,” she supposedly told manager Bobby Valentine. “He’ll pitch the game of his life.”

Jones had steadily improved since returning from that demotion — going 8-2 with a 3.98 ERA during the second half after a 1-3 record over his first eight starts and a dreadful 10.19 ERA in 32⅔ innings.

Still, there was no earthly reason to believe what was ahead. Forget past personal history, he was facing a lineup no pitcher would envy: with MVPs Jeff Kent and Barry Bonds smack in the middle of it.

Jones, though, set them down in order over four innings. But in the fifth, Kent led off with a tracer just above the outstretched reach of third baseman Robin Ventura, who had provided the early offense with a first-inning two-run homer.

Kent’s double was followed by two walks and two outs. With Jones’ opposite number, Mark Gardner, due up, Giants manager Dusty Baker chose to have his pitcher bat for himself instead of sending up a pinch-hitter.

Gardner was retired and promptly allowed New York to add to its lead in the bottom of the fifth. Jones then asserted his dominance even more.

With pinpoint control and changing speeds, San Francisco batters were methodically retired — rendered helpless by a pitcher who just four months ago didn’t know if he’d be a major leaguer again, let alone a postseason pitcher.

The finishing touch on this masterpiece came against Barry Bonds, a meager 3-for-17 in the series, who lifted the first pitch he saw into center field. Jay Payton raced over to his right and made the catch.

Jubilant teammates mobbed the pitcher with the common name who had achieved an uncommon feat — what was then just the sixth one-hitter in playoff history.

It was a performance nobody saw coming. Nobody, except for Kristi Jones.

The post OTD 2000: Bobby Jones Tosses One-Hitter in NLDS Clincher appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Pittsburgh Pirates officially called up the firsst overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft, Paul Skenes, on Wednesday.

The national champion pitcher at LSU has had a meteoric rise through the ranks, from transferring from Air Force to LSU over two years ago to getting the call to the big leagues. Skenes dominated his last year in college and continued that in minor leagues, pitching to a 0.99 ERA, .91 WHIP and 45 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings of work. The 6-foot-6 flamethrower has become the Pirates’ No. 1 prospect and is the third-ranked prospect in all of baseball according to MLB.com.

Skenes is set to make his MLB debut on Saturday against the Cubs at PNC Park. 

Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The series finale between the Mets and Cardinals was postponed until August 5. The Mets resume play on Friday at Citi Field against the Braves with José Quintana on the mound. 

David Peterson went 3 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1BB, and 7 K on 62 pitches in his third rehab start on Wednesday night. He has not allowed a run in his 8 2/3  rehab innings.

Josh Hejka set a Brooklyn Cyclones franchise record on Sunday by making his 48th pitching appearance.

Mets two-way prospect Nolan McLean hit his fourth home run of the season for High-A Brooklyn as he went 3-for-4 with two RBIs on Wednesday night. McLean has a 1.000 OPS and 2.84 ERA on the season.

Latest MLB News

Shohei Ohtani‘s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is pleading guilty to two counts: bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return, per Meghann Cuniff. For someone with no criminal history, given Mizuhara’s plea deal, the sentence is between 87 and 108 months.

Ryan Boyajian, a cast member of Bravo’s reality TV series “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” is the bookmaker’s associate to whom Ippei Mizuhara wired money to pay his gambling debts, per Tisha Thompson of ESPN.

The Tampa Bay Rays placed RHP Ryan Pepiot on the 15-day IL, retroactive to May 6, with a left lower leg contusion. They brought back RHP Taj Bradley from the 15-day IL in return. 

The Seattle Mariners made a flurry of transactions, including reinstating RHP Eduard Bazardo from the 15-day IL, selecting LHP Kirby Snead from Triple-A Tacoma, and placing LHP Tayler Saucedo on the 15-day IL.

Bat tracking, which measures each player’s average bat speed, squared-up rate, and much more will be coming to Baseball Savant on May 13. 

The Miami Marlins placed RHP Edward Cabrera on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder impingement. LHP Braxton Garrett was reinstated from the IL in a corresponding move.

The Texas Rangers acquired OF Robbie Grossman in a trade from the Chicago White Sox, sending RHP Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa to Chicago in return. Former Met Kolton Ingram was DFA’d to make room on the roster for Texas. 

Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic wrote an article about why the Perfect Game, Fanatics deal has agents raising concerns about amateur player rights.

Forty-four-year-old free-agent LHP Rich Hill still plans to sign with a big league club during the season, per Ian Browne of MLB.com.

The San Francisco Giants placed OF Jorge Soler on the 10-day IL, retroactive to May 5, with a right shoulder strain. The club recalled OF Heliot Ramos from Triple-A Sacramento to take his spot. 

Latest on MMO

Pete Alonso broke out of his slump in a big way!

Learn about the Mets’ No. 9 prospect, Jeremy Rodríguez.

See what MMO readers had to say about the Knicks big Game 2 win last night!

On This Date in Mets History

1984: Joe West ejects two cameramen who were showing a replay to Bobby Valentine and Mike Torrez of a call made at home plate by West.

Birthdays: Aaron Harang (46)

The post Morning Briefing: First Overall Pick Paul Skenes Set to Make Debut appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

It makes sense. The Mets desperately need starting pitching, Yamamoto is one of the most attractive option on the market, and Imanaga is no slouch himself. Instead of going into why each of them are targets, let’s go into what the Mets should do if they somehow pull of signing them – and a strategy that may work no matter which starters they add.

If they manage to bring in both Yamamoto and Imanaga, the Mets should take the leap and go to a six-man starting rotation. Not only would this approach be wise if those two are signed, but also a method that should be considered either way.

Yu Darvish. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, a story by David Waldstein was published in the New York Times about Yu Darvish, then the ace for the Texas Rangers, lobbying for a six-man rotation. The article states how in Japan, teams only play six games a week. They use six starting pitchers, and each pitcher only throws once a week.

It wasn’t directly said by Darvish, but the article notes how this was during the same time fellow Japanese starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka suffered a partially torn UCL. Tanaka was in his first season with the Yankees, brand new to Major League Baseball and brand new to throwing in a five-man rotation. Obviously, the five-man rotation can’t definitively be blamed for the injury, but the article notes how Tanaka never had a serious injury in his career before that.

Darvish said he believed a six-man rotation could reduce the stress on pitchers elbows. 

“If you really want to protect players, we should add one more spot to the starting rotation,” Darvish is quoted saying.

Tanaka didn’t end up undergoing Tommy John surgery, he went the rehab route and returned just a couple of months later. He made two starts in September and was good to go for 2015. Unfortunately, by the time Tanaka was back on the mound, Darvish was off it.

On August 13, 2014, 23 days after Waldstein’s article, the Rangers placed Darvish on the disabled list with right-elbow inflammation. He didn’t pitch again until 2016.

During his first spring training start ahead of the 2015 season, Darvish felt discomfort in his triceps. His right elbow, which an Associated Press article from 2015 said checked out fine in the offseason, now showed inflammation and a partially torn UCL. Darvish, unlike Tanaka, underwent Tommy John surgery.

Colby Lewis, a former MLB and NPB pitcher, was quoted in the article voicing his support for a six-man rotation.

“I loved pitching once a week,” Lewis said. “You always felt great, really healthy and strong. Then you come here and pitch every fifth day, and it’s different. Look what happened to Tanaka. I’m not saying that’s the specific reason he got hurt, but it’s worth thinking about.”

Former Mets’ manager Bobby Valentine was also quoted in the article, and like the others he too was in favor of a six-man rotation. Funnily enough, the team he said would benefit the most? The New York Mets.

“When Matt Harvey comes back, why not go to a six-man rotation and take the stress off his elbow?” Valentine said. “You may not have as many starts per season, but you may have more over the length of a career.”

Zack Wheeler.Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Would moving to a six-man rotation have prolonged Matt Harvey’s career? Would it have helped Zack Wheeler who underwent his own Tommy John surgery in 2015? There’s no way to know, but it’s interesting to think about looking back.

There’s no use living in the past though, it’s time to live in the present — and the present Mets have an opportunity to take their former mustachioed manager’s advice almost nine years later. 

If the Mets are truly “full bore” in their pursuit of Yamamoto and Imanaga, a six-man rotation is the way to go. 

Hypothetically, if the Mets land both starters, the rotation would then look like this: Kodai Senga, Yamamoto, José Quintana, Imanaga and newly acquired Luis Severino.

Of those five starting pitchers, three of them would be Japanese. Yamamoto and Imanaga would be in their first season in MLB, and Senga in just his second. Quintana will be 35 years old and coming off a season where he made just 13 starts, and Severino is a reclamation project who has a lengthy injury history. 

Plugging a sixth starting pitcher into the rotation would realistically benefit all five of them. Senga already was given extra rest days pretty frequently throughout the 2023 season, and his results showed the benefit of it. If the Mets bring in one of Yamamoto or Imanaga they will likely treat them the same way. If they bring in both, they might have no choice but to go to a six-man rotation to accommodate all the extra rest days.

The Mets have a ton of options for who the sixth starter could be. Of course, they could always add another starting pitcher via free agency or trade, but there are already a lot of in-house options. 

Tylor Megill is now over 50 career starts and is an option. Despite his struggles last season, he had a really nice September which could have been a sign of him turning a corner. At worst, he should at least be good for a couple of great starts to open up the year. David Peterson is there too, but his availability is up in the air after undergoing hip surgery in early November.

José Butto. Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

José Butto quietly made nine appearances (seven starts) to the tune of a 3.64 ERA in 2023, headlined by an excellent five-start stretch to end the season. In six of his seven starts, he gave up no more than two earned runs. Butto has definitely earned a chance to win a rotation spot in spring training.

Joey Lucchesi made nine starts in 2023 and had a 2.89 ERA, making him maybe the most attractive candidate to fill the sixth spot in the rotation. He was looking good in 2021 before he got injured, and looked good again when he came back two years later.

There are also now a lot of options in the upper levels of the minor leagues. Mike Vasil, Blade Tidwell, Christian Scott, Dominic Hamel and Tyler Stuart all made starts at Double-A or higher in 2023. While maybe not candidates to make the Opening Day roster (though never say never), they all could be in play for a mid-season call-up.

Long story short, the Mets have options. A six-man rotation is more than possible. 

Now, there are some possible downsides. It’s not like MLB will give the Mets an extra roster spot to accommodate the extra starting pitcher. A sixth man in the rotation means the Mets would have a seven-man bullpen as opposed to eight. One of those seven would need to be a long reliever for those games where a starter gets knocked out early, maybe even two. That would leave five-to-six true relief pitchers. Is that enough? There’s no way to know for sure, but there is a wrinkle here that could help it work.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

One of the benefits to pitching in a six-man rotation is that starting pitchers can throw more pitches each time out. In his final start of the 2023 postseason, Yamamoto threw 138 pitches over nine full innings. That’s unheard of in today’s MLB. In Japan though, throwing well over 100 pitches is much, much more common. Throughout the season, Yamamoto averaged a little over seven innings per start. Imanaga averaged about 6 2/3 innings.

Logan Webb, who led MLB in innings pitched in 2023, averaged a little under 6 ⅔ innings per start. Gerrit Cole averaged 6 ⅓. Zac Gallen was in that area too, as were Framber Valdez, Mitch Keller, Wheeler, Corbin Burnes and a handful of others. Most starters didn’t come close.

Yes, six starters means fewer relievers which could tax the bullpen. However, it could also mean starters going deeper into games, which would help offset that extra tax. 

MLB also isn’t like the NPB where teams play six games a week. Sometimes, teams will play seven (or even eight) and these starters will still have to go on five days of rest — but it’s better than four — and there will still be plenty of opportunities for more rest throughout the season. 

There’s one more advantage to a six-man rotation that hasn’t been discussed; the Mets could use it as a selling point to get Yamamoto and Imanaga to sign with them. If the Mets go into negotiations saying something along the lines of, “we want to sign both of you, pair you with Senga and commit to a six-man rotation just like you’re already used to,” it could be enough to give the Mets the edge over other potential suitors. 

It’s not going to be exactly the same as what is done in Japan, but it can be close. The Mets already have multiple pitchers in their rotation with injury concerns. If they also end up with multiple pitchers in their rotation used to going once a week in Japan, a six-man rotation almost makes too much sense.

The post Opinion: The Mets Should Use A Six-Man Rotation In 2024 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Each round will be best-of-seven. We will be posting series previews and recaps of the first round and then will be more detailed in our posting as we get deeper into the competition.

Additionally, we will also be giving folks access to 10% off coupons for downloading the game as well as giving away codes to download the game for free.

2022 Mets

The ninth seed in the 16-team tournament is the most recent team in Mets history to participate in the event. Of course, it was a disappointing ending to one of the most successful regular seasons in franchise history. The 2022 Mets posted the second-most wins (101) of any team across the 62-year history of the Mets. However, it all culminated in a Wild Card round loss to the San Diego Padres.

The 2022 Mets were led by manager Buck Showalter and posted the second-highest batting average in the league. Five key cogs in the lineup posted a season OPS over .800, with the offense mainly being led by Pete Alonso (40 home runs and 131 RBIs), Francisco Lindor (26 home runs and 107 RBIs), and Jeff McNeil (.836 OPS).

On the mound, the Mets owned a team ERA of 3.57 which was seventh-best in the majors. The rotation saw six main contributors, all posting season ERAs below 4.00. Of the best were Max Scherzer (2.29 ERA), Chris Bassitt 3.42 ERA), and Taijuan Walker (3.49 ERA). Not to mention, one of the best seasons in relief pitcher history, Edwin Díaz who posted 118 strikeouts and a 1.31 ERA over 62 innings.

1999 Mets

The 1999 Mets team checks in as the eighth seed in the 16-team tournament and posted a 97-win season 24 years ago. After finishing second in the National League East, the 1999 Mets defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Division Series before ultimately falling 3-1 to the Atlanta Braves in the NL Championship Series.

The team, managed by Bobby Valentine, were led by four big boppers in the lineup; Mike Piazza (40 home runs and 123 RBIs), Robin Ventura (.908 OPS), Edgardo Alfonzo (108 RBIs), and John Olerud (.890 OPS). The team posted an OPS+ of 104 which was the eight-highest figure in the league.

On the mound, the squad was led by four main starters aged 33, 40, 34, and 34, respectively. The workhorse of the group being 33-year-old Al Leiter who tossed 213 innings posting a 4.23 ERA. The bullpen was led by an electric Armando Benitez (128 strikeouts and a 1.85 ERA over 78 innings) as well as Pat Mahomes (8-0 record).

The team that advances will be taking on the winner of the 1976 Mets team versus the 1986 Mets team. The No. 16 versus No. 1 matchup in the bracket.

Let us know your predictions below!

The post Mets Madness Series Preview: 2022 Mets vs. 1999 Mets appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

For a team that spent three weeks walking a tightrope, Game 5 of the National League Championship Series against the rival Atlanta Braves was the latest (and most dramatic) example of the Mets’ ability to avoid elimination.

New York staved off a sweep in Game 4 with a bottom-of-the-eighth-inning rally, highlighted by a John Olerud single. Olerud opened the scoring the next afternoon with a two-run first-inning homer off Greg Maddux. Atlanta responded and tied it in top of the fourth, but bats on both sides went silent. The 2-2 deadlock last into extra innings. As darkness fell over Shea Stadium, so did rain clouds. Stranded runners (both sides totaled 31) piled up. Run-scoring opportunities went by the wayside.

Mets manager Bobby Valentine used eight relievers to keep Atlanta at bay. That was until the top of the 15th when Keith Lockhart tripled and drove in Walt Weiss. That three-week-long tightrope had frayed to its last threads. The Braves thought they put the Mets away after pummeling them in late September, and again after taking a one-run lead in the eighth inning of Game 4, and again on this night. Each time they were wrong.

Untested Kevin McGlinchy was in to try and close it out in the bottom of the 15th. The 22-year-old right-hander battled Shawon Dunston for more than nine minutes and through six foul balls before a leadoff single to center. Matt Franco worked a walk, Edgardo Alfonzo sacrificed both runners 90 feet, and Olerud got an intentional pass to load the bases. Todd Pratt, who entered the game when Mike Piazza’s strained left forearm wouldn’t allow him to continue past the 14th, also walked. Game tied.

Ventura, playing though pain, could send everyone home and both teams south. On a 2-1 count, he drove McGlinchy’s pitch to right-center field. Deep enough to certainly score the winning run and deep enough to clear the right-center-field wall.

Then the longest game in postseason history had a spectacular conclusion. Then came an unusual postscript.

After Ventura touched and rounded first base, he incessantly waved overly-enthusiastic teammates away so he could round the bases. But their exuberance was too much to allow their hero to savor a home-run trot. Instead, they mobbed Ventura before he reached second. Instead of a 7-3 final, it was (and remained) 4-3. “As long as I got to first base, I don’t care,” Ventura said. “It means we won.”

“I’ve been in long games,” said a mentally drained Valentine afterward. “But not games where every pitch meant so much.”

The post OTD 1999: Ventura’s ‘Grand Slam Single’ Caps NLCS Epic appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Daryl Strawberry.

The Dodgers may be long gone from New York City, but the remnants of the franchise remain. Not only does the primary color, but also the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field as a tribute to Ebbet’s Field as well as the continuous memorials around the borough of Brooklyn. Two of the biggest markets in the country have been welcome attractions for many players.

Here are a few.

Duke Snider – Dodgers (1947-62), Mets (1963)

Known as the “Duke of Flatbush” while a member of the ever-popular Brooklyn team of the 1950s, Snider was one of few who probably didn’t mind the move west. Born in Los Angeles, he made his Hall of Fame career with Dodgers and was a part of the first two World Championships.

Injuries and the passage of time relegated Snider to part-time status by 1962. He came to the Mets and back to New York City for ’63, where he achieved his milestone 2,000th hit and 400th home run. Snider appeared in 129 games, slashing .243/.345/.401, with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs. He was the team’s lone representative at that year’s All-Star Game.

Bobby Valentine – Dodgers (1969-72), Mets (1977-78)

Bobby V’s ties to the Dodgers go well beyond his playing days, which began in their farm system. A prized two-sport athlete, Valentine was managed in Triple-A by Tommy Lasorda—a relationship that lasted well into his days piloting the Mets. Bobby saw his career derailed by injuries, both in the minors and later with the California Angels, but he spent time in Queens as a player before returning as a coach in the 1980s and then as skipper beginning in 1996.

Almost 20 years prior, Valentine wed Mary Branca—the daughter of the Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher famous for giving up the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” to Bobby Thomson.

Jesse Orosco.

Jesse Orosco – Mets (1979-87), Dodgers (1988, 2001-02)

No player took the mound more often than Jesse. And for all the uniforms he wore, he sported Mets’ colors the most. It’s also where he enjoyed his greatest successes, being at the center of the celebrations for the 1986 LCS and World Series triumphs. But by 1987, he’d worn out his welcome in New York.

Orosco was part of a trade that eventually landed him in Los Angeles. In his first year, with his new team facing his old team for the pennant, Jesse made appearances in the postseason at Shea Stadium. Once he practically toured the majors at the turn of the century, he came back to the Dodgers at age 44—and yet was three teams and two years away from retirement.

Darryl Strawberry – Mets (1983-90), Dodgers (1991-92)

He has the distinct honor of being on each of these three features, having been the only one to play for all four teams that occupied New York City. Strawberry’s run as a Met ended when he tried free agency and the hometown Dodgers offered enough money.

He returned to Shea on May 7, 1991—filled with plenty of cheers, boos, and “Darr-yl” chants. When he homered off Frank Viola to left-center, the mixed feelings continued. Darryl nearly carried the ’91 Dodgers into the playoffs but followed that up with a disappointing effort in ’92 and was soon gone.

No matter where Strawberry ended up for the remainder of his career, L.A., San Francisco, or the Bronx, he was always attached to the Mets.

Orel Hershiser – Dodgers (1983-94, 2000), Mets (1999)

After what Hershiser did to the Mets in the 1988 NLCS, the least he owed the franchise was some success in New York. It was at the tail end of his career, far from the inhuman dominance he displayed during the title-winning season of ’88, but his veteran presence played a key role in the Mets’ first postseason appearance since that playoff loss to Los Angeles 11 years prior.

Hershiser’s most notable effort in a Mets uniform came in Game 5 of the NLCS against Atlanta. Just about everyone pitched in this 15-inning epic, but Orel stood out by preventing the Braves from taking the lead in the fourth and fifth innings.

Mike Piazza. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Piazza – Dodgers (1992-98), Mets (1998-05)

Most take five hours to get from L.A. to New York. For Piazza, it took a whole week. His brief interlude in Florida aside, the greatest hitting catcher made his mark with these two clubs. His best statistical years might have been with the Dodgers, but Piazza will always be remembered as a Met.

If his Hall of Fame status and his retired number at Citi Field aren’t enough proof, it’s the postseason appearances, the World Series trip, and a number of unforgettable moments that made him a Big Apple baseball legend. Piazza’s Mets stats weren’t bad, either: a 136 OPS+ and 220 homers in six-and-a-half seasons.

Hideo Nomo – Dodgers (1995-98, 2002-04), Mets (1998)

He was a little bit of Ohtani—half of him, at least. Nomo was arguably the first player from Japan to really reach stardom in the major leagues. The starter for the 1995 All-Star game, Nomo never enjoyed the same success despite throwing two no-hitters (in 1996 and 2001).

His Dodger days were done when the team was ready to ship off players in the midst of ownership change. Nomo, after starting poorly, was on the list. His “tornado” delivery landed in New York, although he continued to struggle. Nomo made 17 appearances with an 87 ERA+ and a WHIP of 1.439.

Shawn Green – Dodgers (2000-04), Mets (2006-07)

On the Dodgers before the Mets and on the Blue Jays before both, Green’s third career stop would be his last. He was not nearly the same player who knocked out 40-plus homers three times. But when the Mets acquired him in August of ’06, he filled the role-player part very well.

Green played in just 34 games that year, yet he had a big part in one of that season’s most unforgettable moments in the opener of the Division Series against Los Angeles. Who’s the guy on the receiving end of this spectacular play? Just look below before he tags you out twice.

Paul Lo Duca – Dodgers (1998-04), Mets (2006-07)

After enjoying success with one former Dodger catcher, the Mets figured they’d get another. Much like Mike Piazza, Lo Duca opened his major-league career in L.A. He played sparingly until 2001, when emerged as a leader behind the plate as well as 25 homers and 95 RBIs at the plate. Much like Piazza, Lo Duca briefly went to the Marlins. Unlike Piazza, it was for more than a week (the whole 2005 season, in fact).

With the Mets, Lo Duca was one of many who provided a veteran presence. He was also a very steady bat between José Reyes and Carlos Beltrán. Of the star names that made up the 2006 division-winning club, Lo Duca might have been the most unsung (even if he was an All-Star himself).

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It is safe to assume that the vast majority of New York Mets fans will be rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday.

And not just because it is a cardinal sin for any born-and-bred New Yorker to cheer for any Philadelphia sports team. No, Mets fans will be all in on Kansas City during the big game because one of their own will be playing in it.

We’re talking about Patrick Mahomes, of course.

For those unaware of the connection, you may be wondering what we’re talking about. You see, Mahomes’ personal relationship with the New York Mets runs deep. Very deep.

It started back in 1999 when, as a four-year-old, Mahomes would accompany his dad, Pat Mahomes Sr., to the ballpark in order to shag balls in the outfield and play catch with some notable Mets. It was hours and hours spent at Shea Stadium that clearly first sparked Mahomes’ passion for sports, and perhaps laid the foundations for the impressive career he has gone on to carve out for himself.

“I just remember him being so excited to go to the yard every day,” Mahomes Sr. told The New York Post in an interview. “I’d have to hold him back just so I could get in the car before we left because he was ready to get out there. And he’d get there to the clubhouse, get his uniform on, and he’d be one of the first guys out on the field, and of course I had to play catch and all that.”

Pat Mahomes Sr. enjoyed a solid career in the bigs, including two years with the Mets where he posted a 4.74 ERA as a trusted long reliever. It isn’t unfair to state, however, that his son has already scaled new heights and then some. Mahomes is one of the best players in the NFL and if he wins on Sunday, he will have two Super Bowl rings and two league MVP awards at just 27-years-old.

Mahomes’ brilliance comes down to his ability to do things with the pigskin that most other football players could only dream of doing, let alone mere mortals. His arm strength is something to behold, as is his superhero, highlight-reel, game-changing throws that never fails to leave the jaw on the ground. And, for those who watched Mahomes toss the baseball around as a kid, watching him dominate the NFL now hasn’t come as a surprise.

“He would throw line drives to the infield,” Mike Hampton told Mets PR guru Jay Horwitz. “I don’t want to tell you that I predicted what Patrick would turn into, but I am really not shocked. You could see the young man had talent. I am so proud of what he has done. He is the best of the best now and I am proud to say I was there when it started.”

Mahomes became close with a host of Mets players and he certainly made an impression on then manager Bobby Valentine, who will be cheering on the younger Mahomes on Sunday. And, according to Valentine, all that time spent in a major league clubhouse with the Mets certainly hasn’t hurt Mahomes in navigating life as a high-profile professional athlete.

“Patrick was always around the locker room,” Valentine told Horwitz. “There is no doubt in my mind that growing up in a Major League clubhouse has made things so much easier for him when he became a pro.”

We’re all aware of how it works by now. Athletes as talented as Mahomes are born with that supernatural ability, and they show off those majestic skills from a young age. That was the case for Mahomes who displayed a rare gift for playing sports in his very first practice as a shortstop, while he would also be mentored by Alex Rodriguez after Mahomes Sr. signed for the Texas Rangers in 2001.

“His first practice he was playing shortstop, he threw the ball across the diamond and hit the first baseman right between the eyes, broke his glasses,” Mahomes Sr. said on ‘The Show’ – a New York Post baseball podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman. “They told him to start throwing the ball three-quarters of the way and then it rolled there. But I wouldn’t let him do that, so I just told ’em just to move him to first base, so he became a big fan of all first basemen.

Patrick Mahomes showing up to Arrowhead in a Mets jersey — a salute to his father, Pat, who played Major League Baseball from 1992 to 2003. His career included a season with the Mets in 1999. pic.twitter.com/lYyuGzRamf

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 21, 2018

“A-Rod would take him down after shagging balls and stuff, he’d take him down to the cages and get him on a tee and soft toss to him and then he would break it down with him, take him into the film room and show him what he was doing wrong and show him what he was doing right, and he loved that.”

It is clear that Mahomes’ early experiences with the Mets helped shape him into the all-conquering, superstar QB that he has become. It is also crystal clear that Mahomes cherishes those memories given that he regularly wears a Mets jersey at press conferences and arriving at games. Complete with his dad’s No. 23 on the back and front. The Mets played a small role in Mahomes’ transformation into one of the most talented quarterbacks we’ve ever seen grace the NFL. Now, as he goes in search of his second Super Bowl championship, he’ll have the whole of Mets land behind him and there’s no doubt that those early days with his dad in the Mets clubhouse will have him prepared for one of the biggest games of his life.

“That comes from being in the clubhouse, being at the World Series with me, seeing 60,000 people in the stands, and want to perform in front of people,” Mahomes Sr. told The Post. “I don’t think the stage really gets too big for him.”

Best of luck, Pat!

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This offseason, we’re looking at the Mets’ history with free agency. This list may change in the coming years in terms of rankings and new additions (Maybe Carlos Correa? Possibly Justin Verlander?). But for now, we’ve featured an underdog pitcher at No. 10 up to the greatest center fielder at No. 2. And at the top of the list is a player who joined the team mid-season via trade on the last year of his contract. The decision to re-sign him paid off right away and his number has a permanent place in the Citi Field rafters. 

He came to New York after a whirlwind week. The trade for Mike Piazza transformed the Mets from being an overachieving team looking to contend into a legitimate contender.

Overcoming expectations and boos from fans, Piazza put together a terrific four months. He finished the 1998 season batting .348 with a 167 OPS+. The Mets wound up a game short of the postseason and with Piazza’s contract expiring, the trade and all expectations going forward would be nullified if the star catcher didn’t stay in New York.

This didn’t turn out to be a prolonged drama. Proving he had won over a good portion of a fan base that demanded plenty, an e-mail signed by 10,000 names was sent to the club urging Piazza be re-signed. In late October, Piazza inked a seven-year, $91 million deal — the richest in baseball at the time.

“I might as well get booed by the best if I was going to get booed by anyone,” Piazza said.

What followed would be two straight playoff appearances and a World Series trip, six All-Star Game selections, the confirmation of a Hall of Fame career and the greatest hitting catcher while in a Met uniform, and the retirement of his No. 31 jersey.

He still holds the highest slugging percentage in team history, ranks second in OPS, and third in home runs. Of his 220 homers, none was more memorable or dramatic than the one hit in the first game in New York City following the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Piazza is a Big Apple icon, but his career was made for Hollywood. As a 62nd round pick by the Dodgers, he came from nowhere to become Rookie of the Year and the premiere backstop in baseball. Los Angeles dealt Piazza to the Florida Marlins, where he spent all but five games in teal before finding his way to Queens.

Standing ovations were easy to come by in his May 23 debut — less so in the following weeks. Being anointed as a savior, as Piazza was from the start, had its drawbacks. When he started slowly, with a noticeable lack of power, the public turned on him.
Mike soon settled down and played to the level expected of him. He would hit 23 home runs and compile a 1.024 OPS. In batting .378 for September, Piazza was the clear catalyst in New York’s fight for a postseason berth.

The mega-deal ensured he would be a New Yorker through his prime. The next three years was validation of the team’s heavy investment.

Piazza averaged 38 homers and 110 RBIs from 1999-2001, had an OPS+ of 146, and continued to be a perennial All-Star and Silver Slugger. He got within one step of the World Series in 1999 and finally arrived in 2000. There would be no rings, but Piazza built a legacy that made him arguably the greatest position player in Mets history.

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Postseason baseball has a way of shining the spotlight on the unheralded—those who happen to be in the right place at the right time.

The Division Series match-up between the Wild Card Mets against the 97-win San Francisco Giants offered up the usual headliners: New York’s duo of Mike Piazza and Edgardo Alfonzo along with San Francisco’s odd couple of Barry Bonds and former Met Jeff Kent, the soon-to-be MVP of the National League.

But the Mets’ four-game victory was made possible thanks to several unlikely stars—each with their own journey to the October stage—and was the difference in New York’s ascension into the League Championship Series. There was 27-year-old rookie Jay Payton and one-hit wonder Bobby Jones who twirled a masterpiece pitching performance in the clincher.

Then there was Benny Agbayani, who wasn’t even supposed to make the Mets’ roster out of spring training and was on the verge of being sent to the minors early in the season. In April, he had requested a trade from the organization. In October, he cemented his name in Mets postseason lore with a walk-off home run to cap a five-hour, 13-inning Game 3 thriller.

Just like it did in a harrowing extra-inning Game 2 win in San Francisco, New York once again strode perilously close to defeat, down 2-1 with two outs in the eighth and Lenny Harris on second.

Luckily, they had a man at the plate who had a penchant for coming through in the clutch. Edgardo Alfonzo had delivered many big hits during last year’s playoffs, and he did it once again—a double to left field that scored Harris and helped send it into extras.

The game lasted into the 13th, more than five hours old, before Agbayani faced Aaron Fultz. The Hawaii native had already established himself as a cult hero in his brief time with the Mets.

Fans embraced his underdog story of making it to the big leagues without resembling the prototypical baseball player physique.

They had pretty much forgiven his gaffe on August 12 against these same Giants, when he momentarily thought an inning was over after making a catch with a runner at third and handed the ball off to a youngster in the stands. He was about to completely eradicate that memory and provide a more lasting one.

Agbayani blasted Fultz’s pitch into the crowded stands in left-center field, flipping his bat and taking a most satisfying stroll around the bases before plunging into a sea of teammates around home plate and then being lifted on their shoulders.

He was more than a cult hero. He was a postseason hero.

”Bobby Valentine told me things have a way of working out. I didn’t understand that,” Agbayani said. “Now I do.”

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