The Mets have have 23 different players that have been the “everyday” Third Baseman in any given season. David Wright is without a doubt the greatest Third Baseman in franchise history, and has been the everyday third baseman for the last 10 seasons since being called up in 2004. He has played 1,364 games at third base (1,363 starts).
We all know who is #5 in our program and Numero Uno in our hearts, but who are the other Men on Third who have appeared in the most games at the position?
(Years as the primary third baseman in parenthesis)
2 – Howard Johnson (1985, 1987-1991, 1993) – 835 games (741 starts). In 1991, HoJo batted ,259 and led the National League in home runs with 37 and RBIs with 117. Add in 30 stolen bases, 108 runs scored and joining the 30/30 club. He was an All-Star and Silver Slugger in 1989 & 1991 and led the NL in runs scored in 1989 with 104. He was also a member of the 30/30 club in 1987 (36 HR, 32 SB) and 1989 (36 HR, 41 SB).
3 – Wayne Garrett – (1969, 1973-75) – 709 games (625 starts). Wayne was the Third Baseman on both the ’69 and ’73 teams, and in 1973, he hit .256 with a career highs of 16 HR and 58 RBI.
4 – Hubie Brooks – (1981-84) – 516 games (501 starts). In 1984, Hubie hit .283 with 16 HR and 73 RBI. He was one of four players traded to the Montreal Expos on December 10, 1984 for Gary Carter.
5 – Edgardo Alfonzo (1995, 1997-98, 2002) – 515 games (472 starts). Edgardo had his best offensive seasons in 1999-2000 as the Mets Second Baseman and was arguably the best second baseman in franchise history, but Fonzie was no slouch at Third, either. In 1997, he hit .315 with 10 HR, 72 RBI and a .391 OBP.
6 – Robin Ventura (1999-2001) – 436 games (418 starts). Robin’s Grand Slam Single in Game 5 of the 1999 NLCS is one of classic moments in franchise history. In 1999, Robin hit .320 with 32 HR and 120 RBI and 38 doubles as well as won a Gold Glove.
7 – Ed Charles (1967-68) – 247 games (221 starts). In 1968, Ed hit .276 with 15 HR and 53 RBI.
8 – Dave Magadan (1992) – 238 games (186 starts). Dave is also in the top 10 of most games played at First Base in franchise history. In 1992, Dave hit .283 with 3 HR and 28 RBI and a .390 OBP.
9 – Ty Wigginton (2003) – 235 games (218 starts). Ty was the everyday Third Baseman until David Wright was called up in 2004. In 2003, Ty hit .255 with 11 HR and 71 RBI.
10 – Lenny Randle (1977-78) – 234 games (215 starts). In 1977, Lenny hit .304 with 5 HR and 27 RBI.
