There is such an inundation of statistics to illustrate the greatness of Jacob deGrom that it becomes somewhat baffling and mostly awe-inspiring. But for the pitcher who comes out to the song “Simple Man,” the figures which best describe deGrom’s brilliance against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field a year ago are quite straightforward: 15 strikeouts, two hits, nine shutout...
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On the 50th anniversary of the sport’s most transcendent moment, Major League Baseball gave an unprecedented and deserved tribute to its central figure. As the Mets faced the team he played for and a few miles from the stadium where he broke the color barrier, Jackie Robinson’s number 42 was retired league-wide. The announcement was made during a special in-game ceremony on the field...
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John Franco was not your stereotypical closer. He didn’t strike out many. He didn’t throw 100 miles per hour. But in terms of the end result, he’s among the best ever. Against the Marlins in the early stages of his 16th major league season, the 38-year-old Brooklyn native reached a milestone only one other relief pitcher had achieved and just four others have gotten to since....
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The start of the regular season is cause for fans to celebrate. And Mets fans have celebrated more often than the rest. From the familiar stars like Tom Seaver and Gary Carter to unlikely heroes such as Alberto Castillo and Collin Cowgill, the New York Mets are an Opening Day juggernaut. In their 60 openers, they have a .650 winning percentage. No major-league club is better at making a first...
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After he set a rookie record for strikeouts, posted an ERA of 2.60, went 17-9 and completely captivated New York, it’s hard to believe that Dwight Gooden almost didn’t start the ’84 season in the majors. But Davey Johnson, the first-year Mets manager who saw Gooden up-close when the teenager helped Johnson’s Triple-A Tidewater club, insisted upon it. Smart move. Johnson...
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