There’s a great deal to appreciate in the resume of Keith Hernandez and his impact on the Mets and the baseball world. It’s easy to begin with his accolades, including his 11 Gold Gloves, two World Series Championships, an MVP and batting title, his two Silver Slugger awards and most recently his number being retired by the Mets organization on July 9, 2022. Throw in his career .296 batting average and perhaps maybe more impressive, his 1070 walks versus only 1012 strikeouts, Mex’s portfolio is as diversified and prolific as his affable isms we hear each night on SNY.

We all know the winning mentality and legitimacy he brought to New York from St. Louis in ’83 and how he took an immediate leadership role in shaping the unseasoned squad of the early ’80s. So let’s take a deeper dive into five additional reasons to appreciate #17.

Historian

With all of Keith’s humor and candor, it’s easy to forget the wealth of information and appreciation he possesses about the game of baseball. Hearing the former captain discuss the honor of his number being retired this week with respect to his former idols reminds us how much Keith knows and respects about the game. It’s almost impossible to sit through a nine inning broadcast and not hear him mention the likes of Lou Brock or Davey Johnson, Tom Seaver or Mickey Mantle.

He runs in enviable circles including Ron Darling and David Cone, among others that he’ll politely choose not to disclose. His humility for the game and his place in it is refreshing. He values those who came before him, including his father and the mercurial yet influential role the minor leaguer played in his development. He brings first hand, clubhouse perspective while adhering to the discretionary code of brotherhood. He’s a lover of all things history, culture, and crosswords.

The Right Way

In a brave new world of analytics, individualism, and entitlement, Keith reminds all viewers, young and old, the right way to go about the game. He preaches “good fundies”. In only his way, he holds players accountable; “Boy, this Phillies bullpen is leaking oil.” or, “The pitcher didn’t back up. He was standing there playing tiddlywinks between third and home.” And while he may be reluctant to buy into all things new, he demonstrates an evolved balance in including current enhancements, if they’re done the right way. And he’s not afraid to tell us if they’re not.

A Night at the Improv

“I had no idea Ron was a first round pick. It must have been a down year.” Whether it’s laugh-out-loud or “did he just say that?” (“Roark’s been gettin’ his tits lit!”), Keith keeps us all attentive so as to not miss his next bit. Whether it’s an endearing anecdote about his beloved feline, his first world struggles in Sag Harbor, or his patented sighs in a four hour, eight run blowout, he consistently entertains. 

Candid Camera

And he entertains with candor. His unscripted stream of consciousness is irreplicable. There’s no mistaking the genuine originality of Keith’s commentary. It helps us believe in the man behind the stories.

The Uncle in Our Living Room

While Mets fans certainly know that the best booth in baseball resides in Queens, it’s satisfying to hear fans and outlets from other markets state the same about Gary, Keith, and Ron (even fans across town). Keith is a key cog to the well-balanced triumvirate of GKR. Even during said four hour, eight run blowout, Keith is the uncle in our living room keeping things fresh. He provides invaluable color and insight, the likes of which us lay people would otherwise never have access to. He brings the dugout into our homes. He personifies our histrionics. And it all adds up to why we love #17.