Two of the most popular Mets pitchers of the recent past are set to make their return to Citi Field this season. According to a report from Newsday Sports’ Anthony Rieber, Bartolo Colon will be back at Citi Field on May 7 to commemorate the seven-year anniversary of his epic home run in San Diego. Additionally, Rieber reports that former National League CY Young Award winner R.A. Dickey will return to Citi Field on June 13, 11 years after he threw two consecutive one-hitters.

The returns are part of the Mets incorporating fan-friendly events this season to replace Old Timers’ Day, which will not take place in 2023 after its successful return lastseason. As Mets vice president of alumni public relations Jay Horowitz explained to Rieber, the team felt it needed some space before bringing Old Timers’ Day back.

“Everything went just great last year, said Horowitz, who organized the return of Old-Timers’ Day. ‘To recreate that is really hard the year after. We just felt we needed a little time to breathe, for lack of a better word. What we’re doing is we’re bringing back our alumni for certain days.”

In addition to the returns of Colon and Dickey, the team also plans to host Mets legends Mookie Wilson, Tim Teufel, and Turk Wendell ahead of Thursday’s home opener, as well as  similar fan-friendly events with Darryl Strawberry and Howard Johnson  later in the season, according to Rieber.

Additionally, the Mets will induct Johnson, Horowitz, Al Leiter, Gary Cohen, and Howie Rose to the team’s Hall of Fame on June 3.

The post Report: Colon, Dickey to Return to Citi Field This Season appeared first on Metsmerized.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday will live long in the memory of New York Mets’ fans of all ages. This as Old Timers’ Day finally returned to Citi Field. It was a truly special day and one that perfectly illustrated just how committed owner Steve Cohen is to honoring and celebrating the franchise’s rich history and past.

If there’s been one consistent trend since Cohen took ownership over the Mets, it has been his desire and relentless drive to reconnect the organization with its fans and with its’ history. There was a clear and worrying disconnect between the team and its community when the Wilpons were in charge. As it seemed former players and franchise greats were staying well away due to not being made to feel welcomed by the previous ownership.

He's Keith Hernandez. #MetsOTD pic.twitter.com/naflFXw2Ce

— New York Mets (@Mets) August 27, 2022

It wasn’t that long ago that every talk sports show in New York and beyond would rip the Mets for the latest embarrassing gaffe sparked by the Wilpons. The term ‘the dysfunctional Mets’ was used so much throughout the local and national media that the New York Knicks were beginning to look like a model franchise in comparison. Not only did the Mets struggle on the field for large parts of the Wilpon era, but the culture off the field was questionable as well.

For instance, it took 28 years for the Mets to bring Old Timers’ Day back to Queens. It seemed the Wilpons did whatever they could to turn their back on the past, shunning those who gave their blood, sweat, and tears to the franchise. It didn’t go unnoticed, either, as perhaps best summed up by what 1986 World Series MVP Ray Knight had to say on Saturday.

“I love the New York Mets. I don’t like the Wilpons,” Knight said. “I don’t like any of that. It truly broke my heart. It’s a special thing for me to be here and feel like maybe I’m back as part of this organization because Mr. Cohen came up and spoke to me. I haven’t spoken to Jeff Wilpon in over 30 years. I wasn’t even invited back to throw out a first pitch. That hurts because you gave everything you had.”

Thankfully, those days are now long gone. Cohen has transformed the Mets into one big happy family again, and Saturday was very much the perfect coming together of all those efforts. It was a day where Mets’ fans could feel proud of their team, a day where franchise icons finally felt appreciated and wanted. A day where the Mets looked like the model organization it has so often fallen short of being over the past few decades.

Sure, Cohen has had some growing pains in his opening years as Mets’ owner, and he’s not got everything right. Who does? But, he’s backed up his words by clearly displaying time and time again that he truly cares about this team. Not only has he invested his many billions into putting a winning product on the field, and finally hiring competent people to run the baseball operations, he has also gone out of his way to ensure the players who made this franchise what it is are not forgotten.

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

He’s taken it into overdrive this year. First, there was the long overdue statue of one of the greatest Mets ever, Tom Seaver. That now serves as a Mecca for baseball fans of all ages outside of Citi Field. Then there was the emotional, joy-filled day to honor Keith Hernandez and retire his number 17 jersey in July. Ask anyone, there that day and they will struggle to put into words just what it meant to be present to see Hernandez finally get his day in the sun.

There will be other jersey retirements to follow. The ceremony to honor Hernandez was seen as Cohen officially opening the floodgates, and it won’t be surprising to see David Wright have his jersey retired as well as other notable Mets in the not too distant future. The Wilpons steered clear from jersey retirements like they were a gift sent from the devil, whereas Cohen has embraced that wonderful tradition.

There’s more. On Friday, before the Old Timers’ Day festivities really began, the Mets renamed I.S. 419 in Queens the Tommie L. Agee Educational Campus in honor of the 1969 World Series champ. That move set the tone for the rest of the weekend. If that wasn’t enough, after fan favorites, icons, and legends spanning 60 years of Mets’ baseball were officially welcomed back to Queens, Cohen saved his biggest surprise of the weekend for last.

With the celebrations in full swing, it was announced that the Mets would be retiring Willie Mays‘ jersey, with number 24 rightfully taking its place in forever land at Citi Field. It was a moment fit for the occasion and the clearest sign yet that Cohen listens to what the fans want. Some in the media may be uncomfortable with how much time he spends on social media, but it is clear that he cares what the fans think. And that’s in stark contrast to the Wilpon days.

“These are simple things,” Cohen said. “I think the fans just want to know you care, and want to know that ownership is listening. That’s all I’m trying to do. I’m doing this for the fans, and so I’m listening to what they have to say. I don’t always have to agree, right, but it’s important to me to know what they’re thinking and it’s important to me that they know I care.”

Retiring Mays’ jersey with the best of the best and the beloved from the past 60 years in attendance was a masterstroke, and it was hard not to get emotional when listening to Mays talk about the honor. “I want to thank Steve and Alex Cohen for making this day possible and embracing Mets history,” Mays said. “I can never forget the way it felt to return to New York to play for all the loyal Mets fans.”

Screenshot via Mets YouTube

While Mets’ fans in attendance on Saturday relished the chance to see old favorites like Mike Piazza, Doc Gooden and Hernandez put on those beautiful Mets uniforms once again. As well as witness the long-awaited return of Bartolo Colon to Queens – they also made sure to voice their appreciation of Cohen’s efforts in honoring the past. And, while Cohen did his best to downplay his part in all of this, former Mets pitcher David Cone perhaps put it best.

“He’s brought a sense of hope, that’s probably the best way to put it,” Cone said. “The whole fan base has a sense of hope now that this is sustainable. Year in and year out, that whatever it takes, it’s going to be done. That’s just a great feeling as a fan. He seems to understand the modern way of doing things and what the fan base responds to.”

There’s been many a special day to cherish at Citi Field this season, and there were many a tear shed both on Saturday and on the day Hernandez had his jersey retired. Those tears fell from Mets’ fans who have supported this team for decades, but have always been made to feel that they had to feel ashamed at what had come before. For the new generation of Mets’ fans, they’ve been kept at bay from some of the greatest names to ever play in Queens. No more. Cohen has made it his mission to make the New York Mets a family once more.

“(Saturday) is just a different thing,” former Mets third baseman Robin Ventura said. “To have us all together is special. You feel it in the room… I have a lot of respect for everybody that’s in this uniform today because of what they’ve accomplished, knowing what it takes, and knowing what they mean here to the fans. That’s the part that’s nice that they’re doing this. You feel humbled.”

Ultimately, Steve Cohen’s legacy with the Mets will largely be defined by what success the team enjoys on the field. However, no matter what happens beyond today, he will already go down as a better and more caring owner than his predecessors because he’s shown time and time again that he cares. And he gets it.

Hosting a first Old Timer’s Day since 1994 will draw that kind of reaction from a fan base that has long craved an owner that will embrace the Mets’ past as well as trying to build a bright future. Steve Cohen truly cares about this franchise. And that’s all Mets’ fans have ever wanted. Saturday was a beautiful reminder of why things have changed for the better under the Cohen family.

The post Steve Cohen Once Again Nails The Celebration of Mets’ History appeared first on Metsmerized.

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Leadoff hitters are put in that spot for a reason. They are expected to be the straw that stirs the drink, the key cog that ensures the rest of the machine operates smoothly. Brandon Nimmo was certainly that, and more, for the New York Mets on Saturday.

After a day of nostalgia and emotional festivities at Citi Field, as the Mets welcomed Old Timer’s Day back to Queens, it was then down to business with the National League East playing host to the tightest and most entertaining pennant race in all of baseball. With the Braves not going away, the Mets knew they needed to take care of business against the Rockies. In doing so, they needed to start taking advantage of what is now a light schedule after a tough stretch.

They started well with a walk-off win on Friday night, and Saturday proved to be more of the same. And it all started with Nimmo who did what a leadoff hitter should do. That being set the tone for the night and provide a much-needed spark for the rest of the Mets’ offense. It took just the second pitch he faced for Nimmo to cause some damage as he blasted a 433-foot leadoff home run over right field to get the Mets on the board early.

Brandon Nimmo leads off with a homer! pic.twitter.com/HT8KDucvn3

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 27, 2022

It was Nimmo’s 12th home run of the year and also a crucial moment in the overall context of the game given that the Rockies never had chance to settle in. While Nimmo may not always get the share of the plaudits that the likes of Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor do, the seven-year veteran plays a crucial role on this team. As he was happy to flash some power early to get a packed Citi Field rocking.

“It was a good game for me personally,” Nimmo said. “I’m glad I could contribute. I got a good first pitch to hit in the first AB, hit it well and that was one of the better home runs I’ve hit this year. It was more flush, more driven, more to my potential I feel like, so that’s a good sign. Happy I could contribute.”

On a night where the offense had to settle for what they were given, Nimmo continued to come up with big, important hits in clutch moments. He came up to the plate in the bottom of the second inning and, with two outs and two runners on, proceeded to crack a line-drive double into right field to score Mark Canha and double the Mets’ lead.

Nimmo also walked later in the game and finished 2-for-3 with two RBI. Having hit his first leadoff homer of the season, and his 25th double of the year, the outfielder was the driving force for the Mets as he has been for most of August now.

He now owns a .438 on-base percentage over the last seven games, while he’s slashing .278/.407/.412/.819 with seven doubles, two home runs and five RBI in August. You need your leadoff hitter to set the table for the offense on a nightly basis and that’s exactly what Nimmo has been doing.

2 ABs, 2 innings, 2 RBI for Brandon Nimmo! pic.twitter.com/iG1jCXTzHX

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 28, 2022

Plus, the 29-year-old was also happy to come up big in the clutch at Citi Field. For whatever reason, Nimmo has been better on the road this season, hitting .306/.400/.490/.890 on the road compared to .215/.300/.332/.632 at home. For someone who is normally a very good hitter in his own backyard, Nimmo was surprised by his home-road splits this year.

“I didn’t realize that until like three or four days ago and I was like ‘holy crap, that is bad.’ I honestly have no clue because I’ve normally liked playing at home a lot,” Nimmo said. “I normally hit well at home so I don’t know why it is so bad this year because they’re like across the board bad. I have no clue what the reason is, kind of like why I do well against Colorado, but I try not to think too hard on it. I realize the past is the past and just try and move forward now. Maybe I can have a great September at home.”

Nimmo certainly didn’t make any mistakes at Citi Field on Saturday and he was also happy to play such a big role in what was just a special, special day for the franchise. Being around so many Mets greats made Nimmo realize just how lucky he is to be living out his big league dreams, and he reflected on that as well as sharing a funny moment he shared with Keith Hernandez.

“Keith was funny,” Nimmo said. “He was talking about his uniform and how it didn’t fit the same way it did before and he’s like ‘I think I might have an extra twenty pounds from my playing days.’ I was like ‘that’s alright, it will help you hit it over the fence’ and he’s like ‘well I won’t win my Gold Gloves over at first base.’ It was a little give and take but they were all funny. It was great.”

Overall, great to see Nimmo returning back to form, and being the true leadoff threat he has shown to be in the past.

The post Brandon Nimmo’s Big Day Propels New York Over Colorado appeared first on Metsmerized.

Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets held their first Old Timers’ Day since 1994, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Complete with a surprise number retirement, a fake mustache and a bunch of old guys having fun on a baseball field, the festivities honored Mets history at Citi Field Saturday afternoon.

“Big day at the ballpark as we welcome back Mets legends spanning 60 years,” Mets owner Steve Cohen wrote on Twitter before the game.

A crew of old-timers — including Mike Piazza and Bobby Valentine — gathered on the bus before the game, chanting “Let’s go Mets!” in a video courtesy of SNY. It followed with a red carpet entrance.

Players young and old milled about in the outfield, sharing advice and wisdom from one generation to another. Jacob deGrom was seen conversing with Al Leiter and Glendon Rusch. Miracles starter Bartolo “Big Sexy” Colon was also suited up, bringing back familiar memories for Mets fans who remember his time in New York.

Jose Reyes made an appearance as well, and in his meeting with reporters he compared the current Mets to the 2006 team.

“They look like the 2006 team. The chemistry that they have, it’s unbelievable. It’s really good to see,” Reyes said. “So hopefully they can continue to be like that, and they can stay healthy the rest of the way.”

Cleon Jones, meanwhile, compared the current team to the 1969 Miracle Mets.

“Everything about this team,” Jones said. “You’ve got great ownership that put all the pieces in place, from the manager to the players. Now all the players have to do is go out and put their best foot forward. This team reminds me of the ’69 team. We were platooning a lot, and sometimes we didn’t know we were platooning.”

Keith Hernandez wearing the orange and blue pinstripes was a sight to behold, as the broadcaster went back to his roots to take on a slightly different role on Saturday. Amazins starter Dwight Gooden took the field too, appearing to share pregame strategies with Mets radio announcer Rose.

He's Keith Hernandez. #MetsOTD pic.twitter.com/naflFXw2Ce

— New York Mets (@Mets) August 27, 2022

Warmups continued with batting practice, where Piazza took some good hacks. He even went deep!

The old-timers posed for a team photo, and then it was time for the introductions. Rose individually introduced each member, briefly noting their accomplishments and significance to the franchise. Benny Agbayani and Pedro Martinez were particularly pumped to be there, as they so clearly expressed here and here.

A highlight from the ceremony — which even induced a laugh from Rose — was Valentine walking out with a fake mustache.

But the biggest highlight came at the end, when Rose shocked everyone with a surprise announcement. As a way to fulfill a promise made by late Mets owner Joan Payson, the team will retire Willie Mays‘ number 24. For more on the Mays number retirement, check out our story on that.

The teams — the Amazins and Miracles — played three innings of fun, relaxed baseball. They cycled through pitchers, which included Colon, Gooden, Leiter, Jesse Orosco and many more.

A mic’d up Mood Zeile was heard giving out defensive pointers in the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, Leiter threw that one that was just slightly outside the strike zone. Meanwhile, Steve Gelbs sat down with Jay Hook, a member of the original 1962 Mets. Another original Met, Steve Dillon, came in to pitch during the second inning.

Martinez joined the SNY booth (which was just Gary Cohen) as well, talking about what his Mets career meant to him.

“I was really happy to have been part of the Mets organization,” Martinez said. “I felt like there were some duties to fulfill between me, the fanbase and the organization. I was just talking to Jacob deGrom, and I just asked him for a huge favor. I know it’s not easy, but I just went and told him, ‘Do it for me.'”

Martinez went on to enter the game, striking out Howard Johnson with some help from Zeile behind the plate.

Gelbs caught up with 1986 World Series MVP Ray Knight later in the second inning while Martinez pitched. At that point, the Miracles were up to a 5-1 lead over the Amazins.

Piazza appeared to switch teams in the third inning, and he promptly collected a base hit. Mookie Wilson also made a great catch, helping the Miracles eventually hold onto a luxurious 8-1 victory.

Despite the lopsided score, there were no losers in this celebration of Mets history. The first Old Timers’ Day in 28 years was a roaring success, one filled with laughs, memories and special moments.

The post Mets Host First Old Timers’ Day Since 1994 appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning Mets fans!

Today marks the return of Mets Old Timers’ Day for 2022!

Doc Gooden will face off against Bartolo Colon in the matchup, marking the first time since 1994Fi that the event has taken place!

The rosters are filled with Mets legends, and the Mets released the lineups for the game that will begin at 4:30 p.m. ET.

In other news, the Mets won another amazing game against the Rockies Friday, as they beat them 7-6 in walk-off fashion.

The Mets were behind 6-4 entering the bottom of the eighth inning when Mark Canha tied the game with a two-run double. Pete Alonso promptly walked the Rockies off in the ninth with a game winning RBI-single.

Chris Bello wrote a detailed recap of the game.

Latest Mets News

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com wrote on Howard Johnson‘s grandson’s story.

Members of the 1969 Mets and Tommie Agee’s family helped dedicate I.S. 419 in Queens as the Tommie L. Agee Educational Campus in honor of the Mets outfielder.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that Tylor Megill threw a bullpen today and remains on track to return in September.

Latest MLB News

Jesse Rogers of ESPN wrote on Albert Pujols‘ amazing journey in 2022.

For the first time in 100 years, MLB will be playing against Korea in November.

Barry M. Bloom of Sportico reported that Brian Cashman is expected to be brought back as the general manager of the Yankees next year.

Sam Dysktra of MLB Pipeline wrote on the rule changes in the FSL.

Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reported that the Marlins Designated Jesus Aguilar for assignment.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the Rays signed Tyler Glasnow to a one-year, $25 million extension.

Mike Trout officially scored the most runs in Angels franchise history.

Latest on MMO

Michael Mayer wrote that Carlos Carrasco wants to pitch next weekend.

Joe D wrote on how Jacob deGrom increases the Mets World Series chances.

Nick Rucco wrote the daily Mets Minors Recap, highlighted by Jett Williams and his amazing day.

Matthew Brownstein posted an interview with Daniel Murphy, who will be participating in Old Timers Day.

On This Day in Mets History

2019: Pete Alonso breaks the Mets club record for home runs in a single season with 42. In a season that was so magical for Alonso, who would go on to hit 53 home runs in 2019, he managed to break as many records as possible in his rookie season.

The post Morning Briefing: Old Timers’ Day Returns Today appeared first on Metsmerized.

The Old Timers’ Day festivities kick on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field, but the Mets released the lineups on Friday night:

Starters for tomorrow’s Old Timers’ Day Game presented by @Citi. 👇 pic.twitter.com/U82AWTgeOS

— New York Mets (@Mets) August 26, 2022

The Amazins will be managed by Willie Randolph and Joe Torre and the Miracles will be managed by Terry Collins and Bobby Valentine.

Here’s the schedule of events:

• 1:30 pm: The credential window and Hodges entrance open.
• 2 pm: Red-Carpet Player Arrival. Fans will be able to watch select Mets Alumni as they walk into Citi Field at the Seaver VIP Entrance (third base side).
• 3 pm – 4 pm: Media access to interview Mets Alumni on the field during BP and warmups.
• 3:30 pm: Gates open for the fans.
• 4:30 pm: Introductions followed by the Old Timers’ Day Game.
• 6:30 pm: Following the game, select Mets Alumni will be available in the Press Conference Room.
• First Pitch prior to Rockies-Mets: Jay Hook, who won the first game in Mets history, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch to Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza.

The Old Timers’ Day game will be streamed on Mets dot com.

The post Old Timers’ Day Lineups Released appeared first on Metsmerized.

The New York Mets today announced that 65 former players and managers will be in attendance for Old Timers’ Day Presented by Citi on August 27 prior to the 7:10 p.m. game vs. Colorado.

Eleven members of the Mets Hall of Fame (Ed Kranepool, Cleon Jones, Mookie Wilson, Keith Hernandez, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, John Franco, Mike Piazza, Jon Matlack, Ron Darling and Edgardo Alfonzo) and three members of the Baseball Hall of Fame (Piazza, Pedro Martínez and Joe Torre) will all be at Citi Field on August 27.

The introductions for the Old Timers’ Day Game Presented by Citi will begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by the game. Fans will be able to watch select Mets Alumni as they walk into the ballpark with a red-carpet entrance starting at approximately 2 p.m. at the Seaver VIP Gate. Single game tickets are available on Mets.com/tickets and gates will open at 3:30 p.m.

Managers

• Terry Collins
• Joe Torre
• Bobby Valentine
• Willie Randolph

Pitchers

• Craig Anderson
• Bartolo Colon
• David Cone
• Dennis Cook
• Ron Darling
• Steve Dillon
• Sid Fernandez
• John Franco
• Dwight Gooden
• Mike Hampton
• Jay Hook
• Terry Leach
• Al Leiter
• Skip Lockwood
• Ed Lynch
• Ken MacKenzie
• Pat Mahomes
• Pedro Martinez
• Jon Matlack
• Roger McDowell
• Bobby Ojeda
• Jesse Orosco
• Glendon Rusch
• Johan Santana
• Doug Sisk
• Steve Trachsel
• Billy Wagner
• Turk Wendell

Photo by Westchester County Journal News

Infielders

• Edgardo Alfonzo
• Wally Backman
• Rico Brogna
• Kevin Elster
• Keith Hernandez
• Howard Johnson
• Ray Knight
• Ed Kranepool
• Felix Millan
• Daniel Murphy
• Jose Reyes
• Rafael Santana
• Tim Teufel
• Robin Ventura
• Todd Zeile

Outfielders

• Benny Agbayani
• Endy Chavez
• Cliff Floyd
• Steve Henderson
• Cleon Jones
• Lee Mazzilli
• Kevin Mitchell
• Jay Payton
• Art Shamsky
• Darryl Strawberry
• Ron Swoboda

Catchers

• Todd Hundley
• Mike Piazza
• Todd Pratt
• Josh Thole
• John Stearns

The roster is subject to change.

What players are you most excited to see and which ones are you surprised to see not on the list?

The post Press Release: Mets Announce Old Timers’ Day Roster appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Just added to the #Mets Old Timers’ Day roster… @lamelaza_7! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/v7vNRDRtPN

— New York Mets (@Mets) June 14, 2022

The Mets announced Tuesday that former shortstop Jose Reyes will be on the Old Timers’ Day roster.

The Mets also took game one of the series against the Brewers Tuesday. The team will play tonight at 7:10 p.m. with David Peterson taking on Corbin Burnes. The game will be televised on SNY and on the radio at WCBS 880 and WEPN 1050.

Latest Mets News

Mets pitcher Colin Holderman told reporters his MRI showed a minor impingement of his right shoulder. Holderman said he will start throwing in a few days and expects to return after the minimum 15 days sidelined.

Jayson Stark of The Athletic spoke to Mets manager Buck Showalter in his latest episode of “Starkville.”

BP for James McCann at Citi Field pic.twitter.com/tWgo8wB4mn

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) June 14, 2022

Mets catcher James McCann took BP at Citi Field prior to Tuesday’s game, as he works his way back from injury.

Mets outfielder Travis Jankowski, who is dealing with a left hand fracture, told reporters he hopes to be cleared to grip a bat next week. From there, it should be a short ramp-up.

Latest MLB News

Veteran WR Golden Tate is switching to baseball and has signed with the Port Angeles Lefties of the West Coast League.

Tate played baseball early in his young career at Notre Dame and was drafted twice — but both times declined to sign.

He's set to start at centerfield tonight.

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 14, 2022

Former NFL wide receiver Golden Tate is starting a new baseball career. He has signed with the Port Angeles Lefties of the West Coast League. Tate played baseball at Notre Dame.

Blue Jays pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu is headed for surgery, says Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins. The procedure will be decided at time it starts — either Tommy John or a partial repair. However, the expectation is he’ll miss at least rest of season, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.’s CT scan yesterday did not reveal the level of healing the Padres hoped and his timeline will be moved back, according Kevin Acee of San Diego Union-Tribune.

Latest On MMO

Matt Lazzaro recaps the Mets’ 4-0 win over the Brewers.

Sal Manzo released the 9th episode of MMO Weekly.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: The Mets get first baseman Donn Clendenon via a trade with the Expos in exchange for righty Steve Renko, infielder Kevin Collins and a pair of minor leaguers. Clendenon later played an important role in New York’s first World Series title as he was crowned MVP of the Fall Classic.

1977: After 10 seasons in New York, Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver was traded to the Reds for pitcher Pat Zachry, second baseman Doug Flynn and a couple of minor leaguers, including Steve Henderson.

Birthdays: Dominic Smith (27), Eduardo Nunez (35), Jeremy Reed (41), Tony Clark (50), Dave Liddell (56), Brett Butler (65), Ken Henderson (76)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Jose Reyes Added To Old Timers’ Day Roster appeared first on Metsmerized.

The New York Mets announced on Thursday that Howard Johnson, Billy Wagner and Ken MacKenzie have been added to the Old Timers’ Day roster.

In a move that drew universal praise from the Mets fanbase earlier this month, the organization announced the long-awaited return of Old Timers’ Day, an event that last took place in 1994, with this year’s Old Timers’ Day taking place prior to the Saturday, August 27 game vs. Colorado.

And, joining Mets greats such as Frank Thomas, Ron Swoboda, Mookie Wilson, Robin Ventura and Cliff Floyd on Old Timers’ Day will be Howard Johnson, Billy Wagner and Ken MacKenzie.

MacKenzie is an Original Met having had his contract sold to the franchise in 1961 a day after the Expansion Draft. He posted a 5-4 record and was the only man among 17 pitchers on the 1962 Mets to win more games than he lost on a team that suffered 120 losses.

There wasn’t a lot of winning done during MacKenzie’s time in Queens, but the Original Met only has fond memories of his time with the organization.

“I have a lot of good memories from 62,” MacKenzie said. “Hot Rod Kanehl was maybe the most fun of any player I played with – he’s right up there with Bob Uecker. Hot Rod had a ton of stories to tell, mostly about me, and I’ve never forgotten any of that.”

MacKenzie was on fine form during the Zoom call held for the three new additions to Old Timers’ Day, and he threw out this gem from his playing days.

“Let me tell you what pressure is,” MacKenzie teased. “Pressure is Bob Buhl on the last day of the season when he’s 0-for-69 and not wanting to be the one that gave up a base hit to Bob Buhl and that for me was real pressure.”

Johnson was traded to the Mets from the Detroit Tigers on December 7, 1984, and he spent nine years in Queens and was part of the 1986 World Series winning team.

A two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, the third baseman hit 192 home runs with a .251 batting average and was known for his ability to steal bases with 231 career stolen bases, while he also ranks in the top 10 in Mets history in doubles, homers, RBI, runs and stolen bases.

There is no doubt that Johnson holds a special place in franchise history for Mets fans, and the minor league coach, who twice compiled 30-30 seasons and led the National League with 38 homers and 117 RBI in 1991, outlined what he’s looking forward to the most about Old Timer’s Day.

“The biggest thing is going to be seeing a lot of my old teammates, interacting again and just going back to where we were back in the day,” Johnson said.

“I just love it and when I see guys like Ken MacKenzie, one of the original guys, who doesn’t love that. The guys who played for the Mets are a fabric of what was, the history of the team and there’s a lot of fans now who don’t really know that history because there hasn’t been an Old Timers’ Day. Now that’s back, you are going to see a vast amount of guys and the fans are going to turn up and I’m excited to see that.”

Johnson built his career on his speed and his ability to steal bases, and he shared his thoughts on his love for the art of base stealing.

“It can absolutely come back,” Johnson said. “The way I always felt was that base stealing was an act of will, and it is difficult because there is a lot that goes into it – it is not about just being able to run. I never was the fastest guy but I love stealing bases and my focus almost always was to try and get on base and steal and I had that in me. I wanted to be the kind of player that, if somebody walked me, I could try and steal and be in a scoring position to try and score a run and make them pay. I learned that from my dad, I learned that as a kid and I fell in love with it.”

The third addition to Old Timers’ Day announced on Thursday was Wagner, who is on track to be a Hall of Famer having carved out a reputation as being one of the best relievers to have ever played the game.

His career stats are impressive, including a 2.31 ERA in 908 innings pitched with 225 saves, and he pitched to a 2.37 ERA with 101 saves and a 183 ERA+ in five years with the Mets between 2006-09.

Wagner echoed the thoughts of MacKenzie and Johnson, making it clear just how excited he was to see some old teammates and reminisce about the good old days at Shea Stadium.

“My time in New York was tremendous,” said Wagner. “There was nothing like Shea Stadium, I get goosebumps thinking about the energy at that stadium.”

And Wagner also shed light on his game-plan in the days leading up to Old Timers’ Day.

“I’m going to stretch a lot and make sure I don’t do anything stupid before then to hurt myself.”

Finally, Wagner revealed his reaction to the Mets fans who have been campaigning heavily for the former reliever to be inducted into Cooperstown.

“It does (mean a lot). Mets fans are so passionate and they like blue collar, they like grinders, they like those guys and I fit that mold,” Wagner added. “I always interacted with the fans and if you had a bad game you were going to hear about it, and if you had a good game you were going to hear about it too.

“Everybody was passionate about their baseball and more people say they recognize me as a Met more than any place I’ve been, so it is hard not to really embrace that moment and all the things that happened in that short time.”

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