As we celebrate their 20 years, our team is sharing our favorite Gary, Keith, and Ron memories, and we know, there’s a ton of them!

Mojo Hill

My favorite GKR moment is probably one I didn’t even watch live — because I was at the game. The sheer disbelief in Gary’s voice when calling the Bartolo home run was priceless. I can practically recite that call. It was hilarious and fully representative of what makes “GKR” great, having the right mix of humor and enthusiasm for the oddities of baseball.

A strong runner-up, though more of a general sentiment than a specific moment, is their banter in lopsided games. Having these guys on the call helps make the Mets entertaining no matter how well a particular season or game is going. They know how to dial up the seriousness and analysis for intense moments while keeping it loose and fun for the low-pressure times. Their personalities feed naturally off each other and they make any game more fun to watch, which is what makes GKR so great.

David Melendi

I love “GKR.” There are times I keep a lopsided game on just for their banter. I appreciate that they are objective. I love a replay of the booth after a walk-off. Gary reminds me of an orchestra conductor, standing and waving his arms through his call.

I am also a Knicks fan and one favorite memory was Gary coming up with “Lindsanity” when Francisco Lindor hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning in Toronto that also broke up a no-hitter in September 2024. A few weeks later when Lindor homered in the ninth of Game 161 in Atlanta Gary screams ,“Lindsanity again!”

Christian De Block

One of my favorite GKR” moments was when Keith completely butchered the Cardinals defensive lineup. Mispronounced Peter Bourjos, missed the entire infield, but hey, he still managed to mention Yadier Molina at the end! Keith brings a certain sense of humor to the booth that makes us all laugh at home.

Matthew Tutrone

We’ve been blessed by such an abundance of hilarious quips, cerebral insights, and heartfelt moments from these three, that it’s impossible for me to choose a single favorite. Now, 20 years into their tenure, these unforgettable moments have become almost routine and expected from them. Yet they always manage to keep the broadcast fresh and entertaining, even during the lousiest of games.

These aren’t specific moments, but two of my favorite things they do are when they sit out among the crowd, and when they bring the kidcasters into the booth for a half-inning. You can really see the love they have for Mets fans in those moments, and that love is a big part of what makes us tune in night after night all summer long.

Michelle Ioannou

Can we talk about when they’d break open packs of baseball cards during long, or really bad, games? That has to be mentioned. Gary Cohen’s Bartolo Colon home run call is also one that will live down in infamy. But if I had to pick just one, a funny one, it has to go to the time Keith did a play-by-play of fans partying on the boats near Oracle Park in San Fran. He totally roasted them, and it was way too funny.

The post MMO Roundtable: Our Favorite Gary, Keith, Ron Memories appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

On October 27, 1986, the Mets defeated the Boston Red Sox to win their second world championship. They were coming off a dramatic win in Game Six, as recapped here.

Most Mets fans are well aware of how things went down on those two October nights in Queens. I am among the lucky, in that I was able to attend both of those games. I’d like to share the emotional rollercoaster of emotions that took place during those 48 hours.

Game Six

I had a good feeling going into Game Six, as the Mets had rebounded to win two of three on the road to keep the series going, and were headed home where they had an advantage all year, posting a 55-26 record at Shea.

Here are a few things that stand out about game six. First, the skydiver (Michael Sergio) who literally dropped in during the first inning. The reaction in the Mets dugout (after Sergio was apprehended) wasn’t one of disgust (as one might expect). Rather, Ron Darling and Mel Stottlemyre (among others) were seemingly amused. As a nervous fan, I was not amused, and couldn’t wait to get the game going again.

Bob Ojeda yielded single runs in the first and second innings, and those confident feelings quickly dissipated. The Mets were held silent by Roger Clemens through four innings, and the anxiety began to skyrocket. The Mets finally tied the game in the fifth, setting up the bizarre events to come.

When Ray Knight committed an error that led to an unearned Red Sox run in the seventh, things became very uncomfortable. It was getting late, and the possibility that the dream season would end in unfulfilling fashion was becoming very real. But the Mets always found a way, that’s what I kept telling myself. The bottom of the eighth came, and the Mets were down to six outs.

Lee Mazzilli (who was a very valuable piece during the postseason and a great pickup by Frank Cashen) began the inning with a single. Later in the inning, the Red Sox walked Keith Hernandez to load the bases, bringing up Gary Carter with one out. “The Kid”, a proud player, clearly wanted to make the Sox pay. I was panicked that he’d expand the zone, and either strike out or worse, hit into a double play.

Carter worked Calvin Schiraldi to a 3-0 count. Davey Johnson, showing trust in his veteran catcher, gave Carter the green light. Carter hit a rocket directly to Jim Rice in left field. I only wish the exit velocity was available on that one. If Carter had gotten under that ball just a little, it would have been a grand slam. The Mets had to settle for a sacrifice fly and tie game. The play at the plate was not really close, but I remember being a bit spooked that Mazzilli did not slide, as Rice’s throw home made it on the fly (through a little late and slightly up the third base line).

The tension grew as the game went to the bottom of the ninth. The Mets got the first two runners on, and it just felt like a walk-off was coming. They could score off Schiraldi here, right? They didn’t. We all know that a blown situation like this can turn the momentum. This one did (for a brief time).

Rick Aguilera, who had pitched a clean ninth, faced Dave Henderson to start the tenth. When Henderson homered, I was sure it was the end. Remember, Henderson had hit a key home run in game five of the ALCS when the Red Sox were on the brink of elimination.

Well, 1986 was going to be their Cinderella story. The same guy works the same magic in both post-season series. That was it. The Mets were done. The wrecking ball Mets were outmaneuvered by a fairy tale team from Boston. The additional run Boston scored in the tenth appeared to be window dressing.

The first two outs in the ninth seemed to confirm the theory above. When Carter singled, I was almost annoyed. Just end it. Please, let my mourning begin. However, the Mets had, as they say, a puncher’s chance.

Kevin Mitchell and Knight singled, and I still thought, even with a run in and the tying run on third with two outs, it was a big tease. Mookie Wilson was coming up, and he was a strikeout waiting to happen (72 in 381 official ABs during the season).

Bob Stanley was on the mound at this point. When he uncorked the wild pitch that allowed Mitchell to score, I remember yelling “slide” from my Loge seat as Mitchell streaked down the line. That play seemed to take five minutes. I had a vision of him being thrown out at the plate to end the game, the season, and the dream. But he crossed the plate easily. The emotion was one of relief. The Mets would live to fight another inning.

When the ball “got by Buckner”, I think I had nothing left. Sure, I was excited. Sure, I hugged people I knew and many I did not. But for me, the wild pitch was the pinnacle moment. To this day, I get greater chills at that point of game replays than at any other.

Being a Mets fan, even as the frenetic hugging was happening, I had one thought: “They still have to win tomorrow. They’re the Mets. Nothing is certain.”

Game Seven

On Sunday, October 26th, we made the drive down to Shea, only to be turned around because the game was postponed due to rain. This is unfair! I can’t take another day of waiting…

We left at 3 pm to make the hour drive for an 8 pm game on Monday, October 27th.  It had to be better waiting there than at home. At least there would be more people around to engage in nervous chatter.

The game started in a light mist. Right away, the Red Sox made it clear they did not have a hangover from game six. They scored three runs off Ron Darling, and led 3-0 in the third inning. Darling had a rough fourth inning, and was replaced by Sid Fernandez, who made it out of the inning unscathed.

Fernandez did provide a spark for the crowd, striking out four batters over the fifth and sixth inning. That’s fine, but the Mets were down to 12 outs and had just one hit off Bruce Hurst (who had kept them in check in games one and five) going into the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Lee Mazzilli stepped to the plate as a pinch hitter to try to get the Mets going.

Mazzilli singled, and after a Wilson single and a walk by Tim Teufel, Hernandez got in the box with the bases loaded in a role made for him. The Mets needed a quality at-bat, down 3-0. In my same Loge seat, I was worried about an inning-ending double play, but Hernandez singed in two runs and Shea was rocking. Even though they were still down a run, even the most pessimistic fans (I was among them) started to “feel it”.

The Mets tied the game, and in the seventh, took a three-run lead. All was good, or so it seemed. The Red Sox got to Roger McDowell for two runs in the top of the eighth, and they had the tying run at second with no outs. I was done. I left my seat, and transversed the Loge level, stopping at concession stands to watch every pitch. When Orosco got Don Baylor to ground out to end the inning, I returned to my seat, to the raucous laughter of my group at how the moment had gotten too big for me.

The Mets added two runs in the bottom of the eighth, with one coming on a Darryl Strawberry home run and the other on a hit by Orosco. Now, they needed three more outs. I left my seat again, and sat on the filthy cement stairs. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. Leave me alone…

In the ninth, someone threw a smoke bomb on the field. Great, let’s break Jesse’s concentration, after all there’s nothing on the line here.

When Marty Barrett stepped to the plate with two outs, the fairy tale worm had turned from the night before. Barrett had tormented the Mets all series, and it was poetic justice that he made the last out.

The celebration was on. Collectively, Mets fans were talking dynasty. What would be good? Three championships in ten years, five, what’s the number? This is going to be great!

We know the Mets have not won a championship since that night, 35 years ago. If and when they do, cherish it, folks. It’s an Amazin’ feeling, but you never know how long it will be until it comes around again.

The post OTD 1986: “The Dream Has Come True” appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso struck out in the ninth inning of the National League team’s 5-3 defeat to the American League in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers.

Alonso opened the final frame against Cleveland Guardians star Emmanuel Clase. The 29-year-olds faced four consecutive cutters to start the at-bat before swinging and missing on a slider for the third strike. It was the only plate appearance of Alonso’s fourth Midsummer Classic.

Photo by Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was named the MVP of the game after a two-run home run in the fifth inning, which proved to be the difference in victory for the American League.

Alonso’s unsuccessful at-bat marked a disappointing end to an eventful All-Star break.

When the Derby came around on Monday, Alonso, a two-time champion of the event, flamed out in the first round.

Faced with a big spot in the ninth, Alonso concluded his break by whiffing on his lone at-bat in the actual All-Star Game.

Latest Mets News

The Mets traded infielder Rylan Bannon to the Minnesota Twins for cash.

The Mets signed Hoss Brewer, an undrafted pitcher from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to a free agent deal.

Gary, Keith and Ron were at the top of Awful Announcing’s local broadcaster rankings.

The MLB Draft concluded yesterday. See who the Mets selected for the three-day event here.

Latest MLB News

Ingrid Andress, who sang the National Anthem at the Home Run Derby, announced she was drunk during her much-criticized performance and intended to check into a rehab facility.

The MLB Draft drew its second-largest television audience in event history.

Rob Manfred said some owners are receptive to allowing teams to trade draft picks.

The MLB will test robot umpires in spring training next year.

The Chicago White Sox are signing Nick Senzel.

Latest on MMO

Binghamton is on a roll led by Ryan Clifford. That and much more on this edition of the Mets Minors Weekly Report from Tyler Antonelle.

Jesse Winker has both taunted and complimented Mets fans in his career. Is it time for them to support the outfielder? See why that’s a possibility in Winker’s trade profile by Michael Famulari.

Brian Wright gives 10 great Mets All-Star Game moments.

This Day in Mets History

1979: Lee Mazzilli hits a game-tying home run in the top of the eighth before working a bases-loaded walk to get the winning run across home plate the following inning.

The post Morning Briefing: Alonso Strikes Out in Lone All-Star AB appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

GKR finished top five each time the web site asked its readers this question (six times in the last 10 years), including a second-place finish last season. More than 13,000 AA readers voted. Some 68 percent of voters gave GKR an A grade, which was 5 percent better than the second-place booth in San Francisco.

Earlier this season, before the Subway Series, YES announcer Michael Kay took issue with an SNY advertisement on his radio show that urged listeners to tune in to the “best booth in baseball.”

“Their ad, which ran during the last break, ‘Enjoy the Subway Series with the best booth in baseball.’ I mean, do you expect me to just take that lying down?” Kay said on June 26. “I think our booth is the best booth in baseball.”

AA voters disagreed, ranking the Yankees booth 22nd. The Yankee team includes Kay or Ryan Ruocco on play-by-play, with analysts David Cone, John Flaherty, Joe Girardi, Jeff Nelson and Paul O’Neill. The most common grade for the Yankee booth was a B (27 percent).

“Not only are the Yankees announcers not graded as the best in the league, but they’re not the best in the city of New York or even the American League East,” wrote AA’s Joe Lucia.

The post GKR Voted Best Booth in Baseball appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The 2022 Mets was piloted by MMO editor and writer James Villani. The 1988 Mets was ran by MMO writer Dilip Sridhar.

If you have not taken advantage already, we are giving folks access to 10% off coupons for downloading the game as well as giving away codes to download the game for free.

Game 1

The first game of the championship series was tightly contested. It was a pitcher’s duel between 2022 Mets starter Max Scherzer and the 1988 team’s David Cone. When it was all said and done, it was the 1988 Mets who were able to hold onto a 3-2 lead and a Game 1 victory.

Kevin McReynolds had the big blow, and what ended up being the game-winning, two-run home run in the sixth inning.

Game 2

In another low scoring game, the 1988 team’s starting pitching once again shined. Dwight Gooden went 7 2/3 innings striking out seven and only allowed one run. Offensively, it was once again McReynolds for the 1988 team, who slugged two more home runs en route to the 4-1 Game 2 victory. All of the runs the 1988 Mets scored were via the long ball.

Game 3

The great pitching by the 1988 team continued in Game 3 as they shutout the 2022 Mets, 8-0. Bob Ojeda posted a complete game, allowing only four hits to go along with seven strikeouts. It took him 105 pitches to get it done.

Offensively, the 1988 team was led by a huge six-run fifth inning. Chris Bassitt and Seth Lugo combined to allow all six of those runs. Offensively, McReynolds once again had a huge game posting three RBIs while Gary Carter had three as well.

Game 4

The 1988 team finished off the sweep in Game 4 defeating the 2022 team in a tightly-contested 4-3 game. It took 11 innings, but a Wally Backman ground out was the deciding run as Randy Myers shut the door in the bottom half of the 11th inning at Citi Field.

The 1988 team only needed three pitchers, with Ron Darling doing terrific work over 2 2/3 innings after Sid Fernandez started the game and went 6 1/3 innings. It was a much different story as the 2022 team had to rely on a bullpen game of sorts, as Carlos Carrasco started the game and five relievers followed.

MVP

It was an easy decision as Keith McReynolds was named the most valuable player of the championship series. He hit a series-high four home runs and posted a 1.000 slugging percentage. He was the main driver of a 1988 Mets offense that did just enough to capture the 16-team tournament crown.

Thanks for following along!

The post Mets Madness Recap: 1988 Mets Sweep 2022 Mets To Capture Title appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Former Mets player and fan favorite Daniel Murphy will join the booth on February 27 and 28. Continuing tradition, SNY’s Mets’ Hot Stove will premiere Wednesday, February 21 from Clover Park, hosted by former Mets players Jerry Blevins and Todd Zeile. Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor will join the show.

SNY will also broadcast the Spring Breakout Game featuring the top minor league players in the Mets’ farm system on March 15. The Mets take on the Nationals at 3:00 pm before the 6:00 pm game that evening.

The post SNY Releases Spring Training Broadcast Schedule, Daniel Murphy Joins appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Although he was a gifted defender, the native of Niles, California, won just one gold glove during his 16 major league seasons. He ended his career with a fielding percentage of .976, playing the vast majority of his games at shortstop. Harrelson was generally a light hitter, ending his career with a slash line of .236/.327/.615. Small in stature (five feet, eleven inches tall, and 160 pounds), Buddy ran well (127 career stolen bases) and was a skillful bunter.

Bud Harrelson, Ed Kranepool.

Many associated with the Mets’ organization, including Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling, have expressed their memories of the team’s primary shortstop from 1967-1977. The themes of their comments have been very consistent. Harrelson was a good player, but his value was more than his slash line or his outs above average. He was a genuinely nice man, a hard worker, a great teammate, and a competitor who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.

Here are some memories from a fan who was lucky enough to see some of his career in real time. One thing that jumps out immediately is that former broadcaster, the late Lindsey Nelson, would seemingly remind the audience every game that Harrelson was born on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

In the 1973 season, the Mets had a remarkable September run to the World Series. They took down the mighty Cincinnati Reds in the National League Championship Series, setting up a date with the reigning champion Oakland Athletics. The Mets lost Game One, and of course, needed a win in Game Two. The game went to extra innings. Harrelson led off the tenth inning with a single and was on third with one out when Felix Millan hit a fly ball to fairly shallow left field. Left fielder Joe Rudi made the catch, and Bud decided to challenge the throw with his great speed.

Though he was called out, Harrelson certainly appeared to be safe. During the argument, he was ejected and said to the umpire, “You can’t throw me out because of your incompetence!” That was a glimpse at his fiery nature that endeared him to his teammates.

When Mets fans of a certain age think of Harrelson, their thoughts most often go to Game Three of the 1973 NLCS. Here’s the backstory. The Mets had great pitching, and in the first two games of the series (split one to one), Mets’ pitching held the Big Red Machine to two runs and eight hits. Harrelson quipped after Game Two that the Mets’ hurlers were making the Reds’ great hitters “look like a bunch of Bud Harrelsons.”

This did not land well, and the Reds went into Game Three with a chip on their shoulders. Pete Rose, attempting to break up a double play, went hard into second base, drawing Harrelson’s ire. A fight erupted, and it went like this.

That winter, Harrelson presented Rose with a “nice guy award” at a banquet, and said he threw his best punch at Rose, “hitting his fist with my eye.” His sense of humor was one of the reasons Bud was so popular wherever he went.

I’d like to close this with a semi-personal story. In the 1980s, a cousin of mine went to an awards dinner where Harrelson was among the honorees. My cousin happened to park near Harrelson, and they walked in at the same time, engaging in some light chit-chat. My cousin took the opportunity to express his admiration of Harrelson but said that he was a die-hard Yankees fan.

Later that night, my cousin was wandering around the parking lot, trying to remember where he parked (no car chirping back then). Harrelson went to his car and saw my cousin aimlessly roaming the parking lot. Bud yelled across the parking lot, “Hey buddy, it’s over here!” That’s a pretty nice gesture from an athlete and an honoree to some guy who expressed loyalty to the cross-town rivals.

It’s a sad day in the Mets’ organization. One of the team’s legends has passed on.

Rest in peace, Derrel McKinley Harrelson.

The post Remembering Mets’ Shortstop Bud Harrelson appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mets veteran outfielder Starling Marte is looking to play in the Dominican Winter League, but there are some hoops to jump through prior to doing so. Marte, who missed most of the last two months of the 2023 season due to a groin injury, needs to get the Mets’ clearance to play in the winter league. Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online reported that Marte was at practice on Wednesday with the Leones del Escodigo, the team said that he took batting practice and is waiting for clearance from the Mets to activate him.

This will not be an easy decision for the Mets as Marte has been dealing with groin injuries dating back to the 2022 season, including undergoing surgery in the offseason prior to the 2023.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The Mets continued to add to their 2024 roster while they wait on a decision from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as they traded for starting pitcher Adrian Houser and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Milwaukee Brewers. The trade, which was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, will be sending back pitching prospect Coleman Crow to Milwaukee. For an in-depth look into the deal check out MMO’s article on it!

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Mets have shown interest in Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff, and could be a real possibility if they do not land Yoshinobu Yamamoto. To see who else the Mets reportedly have show interest in click here!

The New York Mets are looking for a full-time pro player personnel associate, check out the Mets’ Fan Graphs job listing. 

Latest MLB News

Japanese reliever Yuki Matsui agreed to a four-year, $21 million deal with the San Diego Padres, per Yahoo Japan. The 5’8” closer posted a 1.53 ERA in 57.1 IP in his 2023 season in the NPB.

Former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright released a song dedicated to Cardinals fans titled “Time to Fly.” Along with that, he also announced on his Twitter page that he will be releasing a full album on February 23.

The Milwaukee Brewers signed veteran free agent catcher Eric Haase to a one-year major league contract. 

Former Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Taylor Widener signed with the Braves on a minor league contract, per MLB.com. Widener spent the past season playing for two different clubs in the KBO and now looks to find his way onto a major league roster. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to add organizational depth as they signed relief pitcher Nabil Crismatt and outfielder Travis Swaggerty to minor league deals, per MLB.com. 

Latest on MMO

Metsmerized Online’s twitter page is giving away a signed Ron Darling baseball card. Follow MMO’s account and repost the giveaway post to enter!

Check out our free agent profile on a possible Mets free agent target, Gio Urshela!

The 2019 Mets shock the 2000 Mets in MMO’s Mets Madness!

On This Date in Mets History

2009: The New York Mets sign pitcher R.A. Dickey to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. The knuckleballer would go on to win the 2012 National League Cy Young Award with the club, posting a 2.73 ERA while winning 20 games. 

1998: Relief pitcher Pat Mahomes signs with the New York Mets. Mahomes would post a 2.25 ERA in eight innings of work in the 1999 postseason and was also a part of the Mets 2000 National League winning club. 

Birthdays: Taylor Teagarden (40), John Mayberry (40), Philip Humber (41), Royce Ring (43), Dicky González (45), Buddy Carlyle (46), LaTroy Hawkins (51), Roger McDowell (63), Dave Kingman (75), Elliott Maddox (76)

The post Morning Briefing: Starling Marte Looking for Clearance to Play in Winter League appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The College Baseball Foundation revealed the latest inductees into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, and among the 12 honorees is Ron Darling, a former Met and the current broadcaster for the team. Darling, who was a student at Yale from 1979 to 1981, is set to be officially inducted during the ceremony scheduled for February 15, 2024.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

Jay Horwitz tweets that former Mets outfielder Mookie Wilson and his wife, Rosa, are currently in England for the week, actively promoting the Mets London Series alongside the Phillies, scheduled for June 8-9 at London Stadium.

Mookie Wilson and his wife Rosa are spending the week in England promoting the @Mets London Series with the Phillies, June 8-9 at London Stadium. We couldn’t have a better representative. https://t.co/dNayBp8g8Q

— Jay Horwitz (@Jay_HorwitzPR) December 7, 2023

Latest MLB News

Jon Heyman of the New York Post tweets that the Washington Nationals have signed outfielder Nick Senzel to a one-year, $2 million contract with $1 million in performance bonuses.

According to information by Will Sammon from The Athletic, the Milwaukee Brewers are making a staff change by transitioning Charlie Greene, the assistant director of player development, to the role of bullpen coach on their major-league staff. Greene has garnered respect for his contributions to player development. Notably, this move follows the shift of Jim Henderson from bullpen coach to assistant pitching coach.

Gillian Tan for Bloomberg reports that David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group Inc., is reportedly in discussions to purchase the Baltimore Orioles, as per anonymous sources familiar with the matter. While talks are ongoing, no final agreement has been reached, and the possibility of the negotiations collapsing still exists.

As reported by Chandler Rome from The Athletic, the Houston Astros have officially signed reliever Wander Suero to a minor league contract, as indicated in their transaction log.

As reported by Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves have confirmed the signing of left-handed pitcher Angel Perdomo, whom they non-tendered. Perdomo’s agreement is a one-year, non-guaranteed split deal. Additionally, Evan White has been outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett, resulting in his removal from the 40-man roster.

The Los Angeles Dodgers tweet and congratulate the family of outfielder Chris Taylor for the birth of his son, Theo.

Latest on MMO

Rivka Boord goes in-depth on the mindset of David Stearns and what was revealed.

Mets Madness Series Preview: 1969 Mets versus the 1997 Mets.

The Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes comes down to the Mets and Yankees.

On This Date In Mets History

1961: On December 8th, 1961, the New York Mets acquired Richie Ashburn from the Cubs. Serving as the Mets’ inaugural All-Star, Whitey concluded the final year of his illustrious Hall of Fame career with the ’62 team. He achieved an impressive .306/.424/.393 line and hit a career-high seven home runs, with some assistance from the Polo Grounds.

Birthdays: Alex Torres (36)

The post Morning Briefing: Ron Darling Elected To College Hall Of Fame appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

We’ve reached the final day of 2022 and, as ever, we were treated to some incredible moments from the best booth in baseball over the past 12 months. Let’s take a look at five of the best moments from Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling before we officially wave goodbye to 2022.

Where Is India?

Our favorite booth is at its best when Gary, Keith and Ron are all together. However, Gary and Keith are capable of producing comedy gold even in Ron’s absence and that was certainly the case during a game against the Cincinnati Reds on August 11. Following a mistake in the field by the Reds, Hernandez wondered aloud “where is India,” referring to Cincinnati’s second baseman Jonathan India. However, and without missing a beat, Gary quickly responded with “Well, it is right next to Pakistan, actually, Keith.” It was a perfectly timed response and summed up the chemistry that exists between our favorite broadcasters and why it is the best booth in baseball, even when there’s only two of them in action.

Keith: "Where is India?"

Gare: "Right next to Pakistan, actually" 😂 pic.twitter.com/3r7IDSgKrA

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 11, 2022

Gelbs On The Run

While Gary, Keith and Ron get all the plaudits and the attention, it is important to not forget the crucial role Steve Gelbs plays in SNY’s excellent broadcast. He’s effectively the glue guy and provides fascinating insight in-between innings. However, as was the case during a game in September, Gelbs proved that he could take centerstage. He dressed as the Polish sausage during the Milwaukee Brewers Sausage Race and, not only did he compete, but he won the damn thing after mounting an incredible comeback. It was a signature moment by Gelbs who was the king of the track, and of the broadcast, for the day, and it just further underlined how lucky Mets fans are to have this booth.

Steve Gelbs wins the Sausage Race! pic.twitter.com/Q2ZrJPpcJq

— Shea Station (@shea_station) September 21, 2022

Stroking Out

This entry will probably go down as the funniest moment of 2022 by the SNY booth. With Ron not working, it was left up to Gary and Keith to cause chaos and chaos they caused. During what was a routine play against the San Diego Padres, Hernandez made what he thought was an innocent comment by saying “stroking out” in relation to the Mets’ struggles at the plate. However, Cohen took offence to this and that’s where all hell broke loose. While Cohen was urging caution because of what stroking out could mean from a health perspective, Hernandez, not for the first time, let his mind wander to the gutter and his “are you saying I’m a creepy old man?” line was the highlight of what was just a hilarious exchange. The SNY cameras cut to the two guys at just the perfect time too, and Cohen’s innocence and Hernandez’s not so innocent mind made for a moment that will forever live on.

"From a medical standpoint, do you know what stroking out means?"

Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez 😂pic.twitter.com/RnHrtxkpt5

— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) June 7, 2022

Hernandez Goes After Phillies

There’s no doubt that Keith Hernandez is the star of the SNY booth. Not only does he provide excellent insight because of his great baseball mind, he also produces comedy gold every time he opens his mouth, even if that isn’t always the intention. One such occasion came in an August game against the Reds. During SNY’s ‘Road Ahead’ segment, Hernandez explained how he told the powers that be at the network that he prefers not to call games against the Phillies because they were not “up to it” when it came to their defense and their fundamentals.

The Phillies have done nothing but prove Keith Hernandez right since he said this. pic.twitter.com/BXNK32MdZ3

— Mojo Hill (@mojohill22) August 21, 2022

The fact Keith led off with “I hate doing Phillies games” instantly caught the attention of all Mets fans, and how he proceeded to matter of factly state his reasons why he doesn’t like working those games was just typical Hernandez in every single aspect. It made for entertaining viewing during a down spot in the broadcast, and it riled up Philadelphia sports fans in the process which just made it even better for Mets fans.

Eddie Steals The Show

Without doubt the most feel-good moment of 2022 from our favorite trio came during a game against the Colorado Rockies in late August. Young Eddie Kraus, who won SNY’s Kidcaster competition, joined Gary, Keith and Ron in the booth during the 3-1 win and immediately stole the show and the hearts of Mets fans.

This kidcaster is coming for every broadcasting job, absolutely electric in the booth pic.twitter.com/9ButDnSEdz

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 25, 2022

Eddie, just 12-years-old, wore a blue and orange tie, took his place between Gary and Keith, and wowed his new colleagues with his incredible knowledge and knack for broadcasting. Arguably Eddie’s funniest moment came when he mocked Keith for putting ketchup on his hot dog. It was just a real warm-hearted moment and we may have witnessed the beginning of a legendary broadcast career.

The post Top 5 GKR Moments in 2022 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.