Famous Mets Players

New York Mets all-time fan favorites include many famous players from the 1960′s till today.

Benny Agbayani

 

Benny Agbayani was a clutch home run hitting force who became a fan favorite when he made an immediate impact in 2000, the year the Mets went to the World Series. Against the Yankees in that series, Benny Agbayani drove in the winning run in the only game the Mets won during the World Series. Known for a few other famous home runs including the extra inning grand slam against the Chicago Cubs which gave the Mets their first win of the 2000 season. In the playoffs, Benny Agbayani rocked a 13th inning walk-off home run in game three of the National League Division Series against the Giants.

Tommie Agee

 

Tommie Agee played with the New York Mets during the late 60′s and early 70′s. Tommie Agee was a major part of the Miracle Mets Championship team in 1969. During the pivotal Game 3, Tommie Agee not only hit a home run but had several remarkable catches in centerfield that kept the Baltimore Orioles from scoring. Agee’s outfield defense and his timely hitting were a huge part of the World Series victory and he is fondly remembered as one of the great New York Mets.

Roberto Alomar

 

Roberto Alomar is a likely Hall of Famer for his great career which mostly took place in Baltimore. Roberto Alomar played for the New York Mets towards the end of his career in 2002 and part of 2003, but was a major disappointment as he was unable to match his offensive production levels he achieved in Baltimore.

Moises Alou

 

Moises Alou has been playing Major League Baseball since 1990 and in 2006 joined the New York Mets as an outfielder. A powerful bat throughout his career, Moises Alou when healthy was a huge factor in the lineup. Best known for years leading the San Francisco Giants, Moises Alou was a veteran for a long time playing well into his 40′s. Right up until he retired following the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Moises Alou still hit for power and batted for a good average.

Edgardo Alfonzo

 

Edgardo Alfonzo was a talented second baseman for the Mets for several years and was an integral part of the team during their post season runs in 1999 and 2000. In his first career playoff game Oct. 5, 1999 at Arizona in Game 1 of National League Division Series),Edgardo Alfonzo hit a 9th-inning grand slam off Bobby Chouinard to become the 1st player in Major League Baseball history to hit a bases-loaded homerun in his 1st career post season game. Remarkably, he hit a homerun in earlier in the game on his 1st career playoff at-bat when he smashed Randy Johnson pitch out of the park. The grand slam was the first in Mets post season history and his 5 RBI tied the Mets franchise single game playoff record.

Wally Backman

 

Wally Backman played 2nd base for the Mets during the 1980′s and helped the Mets during the 1986 run to capture the World Series. A very solid defensive second baseman, he was loved by Mets fans.

New York Mets Managers

Jerry Manuel
2008-Present

Willie Randolph
2004-2008, Record 268-218

Art Howe
2003-04 137-186

Bobby Valentine
1996-2002 536-467

Dallas Green
1993-96 229-283

Jeff Torborg
1992-93 85-115

Mike Cubbage
1991 3-4

Bud Harrelson
1990-91 145-129

Davey Johnson
1984-90 595-417

Frank Howard
1983 52-64

George Bamberger
1982-83 81-127

Joe Torre
1977-81 286-420

Joe Frazier
1976-77 101-106

Roy McMillan
1975 26-27

Yogi Berra
1972-75 292-296

Gil Hodges
1968-71 339-309

Salty Parker
1967 4-7

Wes Westrum
1965-67 142-237

Casey Stengel
1962-1965 175-404

NY Mets Second Baseman Luis Castillo

Luis Castillo is a veteran baseball player who has been in the big leagues for a long time. Luis Castillo still has speed and the ability to score runs while adding the occasional home run. Defensively, second baseman Luis Castillo is solid.

NY Mets Catcher Rod Barajas

Rod Barajas brings some pop from behind the plate, desperately needed since Mike Piazza left.

Carlos Beltran

 

Carlos Beltran, who presently plays for the New York Mets combines power and speed to lead the offense. Carlos Beltran’s defensive skills in center field have been extremely valuable in keeping opponents from scoring on many occasions and he is regular contender for the gold glove award.

NY Mets Center Fielder Carlos Beltran

Carlos Beltran is the clean up hitting superstar on the Mets who can win games with his bat or with his glove. A gold glove winning center fielder, Carlos Beltran consistently makes difficult plays look routine while robbing opponents of extra base hits. Carlos Beltran combines everything you would want from your clean up hitter. Beltran has clutch power, evidenced by his record tieing 8 home runs with Houston Astros in the 2004 playoffs. Beltran also tied the Mets single season record for home runs with 41 after joining the team a few years ago. With power comes RBI’s, and Beltran drives in runners consistently. However, Beltran’s skills don’t stop at just defense and power, his speed on the bases is also remarkable. Scoring runs and stealing bases makes Carlos Beltran a five-tool run producing superstar. Another favorite amongst New York Mets fans for his offensive and defensive capabilities, Carlos Beltran also brings a great attitude and warm smile to the ballpark everyday.

NY Mets Right Fielder Jeff Francoeur

Jeff Francoeur has been a huge addition to the New York Mets lineup at the end of 2009 after being traded from Atlanta for Ryan Church. Quickly becoming popular amongst Mets fans, Francoeur has surprisingly unleashed a more powerful bat then what was initially expected of him.

Bobby Bonilla

 

Bobby Bonilla came to the NY Mets to help their struggling offense during the late 1990′s and was a major disappointment. Having become a superstar for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Florida Marlins, Bobby Bonilla cracked under the intense pressure of New York fans and the media scrutiny during his sub par seasons with the Mets.

Gary Carter

 

Gary Carter is one of the most beloved players in NY Mets history. As a catcher, Gary Carter was an integral part of the Mets team in that he worked well with the Mets pitchers, played well defensively, and helped the offense with his powerful bat. Gary Carter was a crucial piece to the 1986 World Series New York Mets team that is widely remembered throughout baseball.

Endy Chavez

 

Super-sub Endy Chavez will always be remembered for his highlight reel catch in the 2006 playoffs. It was the sixth inning of game 7 against the St. Louis Cardinals when Scott Rolen drove a pitch to deep left field. Endy Chavez made a spectacular catch as he robbed Rolen of a home run with a over the fence reaching snow cone type catch that could be considered the greatest defensive play in Mets postseason history. An alert Endy Chavez stayed focused after making the catch and immediately threw the ball to second base for a double play. “Within the context of a game, that was the most unbelievable play I’ve ever seen on a baseball diamond,” Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado said. “When I got to the fence, I thought I had no chance,” Chavez said. “I’ve made some good catches in my career, but I never took away a home run like that.”

Vince Coleman

 

Vince Coleman came to the New York Mets in the late 1990′s as a lead off hitter. Vince Coleman managed to score some runs with his speed and stole quite a few bases for the Mets. However, his three seasons with the Mets were all cut short because of injuries and he never reached his full potential as a Met or came close to meeting the expectations of fans.

David Cone

 

Pitcher David Cone was a 20 game winner for the Mets in 1988 and pitched for the franchise until 1992. David Cone was loved in New York and later became part of the championship winning New York Yankees teams in the late 90′s.

Roger Craig

 

Roger Craig pitched for the expansion New York Mets franchise in 1962 and 1963 at the Polo Grounds. Craig lost quite a few games during the early struggles of the Mets because of a lack of offensive production. However, his 10 wins in 1962 led the team.

Ron Darling

 

Ron Darling was one of the best pitchers in Mets history, a consistent winner who always gave the Mets a chance to win when he took the mound. From 1983-1991, Ron Darling had seasons where he won 14, 15, 16, and 17 games for the Mets. In 1986, Ron Darling was an important part of the Mets pitching rotation when they won the World Series.

Carlos Delgado

 

Power hitter and 1st baseman Carlos Delgado came to the Mets in 2006 and has been a solid part of the lineup for the Mets ever since. Though Carlos Delgado has not had the same power numbers he had while with the Toronto Blue Jays, he still has managed some timely hits and was an integral part of the Mets lineup.
Carlos Delgado is the New York Mets 1st basemen who when hot can carry the Mets offense for long stretches of the season. Usually batting fifth or sixth in the lineup behind Carlos Beltran or David Wright, Carlos Delgado often took advantage of having runners on base in front of him by slugging the ball for doubles or home runs. Delgado is a talented 1st baseman, maybe not the best in the league but still above average for his position defensively. In 2007, Carlos Delgado appeared to have lost some of his power and his batting average was down from where it once was, but with the continued support of New York Mets fans he revived his stroke and was knocking the cover off the ball all year long in 2008.

Lenny Dykstra

 

Lenny Dykstra became an instant fan favorite with his great personality, toughness on the field, and explosive playing style that helped the Mets win many games. Always seemingly able to get on base, Lenny Dykstra used his speed to swipe bases and help the Mets to the 1986 World Series title. Dykstra was the lead-off hitter when the team dominated the National League East en route to the division crown. The Philadelphia Phillies finished second a ridiculous 21.5 games behind. Winning the National League Pennant over the NL West Champion Houston Astros in the 1986 National League Championship Series put the Mets in the World Series against the Boston Red Sox where Lenny Dykstra would have one of the biggest hits in Mets history and the defining moment of his career. With the Mets down 2 games to none, Lenny Dykstra became an immortal Met when he hit his walk off home run in Game 3 that turned around the entire series. Lenny Dykstra batted .304 in the 1986 NLCS and hit .296 in the World Series.

Sid Fernandez

 

Sid Fernandez pitched for the Mets from 1984-1993 and had his best season during the 1986 Championship year. In 1986 Sid Fernandez had 200 strikeouts in 204 innings and had a 16-6 record as a starting pitcher.

George Foster

 

Though George Foster had his best seasons playing outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, he contributed to the Mets lineup from 1982-1986 hitting 109 home runs.

John Franco

 

Relief pitcher John Franco was a staple in the New York Mets bullpen for over 15 seasons. John Franco was their primary closer during the 1990′s and was used as a setup man after the turn of the century. Beloved by Mets fans for his ability to close out games, John Franco is amongst the all time MLB leaders in saves.

New York Mets Hall of Famers

Tom Seaver
1967-1977, 1983

Richie Ashburn
1962

Yogi Berra
1965 (Player), 1972-1975 (Manager)

Gary Carter
1985-1989

Willie Mays
1972-1973

Eddie Murray
1992-1993

Nolan Ryan
1966, 1968-1971

Duke Snider
1963

Warren Spahn
1965

Casey Stengel
1962-1965 (Manager)

Doc Gooden

 

Dwight Gooden, known throughout the world by his nickname Doc, was one of the greatest pitchers in NY Mets history. Doc Gooden had the potential to be one of the greatest pitchers of all time, but his career was impaired by cocaine addiction. However, Dwight Gooden still was a lights out pitcher for years with the Mets and was their ace during the famous 1986 season when the Mets beat the Boston Red Sox to win the World Series.

Jerry Grote

 

Jerry Grote was the starting catcher on the New York Mets from 1966 until 1977 and played on the 1969 and 1973 World Series Mets teams. The highlight of Jerry Grote’s career was a single hit during Game 2 of the 1969 World Series. With a tie game in the top of the 9th inning and two outs, Jerry Grote hit the second of three consecutive base hits that gave the Mets the go ahead run on their way to their first ever win in a World Series game.

Buddy Harrelson

 

Buddy Harrelson was the NY Mets shortstop from 1965-1977 and played on the 1969 and 1973 World Series Mets teams. Buddy Harrelson’s defense more then offset his lack of hitting and helped the Mets win some close games.

Rickey Henderson

 

Rickey Henderson is probably the greatest leadoff hitter in history, his 1,406 stolen bases is a record that may never be broken. Rickey Henderson played for the Mets in 1999 and 2000, which was well passed his prime but he still was a cheered and adored by Mets fans every time he came to bat or got on base.

Keith Hernandez

 

Keith Hernandez was a cornerstone to the Mets offense in the 1980′s and his power production from 1st base carried the Mets to the World Series win in 1986. Keith Hernandez is arguably the best defensive first baseman to ever play baseball.

Gil Hodges

 

Gil Hodges was a superstar for most of his career with Brooklyn Dodgers and Los Angeles Dodgers. The last two years of his career he returned to New York to play for the Mets during their inaugural season in 1962 and stayed with the Mets till 1963.

Todd Hundley

 

Todd Hundley was the offensive leader for the Mets during their down years in the late 1990′s. Playing with the Mets as their catcher throughout the 90′s, Todd Hundley hit 41 home runs and had 112 RBI’s in 1996. Todd Hundley was a fan favorite until he started becoming injury prone which paved the way for the Mets acquiring Mike Piazza from the LA Dodgers.

Howard Johnson

 

Howard Johnson or HoJo as he is often referred too was a top player for the Mets from the mid 1980′s through the mid 1990′s and was a top 5 MVP award vote getter with the Mets two times. Howard Johnson was loved in New York City and had a brilliant career for the Mets, though his weak defense and his strike out rate kept him well short of making the Hall of Fame.

Davey Johnson

 

Davey Johnson was the Mets Manager for a long time. As a coach, Davey Johnson’s highlight of his career came when he led the 1986 New York Mets to the Championship.

Cleon Jones

 

Cleon Jones played nearly his entire career with the New York Mets from 1963-1975. Cleon Jones outfield power helped the Mets offense. Cleon Jones is best remembered for catching the final out of the 1969 World Series when announcer Curt Gowdy famous call was “There’s a fly ball out to left. Waiting is Cleon Jones…the Mets are World Champions! Jerry Koosman is being mobbed! Look at this scene!”

Jeff Kent

 

Jeff Kent is a likely Baseball Hall of Fame player who spent most of his early career with the New York Mets. Jeff Kent spent the last half of the 1992 season though half of the 1996 season with the Mets as their second baseman. As a Met, Jeff Kent had over 20 home runs twice including his 21 home run and 80 RBI performance during the 1993 season. Best known for his career as a San Francisco Giant batting behind Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent consistent production during his long career makes him a candidate for the Hall of Fame.

Dave Kingman

 

Dave Kingman was a power hitting outfielder for the New York Mets on two different occasions. Dave Kingman first joined the Mets organization in 1975 and played with them midway through the 1977 season. Later, Dave Kingman returned to the New York Mets from 1981 through the 1983 seasons. Dave Kingman hit 442 home runs in his career, 154 were hit during his 5 and a 1/2 seasons with the Mets. A power hitter who struck out often and did not have a great batting average, Dave Kingman managed to hit 37 home runs in a season twice with the Mets and 36 home runs in another.

Ray Knight

 

Ray Knight was the New York Mets 3rd baseman during the mid 80′s which included the 1986 World Series team. During 1986, Ray Knight had his best season as a professional baseball player batting .298 with 11 home runs and 76 RBI’s.

Jerry Koosman

 

Jerry Koosman is one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the New York Mets franchise. Jerry Koosman’s postseason success during the 1969 World Series made him a fan favorite. Koosman pitched with the Mets from 1967-1978 and won 140 games for the Mets during his career including his 21-10 record in 1976 and his 19-12 record in 1968. Most significantly was Jerry Koosman’s 1969 World Series performance against the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles. After the Mets lost the opening game of the series, Jerry Koosman took the mound for the Mets in game 2 and pitched 8 and 2/3 innings allowing only 2 hits and one run en route to the Mets winning their first ever World Series game. Jerry Koosman took the mound in Game 5 when the Mets were leading the World Series 3 games to 1, and allowed 3 early runs but then kept the Orioles off the scoreboard the rest of the way while the offense rallied for 3 runs in the 6th to tie and 2 runs in the 8th to take the lead and win the 1969 World Series.

Eddie Kranepool

 

Eddie Kranepool was a fixture at 1st base for the New York Mets throughout his entire career. Ed Kranepool played with the Mets from 1962 until he retired in 1979 and hit a home run during Game 3 of the 1969 World Series. Ed Kranepool was one of the better hitters on the New York Mets teams that struggled offensively for most of the 1960′s and his dedication to the Mets organization for so many years made him a well known name in New York City.

Al Leiter

 

Al Leiter began his career in the Bronx playing for the New York Yankees, but his most memorable seasons of his career came with the New York Mets from 1998-2004 when he compiled a record of 95-65 as a starting pitcher during 7 seasons. Al Leiter helped the Mets playoff run in 2000 when the team lost in the World Series to their crosstown rivals New York Yankees.

Pedro Martinez

 

Pedro Martinez came to the Mets in 2005 from the Boston Red Sox where he was a Cy Young Award winning superstar pitcher. Pedro Martinez’s powerful arm and fun loving personality makes him one of the favorite Mets on the current roster. Pedro Martinez is a crucial piece of the pitching rotation and if he stays healthy he can give a huge boost to the Mets chances of going deep into the playoffs.

Willie Mays

 

Hall of Famer Willie Mays was one of the greatest baseball players that ever played the game. Willie Mays dazzling highlight reel outfield plays combined with his career 660 home runs, 1,903 RBI’s, 3,283 hits, and career .302 batting average makes him clearly an all time great and one of the most recognized names in baseball history. Best known for his years center field for the New York and San Francisco Giants, Willie Mays finished his career playing 1 and 1/2 seasons with the New York Mets. Well past his prime as a New York Met, Willie Mays contributed to the Mets 1973 World Series by getting two hits, scoring a run, and added an RBI during the Series loss to Oakland.

Lee Mazzilli

 

Lee Mazzilli was drafted by the Mets in 1973 and played two stints as an outfielder with the Mets from 1976-1981 and 1986-1989 and was a member of the World Series winning team in 1986.

Roger McDowell

 

Pitcher Roger McDowell was drafted by the Mets in 1982 and played with them from 1985 until being traded during the middle of the 1989 season to Philadelphia. Roger McDowell’s best season came in 1986 when he won 14 games for the Mets during the regular season helping the team make it to the World Series. During the 1986 World Series, Roger McDowell was added to the bullpen and appeared in 5 games where he earned a win in middle relief.

Tug McGraw

 

Tug McGraw was a pitcher with the Mets during the 60′s and early 70′s and got a win for the Mets as a relief pitcher during the 1973 World Series.

Omar Minaya

 

Omar Minaya is the general manager of the New York Mets. Omar Minaya can be credited with signing many latin stars during his few years with the Mets which made them a force over the past several seasons. Initially Omar Minaya signed Red Sox pitching ace Pedro Martinez, then signed Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado. In 2007, Omar Minaya was able to make a historical trade with the Minnesota Twins that gave the Mets Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana.

Kevin McReynolds

 

Kevin McReynolds made a name for himself as a Mets outfielder from 1987 through 1991 and again for part of 1994 season before retiring. Kevin McReynolds had four consecutive 20 home run seasons for the Mets and delivered 2 postseason home runs during the 1998 NLCS against the Dodgers.

Mr. Met

 

Mr. Met is the New York Mets mascot. Mr. Met has been around since the inaugural 1962 season and is pictured on a lot of Mets merchandise. Mr. Met also has a wife, Mrs. Met and a few children who occasionally make appearances inside the stadium.

Daniel Murphy

 

Up and coming young player who was never the force in the Mets Lineup that the Mets management had had. On opening day 2009 Daniel Murphy hit the Mets first home run of the season

Eddie Murray

 

Eddie Murray played with the Mets during the 1992 and 1993 seasons adding some power to the Mets lineup. A Hall of Famer, Eddie Murray played at a consistent level for many years during his baseball career

Rey Ordonez

 

Rey Ordonez was the Mets Shortstop after the turn of the century. Rey Ordonez was not much of a hitter, but his amazing defensive skills at shortstop made him a regular on ESPN highlight reels. Acrobatic and athletic fielding earned him several gold gloves while playing with the Mets and made him well known to baseball fans.

Jesse Orosco

 

Jesse Orosco was a solid pitcher for the Mets during first half of the 1980′s. Orosco came out of the bullpen during the 1986 World Series and did not allow any runs in almost 6 innings of pitching. Orosco’s 2 World Series saves was highlighted by his shutdown of the Red Sox in Game 7 during the 8th and 9th innings when he was on the mound for the final outs.

Mike Piazza

 

Mike Piazza was the New York Mets power hitting catcher that was traded to New York from Los Angeles. One of the best hitting catchers of all time, Mike Piazza was the face of the Mets franchise from 1998-2005. Mike Piazza hit 5 postseason home runs for the New York Mets including a home run during the 2000 World Series against the New York Yankees. Most fans will remember Piazza for his powerful bat that scored many of the New York Mets runs during the years he played for them, however, nobody will ever forget though the scene during the 1st inning of the World Series where Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens picked up the broken part of Piazza’s shattered bat and threw it at him while he jogged to first base on a foul ball. On a 1-2 count, Clemens fastball jammed Piazza causing his bat to shatter. The barrel of the bat rolled towards the mound while the ball bounced foul. Roger Clemens picked up the broken piece and flung it across the first base line towards Piazza who was running on contact towards 1st base. Home plate umpire Charlie Reliford was able to get between them and calm the situation while players from both dugouts rushed the field.

Todd Pratt

 

Todd Pratt was a catcher for the Mets towards the end of the 90′s and was on the 2000 team that lost to the Yankees in the World Series. Todd Pratt’s biggest contribution to the Mets was in a series clinching Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Arizona. With the score tied in the 10th inning, Todd Pratt hit a walk off home run that advanced the Mets to the NLCS.

Willie Randolph

 

Willie Randolph is the current Mets Manager. As a player, Willie Randolph was a speedy 2nd baseman who spent the prime of his career with the New York Yankees and played his final season in 1992 with the New York Mets. As a manager, Willie Randolph has done a great job leading the team into a regular title contender.

Jose Reyes

 

Jose Reyes is the ultra fast superstar shortstop for the Mets. A regular threat to steal over 70 bases a year combined with his ability to get on base is the catalyst for the Mets offensive run production. One of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball, Jose Reyes spectacular defense and edge of your seat offense make his jersey one of the hottest items for Mets fans to own.

Francisco Rodriguez

 

Francisco Rodriguez was a huge bullpen acquisition for the New York Mets following the 2008 season. After Billy Wagner had a season ending injury the Mets bullpen collapsed down the stretch en route to barely missing the playoffs. General Manager Omar Minaya made it a focal point to rebuild the Mets bullpen. Minaya began by signing free agent Francisco Rodriguez who was coming off a Major League Baseball record for most saves in a single season for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. If Francisco Rodriguez can stabilize the Mets bullpen with the help of newly acquired set up man JJ Putz, the Mets should easily win the division and be a major factor in the postseason.

Nolan Ryan

 

Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan pitched for the Mets from 1966-1971 and is one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Nolan Ryan recorded a save for the Mets during the 1969 World Series and got a win for the Mets during the 1969 NLCS. Though his best seasons came later in his career, Nolan Ryan will always be considered one of the greatest rookie pitchers the Mets have ever had on their team.

Bret Saberhagen

 

Bret Saberhagen pitched for the Mets in the early 90′s and had his best season in 1994 when he finished 14-4 and finished 3rd in the Cy Young Award voting.

Johan Santana

 

Johan Santana is a multiple Cy Young Award pitcher who the Mets acquired in a monumental trade before the 2008 season from the Minnesota Twins. Johan Santana signed a long term deal with the Mets that will make him their ace pitcher for years to come. Santana’s fastball and other pitches produce so much movement that hitters have little chance of making good contact.

Tom Seaver

 

Tom Seaver needs no introduction. Seaver is simply the greatest pitcher that ever put on a New York Mets uniform. For more then 10 seasons beginning in 1967, Tom Seaver was clearly the ace for the Mets winning over 20 games in a season four times. Tom Seaver took the mound for the Mets twice during both the 1969 and 1973 World Series. Matching up against Orioles ace Mike Cuellar in games 1 and 4 of the 1969 World Series, Tom Seaver pitched well including winning the pitching duel in the pivotal game 4 that put the Mets ahead in the series 3 games to 1. Tom Seaver’s Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque Reads: “Franchise power pitcher who transformed Mets from lovable losers into formidable foes. Won 311 games over 20 seasons. Set N.L. career record for strikeouts by RHP (3,272) and modern record for lowest ERA (2.73). Whiffed 200 or more N.L. record 10 times (19 in a single game). N.L. Rookie of the Year, 1967 and 3-time Cy Young award winner. No-hit Cards in 1978.”

Duke Snider

 

Hall of Famer Duke Snider played on the New York Mets team during 1963.

John Stearns

 

John Stearns was a four time New York Mets All Star catcher from the mid 70′s through the mid 80′s.

Casey Stengel

 

Casey Stengel is one of the greatest managers in the history of Major League Baseball. Leading many New York Yankees teams to World Championships during the 1950′s, Casey Stengel was the skipper of the expansion Mets from 1962-1965 while he was in his 70′s.

Darryl Strawberry

 

You can not speak of the history of the New York Mets without mentioning Darryl Strawberry in the first sentence. Darryl Strawberry will always be one of the Mets all time fan favorites for his charisma, his clutch hitting, and his absolute power. Late in his career, Darryl Strawberry made a comeback from drug addiction and joined the Yankees as a designated hitter. With the New York Yankees for five seasons during their 1990′s dynasty, Darryl Strawberry helped the Yankees offense considerably during the postseason and was a key part of the 1996 and 1999 World Championship teams. ‘Straw’ as what he was called had a marvelous career with the New York Mets holding several Mets Team Records. An 8 time All-Star and the 1983 Rookie of the Year and he also earned two Silver Slugger Awards. His career numbers were .259 average, 1,401 hits, 335 home runs, 1000 RBI, and 221 stolen bases.

Craig Swan

 

Craig Swan pitched for the New York Mets during the 70′s and part of the 80′s. During a period in Mets history when the Mets really struggled, Craig Swan pitched well for them including some pretty good season in 1978 and 1979.

Ron Swoboda

 

Ron Swoboda played for the Mets from 1965-1970 as an outfielder. Swoboda had decent power but his large contribution to the NY Mets was during the 1969 World Series when he batted .400 (6-15) helping the Miracle Mets to their improbable upset victory.

Bobby Valentine

 

Bobby Valentine was the controversial and entertaining New York Mets manager for many years including during their 2000 World Series run. Besides the 31 games he managed when he took over late in the in 1996 season, Bobby Valentine led the Mets to 5 winning seasons in 6 years including 97 wins in 1999.

Mo Vaughn

 

Mo Vaughn was a huge free agent signing for the Mets in 2002 but because of injuries that slowed him down became a total bust and his career was over in 2003. A dominant force in the major leagues for years with his home run capabilities, Mo Vaughn managed only 26 his first year with the Mets and only 3 his last year.

Robin Ventura

 

Robin Ventura was a 3rd baseman who had his best years as a Chicago White Sox and joined the Mets in 1999. Robin Ventura hit 77 regular season home runs for the Mets during his 3 seasons with the club and was instrumental in both the 1999 and 2000 post season runs. Robin Ventura’s 5 RBI’s in the National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals helped the Mets get to the World Series in 2000, and once there he even hit a solo home run. Robin Ventura will always be remembered fondly by lifelong Mets fans because of his immediate impact on the team was such a positive influence.

Frank Viola

 

Frank Viola pitched a few season for the mets in the very early 90′s and won 20 games for the Mets in 1990. Frank Viola was a bright spot for the Mets during a down period for the team.

Billy Wagner

 

Billy Wagner is the current Mets closer. A hard throwing reliever who made a name for himself with the Houston Astros, Billy Wagner has been a consistent force in locking down close games for the Mets for several years.

The Mets bullpen was led by all star closer Billy Wagner. Billy Wagner is a hard throwing strikeout machine who normally closes the door on opposing teams in the ninth inning earning the save and securing the Mets win.

Fred Wilpon

 

Fred Wilpon has been an owner of the New York Mets since 1980. Eventually buying the remainder of the stake in the Mets franchise from Nelson Doubleday, Fred Wilpon has had his ups and downs as a team owner. Recently, the Fred Wilpon has really opened up his wallet to acquire talented free agent players and may have helped put together one of the best lineups in baseball this season with a very nice pitching staff to go with it.

Mookie Wilson

 

Mookie Wilson is synonymous with the 1986 World Series. The ground ball that was misplayed by Red Sox 1st baseman Bill Buckner that won game 6 for the Mets was hit by Mookie Wilson. Mookie Wilson later coached first base for the Mets, but his legacy as a Met will always be about that historical ground ball which scored the winning run to tie the World Series at 3 games apiece. As a player with the Mets throughout the 1980′s, Mookie Wilson was a solid defensive outfielder, scored lots of runs and stole many bases for the Mets.

David Wright

 

All Star David Wright is one of the biggest names in baseball. Fan favorite David Wright is a five tool play in that he hits for power (plenty of home runs and RBI’s), hits for average (regularly over the .300 mark), scores plenty of runs and has speed (excels at stealing bases). As the clean up hitter or 5th hitter in the Mets explosive offense, David Wright gets plenty of opportunities and regularly delivers with clutch hits. As a 3rd baseman, David Wright commits some throwing errors but that is often balanced out by some of his diving highlight reel stops.