To read my other post today, please link to
http://www.metswalkoffs.com/2008/09/its-your-nieses-birthday.html
The wonderful Baseball-Reference allows me to generate such lists as this one.
In their illustrious history, the Mets have had 9 previous occasions in which they've started a lefty who was making his major league debut.
There's a reason this doesn't happen often. Lack of success might have something to do with it.
The lineup includes
1995, Bill Pulsipher: 5 career Mets wins
1994, Jason Jacome: 4 career Mets wins
1988, David West: 1 career Met win
1985, Bill Latham: 1 career Met win
1972, Brent Strom: 0 career Mets wins
1971, Jon Matlack: 82 career Mets wins
1967, Les Rohr: 2 career Mets wins
1966, Dick Rusteck: 1 career Mets win
1965, Rob Gardner: 4 career Mets wins
Perhaps it's a good omen that Tuesday's starter is named Jon.
Showing posts with label Minutiae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minutiae. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Man at the Mike
Before Mike Pelfrey, the last Met to throw consecutive complete games was Rick Reed in 2001. The last Met with consecutive complete game wins was Bret Saberhagen in 1995.
* The last Met to throw 3 straight complete games was David Cone in 1990. The last Met with 3+ straight complete game WINS was Dwight Gooden in 1988. He had 4 in a row.
* The Mets record for consecutive complete games is 8, set by Tom Seaver (1969) and Jerry Koosman (1976)
* The Mets record for consecutive starts WITHOUT throwing a complete game is held by Bobby (righthanded) Jones, a 73-game stretch from 1997 to 2000. Oliver Perez's current 60-game streak ranks third, trailing Jones and Jae Seo (61, 2003-2005).
* Mike Pelfrey ranks tied for 49th in Mets history with 18 wins. Among those he's tied with: Armando Benitez, Orlando Hernandez, and Masato Yoshii.
* Mike Pelfrey now ranks tied for 57th all-time in career complete games by a Mets pitcher, with 2. He's tied with, among others, Anthony Young and Johan Santana.
* Mike Pelfrey ranks 74th in Mets history with 150 strikeouts, 1 behind Mike Hampton and Mike Scott.
* Mike Pelfrey ranks 23rd in Mets history with a .514 win percentage (minimum 35 decisions...he's 18-17). Another win before losing, and he'd pass Tom Glavine into 22nd place.
* The Mets record for career complete games is not yet within reach. Tom Seaver holds the mark with 171. He also holds the single-season mark with 21, set in 1971.
* The Mets record for walk-free complete games is also held by Seaver with 24, twice as many as Dwight Gooden. Mike Pelfrey has one now, tying him on the Mets all-time list with the likes of Warren Spahn and Mike Hampton.
* The last Met to throw 3 straight complete games was David Cone in 1990. The last Met with 3+ straight complete game WINS was Dwight Gooden in 1988. He had 4 in a row.
* The Mets record for consecutive complete games is 8, set by Tom Seaver (1969) and Jerry Koosman (1976)
* The Mets record for consecutive starts WITHOUT throwing a complete game is held by Bobby (righthanded) Jones, a 73-game stretch from 1997 to 2000. Oliver Perez's current 60-game streak ranks third, trailing Jones and Jae Seo (61, 2003-2005).
* Mike Pelfrey ranks tied for 49th in Mets history with 18 wins. Among those he's tied with: Armando Benitez, Orlando Hernandez, and Masato Yoshii.
* Mike Pelfrey now ranks tied for 57th all-time in career complete games by a Mets pitcher, with 2. He's tied with, among others, Anthony Young and Johan Santana.
* Mike Pelfrey ranks 74th in Mets history with 150 strikeouts, 1 behind Mike Hampton and Mike Scott.
* Mike Pelfrey ranks 23rd in Mets history with a .514 win percentage (minimum 35 decisions...he's 18-17). Another win before losing, and he'd pass Tom Glavine into 22nd place.
* The Mets record for career complete games is not yet within reach. Tom Seaver holds the mark with 171. He also holds the single-season mark with 21, set in 1971.
* The Mets record for walk-free complete games is also held by Seaver with 24, twice as many as Dwight Gooden. Mike Pelfrey has one now, tying him on the Mets all-time list with the likes of Warren Spahn and Mike Hampton.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Not a No-Hitter, a One-Hitter, or a Two-Hitter
There is nothing wrong with a three-hit complete game shutout.
* The Mets have had 52 of them actually (including postseason), now that Johan Santana threw one on Sunday afternoon.
*It was the first three-hit shutout by a Mets starter since Mike Hampton finished off the Cardinals with one in Game 5 of the 2000 NLCS.
* It was the first three-hit shutout by a Mets starter in the regular season since Rick Reed put the Mets into a tie for the wild card with one game remaining, beating the Pirates, 7-0 on October 2, 1999.
* On September 12, 1969, the Mets beat the Pirates in a doubleheader, 1-0, and 1-0, with the pitcher driving in the winning run in each game. In the opener of the doubleheader, Jerry Koosman pitched a three-hit shutout.
* David Cone struck out 19 Phillies in pitching a three-hit shutout on October 6, 1991.
* I attended a three-hit shutout by a Mets starter, when Bob Ojeda blanked the Pirates, 1-0, on July 29, 1988, with the lone run coming on Kevin Elster's eighth-inning home run.
* Four different starters- David Cone, Sid Fernandez, Frank Viola, and Bob Ojeda threw a three-hit shutout for the Mets in 1989.
* Mets starters have thrown 11 three-hit shutouts against the Pirates, accounting for 21 percent of their three-hit shutouts.
* Every starter to throw a three-hit shutout for the Mets has done so in a nine-inning game.
True Metouts know... Tom Seaver is the Mets all-time leader in three-hit shutouts with 9. Jerry Koosman ranks second with 4.
* The Mets have had 52 of them actually (including postseason), now that Johan Santana threw one on Sunday afternoon.
*It was the first three-hit shutout by a Mets starter since Mike Hampton finished off the Cardinals with one in Game 5 of the 2000 NLCS.
* It was the first three-hit shutout by a Mets starter in the regular season since Rick Reed put the Mets into a tie for the wild card with one game remaining, beating the Pirates, 7-0 on October 2, 1999.
* On September 12, 1969, the Mets beat the Pirates in a doubleheader, 1-0, and 1-0, with the pitcher driving in the winning run in each game. In the opener of the doubleheader, Jerry Koosman pitched a three-hit shutout.
* David Cone struck out 19 Phillies in pitching a three-hit shutout on October 6, 1991.
* I attended a three-hit shutout by a Mets starter, when Bob Ojeda blanked the Pirates, 1-0, on July 29, 1988, with the lone run coming on Kevin Elster's eighth-inning home run.
* Four different starters- David Cone, Sid Fernandez, Frank Viola, and Bob Ojeda threw a three-hit shutout for the Mets in 1989.
* Mets starters have thrown 11 three-hit shutouts against the Pirates, accounting for 21 percent of their three-hit shutouts.
* Every starter to throw a three-hit shutout for the Mets has done so in a nine-inning game.
True Metouts know... Tom Seaver is the Mets all-time leader in three-hit shutouts with 9. Jerry Koosman ranks second with 4.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Some 'Friend'ly Trivia
I will admit to being as surprised as Gary Cohen that the answer to Friday's trivia question (Which Pirates pitcher has the most wins against the Mets?) was former Met Bob Friend?
As a public service to those who seek better trivia expertise, I offer an updated list for each NL team as to which pitchers have the most wins against the Mets.
Most Wins vs Mets
Astros- Larry Dierker, 14
Braves- Phil Niekro, 25
Brewers- Ben Sheets, 4
Cardinals- Bob Gibson, 28
Cubs- Greg Maddux and Ferguson Jenkins, 16
Diamondbacks- Randy Johnson, 6
Dodgers- Don Drysdale, 24
Giants- Juan Marichal, 26
Marlins- Dontrelle Willis, 11
Nationals- Steve Rogers, 15
Padres- Bruce Hurst, 9
Phillies- Steve Carlton, 20
Pirates- Bob Friend, 14
Reds- Jim Maloney, 19
Rockies- Steve Reed and Curt Leskanic, 5
Equal opportunity dictates that we do the same for losses
Most Losses vs Mets
Astros- Larry Dierker, 11
Braves- John Smoltz, 15
Brewers- Chris Capuano, 4
Cardinals- Bob Gibson, 14
Cubs- Rick Reuschel, 19
Diamondbacks- Brandon Webb, 6
Dodgers- Don Sutton and Bill Singer, 12
Giants- Gaylord Perry, 11
Marlins- Brad Penny, 8
Nationals- Steve Rogers, 13
Padres- Eric Show and Steve Arlin, 8
Phillies- Steve Carlton, 25
Pirates- Steve Blass, 11
Reds- Mario Soto, 9
Rockies- Kevin Ritz, Byung-Hyun Kim, Brian Bohanon and Pedro Astacio, 4
True Friends of the Mets know...Bob Friend's Mets career included 2 walk-off losses. In one, he allowed a walk-off home run to Phillies slugger Dick Allen. The other came on a bases-loaded bunt hit by Cubs catcher Randy Hundley.
As a public service to those who seek better trivia expertise, I offer an updated list for each NL team as to which pitchers have the most wins against the Mets.
Most Wins vs Mets
Astros- Larry Dierker, 14
Braves- Phil Niekro, 25
Brewers- Ben Sheets, 4
Cardinals- Bob Gibson, 28
Cubs- Greg Maddux and Ferguson Jenkins, 16
Diamondbacks- Randy Johnson, 6
Dodgers- Don Drysdale, 24
Giants- Juan Marichal, 26
Marlins- Dontrelle Willis, 11
Nationals- Steve Rogers, 15
Padres- Bruce Hurst, 9
Phillies- Steve Carlton, 20
Pirates- Bob Friend, 14
Reds- Jim Maloney, 19
Rockies- Steve Reed and Curt Leskanic, 5
Equal opportunity dictates that we do the same for losses
Most Losses vs Mets
Astros- Larry Dierker, 11
Braves- John Smoltz, 15
Brewers- Chris Capuano, 4
Cardinals- Bob Gibson, 14
Cubs- Rick Reuschel, 19
Diamondbacks- Brandon Webb, 6
Dodgers- Don Sutton and Bill Singer, 12
Giants- Gaylord Perry, 11
Marlins- Brad Penny, 8
Nationals- Steve Rogers, 13
Padres- Eric Show and Steve Arlin, 8
Phillies- Steve Carlton, 25
Pirates- Steve Blass, 11
Reds- Mario Soto, 9
Rockies- Kevin Ritz, Byung-Hyun Kim, Brian Bohanon and Pedro Astacio, 4
True Friends of the Mets know...Bob Friend's Mets career included 2 walk-off losses. In one, he allowed a walk-off home run to Phillies slugger Dick Allen. The other came on a bases-loaded bunt hit by Cubs catcher Randy Hundley.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Four (No) Score and 11 Years Ago
Not all four-inning saves are as easy as the one Brian Stokes had on Wednesday night.
Baseball-Reference's Play Index tells us that the Mets have had 33 four-inning saves since the modern save rule came into being in 1969, and 40 such saves if you apply that rule retroactively to 1962.
* The 12-0 victory set a Mets record for largest margin of victory in a four-inning save, the first four-inning save by a Mets pitcher since Turk Wendell allowed three runs in recording one in an 8-5 win over the Blue Jays, September 2, 1997.
The Mets scored seven runs against the Blue Jays starter that day, the most that Roger Clemens would allow in any start that season. Wendell survived despite yielding a pair of home runs to the same hitter, Jose Cruz Jr. Rey Ordonez, of all people, was the Mets hitting star that day, with a home run and three RBI.
* The last four-inning save in which a Mets reliever allowed no runs was by Toby Borland on April 15, 1997, in a 5-0 win over the Dodgers. Of greater significance, as fellow blogger Greg Prince points out, is that was the day in which Jackie Robinson's No. 42 was retired throughout baseball, on the 50th anniversary of his MLB debut.
* The previous Mets recordholders for largest margin of victory for a four-inning save were Sid Fernandez (1986) and Jay Hook (1963). Fernandez got his on the final day of the season, in a 9-0 win over the Pirates, and capped it by recording his 200th strikeout of the season(Bobby Bonilla) to end the game.
Hook's came in a 14-5 victory over the Astros in a game better remembered for pitcher Carlton Willey hitting a grand slam.
* Of far greater difficulty is the four-inning save in a game in which the final margin was one run. The Mets have had eight such saves in their history.
The most recent was on May 12, 1984 against the Dodgers, though it gets an asterisk, since Doug Sisk actually entered with a two-run lead before allowing an inherited runner to score. Still, he cruised through the rest of the contest without issue (how often could you say that about Sisk??), helping Ed Lynch improve to 4-0 in a 4-3 Mets win.
Sisk and Roger McDowell share the Mets record for saves of 4+ innings with three. We include the "+" because Sisk actually had a five-inning save in a 7-5 win over the Cardinals on June 23, 1983. The Mets rallied from 4-0 down to win. Sisk allowed one run in five innings, though he probably should have been given the win, which went to Carlos Diaz (1 1/3 IP, 0 R) instead.
* There are a couple of good candidates for the best of the four-inning saves. Preference goes to ones that impacted a pennant race, so we'll tab Buzz Capra's effort in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Phillies on June 27, 1973.
In a season in which every win was vital, Capra's performance was cinematically brilliant. The Mets were clinging to a 7-6 lead, after nearly completely putting their seven-run first inning, and Teddy Martinez's four-hit game, to waste.
In four innings of relief of George Stone, Capra yielded no hits, and two walks. In the ninth inning, he retired the heart of the Phillies order in order, setting down Bill Robinson, Greg Luzinski and a rookie third baseman named Mike Schmidt to close his first big league save. His performance set the standard by which we now measure those such as Brian Stokes.
True Metves know...Among other Mets pitchers to record four-inning saves: Dwight Gooden, Doug Simons, Jesse Orosco, Craig Swan, and Terry Leach.
Baseball-Reference's Play Index tells us that the Mets have had 33 four-inning saves since the modern save rule came into being in 1969, and 40 such saves if you apply that rule retroactively to 1962.
* The 12-0 victory set a Mets record for largest margin of victory in a four-inning save, the first four-inning save by a Mets pitcher since Turk Wendell allowed three runs in recording one in an 8-5 win over the Blue Jays, September 2, 1997.
The Mets scored seven runs against the Blue Jays starter that day, the most that Roger Clemens would allow in any start that season. Wendell survived despite yielding a pair of home runs to the same hitter, Jose Cruz Jr. Rey Ordonez, of all people, was the Mets hitting star that day, with a home run and three RBI.
* The last four-inning save in which a Mets reliever allowed no runs was by Toby Borland on April 15, 1997, in a 5-0 win over the Dodgers. Of greater significance, as fellow blogger Greg Prince points out, is that was the day in which Jackie Robinson's No. 42 was retired throughout baseball, on the 50th anniversary of his MLB debut.
* The previous Mets recordholders for largest margin of victory for a four-inning save were Sid Fernandez (1986) and Jay Hook (1963). Fernandez got his on the final day of the season, in a 9-0 win over the Pirates, and capped it by recording his 200th strikeout of the season(Bobby Bonilla) to end the game.
Hook's came in a 14-5 victory over the Astros in a game better remembered for pitcher Carlton Willey hitting a grand slam.
* Of far greater difficulty is the four-inning save in a game in which the final margin was one run. The Mets have had eight such saves in their history.
The most recent was on May 12, 1984 against the Dodgers, though it gets an asterisk, since Doug Sisk actually entered with a two-run lead before allowing an inherited runner to score. Still, he cruised through the rest of the contest without issue (how often could you say that about Sisk??), helping Ed Lynch improve to 4-0 in a 4-3 Mets win.
Sisk and Roger McDowell share the Mets record for saves of 4+ innings with three. We include the "+" because Sisk actually had a five-inning save in a 7-5 win over the Cardinals on June 23, 1983. The Mets rallied from 4-0 down to win. Sisk allowed one run in five innings, though he probably should have been given the win, which went to Carlos Diaz (1 1/3 IP, 0 R) instead.
* There are a couple of good candidates for the best of the four-inning saves. Preference goes to ones that impacted a pennant race, so we'll tab Buzz Capra's effort in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Phillies on June 27, 1973.
In a season in which every win was vital, Capra's performance was cinematically brilliant. The Mets were clinging to a 7-6 lead, after nearly completely putting their seven-run first inning, and Teddy Martinez's four-hit game, to waste.
In four innings of relief of George Stone, Capra yielded no hits, and two walks. In the ninth inning, he retired the heart of the Phillies order in order, setting down Bill Robinson, Greg Luzinski and a rookie third baseman named Mike Schmidt to close his first big league save. His performance set the standard by which we now measure those such as Brian Stokes.
True Metves know...Among other Mets pitchers to record four-inning saves: Dwight Gooden, Doug Simons, Jesse Orosco, Craig Swan, and Terry Leach.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Go Ahead, Make My Day
In their history, the Mets have been the beneficiary of a go-ahead hit by pitch on 13 occasions.
* Damion Easley was the first Mets player to have a go-ahead HBP since Jae Seo got one in the fourth inning, against the Cardinals, on May 20, 2004.
* It was the first time that the Mets were recipients of a go-ahead HBP against the Nationals/Expos since none other than Willie Randolph was plunked with the bases loaded in a tie game in the 5th inning on June 9, 1992.
* It was tied for the second-latest into a game that the Mets have been beneficiaries of a go-ahead HBP. The only Met to get hit by a pitch later in a game was Darryl Boston, who got a walk-off HBP in the 13th inning against the Cardinals on April 23, 1992.
* The only other 8th-inning go-ahead HBP in Mets history was by Ken Boswell against the Braves on May 14, 1969. The HBP came as part of an eight-run inning in which the Mets rallied to beat the Braves, 9-3. Damion Easley was born a little more than six months later.
* The Mets went more than 21 years between go-ahead HBP's. The next one after Boswell's was by bases-loaded master Pat Tabler, against the Pirates on October 3, 1990.
* Two pitchers who have thrown perfect games have been the pitchers who gave the Mets the lead by hitting someone with a pitch- Don Larsen (1964) and Dennis Martinez (1991).
* Larsen hit Ron Hunt on July 31, 1964. It marked the first time in team history that the Mets were the beneficiaries of a go-ahead HBP.
True Metplunks know...Damion Easley has been hit by 132 pitches in his MLB career. This was the first time he ever gave his team the lead with an HBP.
This seems like a good spot to plug the new website, from the makers of Plunk Biggio: http://www.plunkeveryone.com/
* Damion Easley was the first Mets player to have a go-ahead HBP since Jae Seo got one in the fourth inning, against the Cardinals, on May 20, 2004.
* It was the first time that the Mets were recipients of a go-ahead HBP against the Nationals/Expos since none other than Willie Randolph was plunked with the bases loaded in a tie game in the 5th inning on June 9, 1992.
* It was tied for the second-latest into a game that the Mets have been beneficiaries of a go-ahead HBP. The only Met to get hit by a pitch later in a game was Darryl Boston, who got a walk-off HBP in the 13th inning against the Cardinals on April 23, 1992.
* The only other 8th-inning go-ahead HBP in Mets history was by Ken Boswell against the Braves on May 14, 1969. The HBP came as part of an eight-run inning in which the Mets rallied to beat the Braves, 9-3. Damion Easley was born a little more than six months later.
* The Mets went more than 21 years between go-ahead HBP's. The next one after Boswell's was by bases-loaded master Pat Tabler, against the Pirates on October 3, 1990.
* Two pitchers who have thrown perfect games have been the pitchers who gave the Mets the lead by hitting someone with a pitch- Don Larsen (1964) and Dennis Martinez (1991).
* Larsen hit Ron Hunt on July 31, 1964. It marked the first time in team history that the Mets were the beneficiaries of a go-ahead HBP.
True Metplunks know...Damion Easley has been hit by 132 pitches in his MLB career. This was the first time he ever gave his team the lead with an HBP.
This seems like a good spot to plug the new website, from the makers of Plunk Biggio: http://www.plunkeveryone.com/
Saturday, July 05, 2008
You've Selected: Agent Zero
Inspired by the noticing that Rickey Henderson never had a triple for the Mets.
An Agent Zero (named after a fictitious movie reference in Seinfeld) is a player who never had a (fill in the blank) for the Mets.
For the purposes of these lists, I did include pitchers within the tally.
Agent Zeroes
Mets History
Most Plate Appearances, No Singles
47- Randy Tate
34- Brian Daubach
23- Andy Hassler
22- Sandy Alomar Sr.
21- Mike Remlinger
>> Next position player: Ross Jones, 13
Most Plate Appearances, No Doubles
252- Pat Zachry
183- Jeff Duncan
179- Nolan Ryan
162- Roger Craig
118- Glendon Rusch
>> Next position player: Dick Stuart, 96
Most Plate Appearances, No Home Runs
798- Alex Trevino
657- Chris Cannizzaro
541- Jon Matlack
457- Al Leiter
455- David Cone
355- Tom Glavine
340- Phil Linz
Most Plate Appearances, No RBI
78- Eric Hillman
73- Doug Saunders
63- Ray Burris
62- Anthony Young
58- Charlie Puleo
57- Neil Allen
>> Next position player: Harry Chiti, 43
Most Plate Appearances, No Runs
52- Kelvin Torve
45- Warren Spahn
41- Mike Bruhert
38- Jimmie Schaffer
32- Jorge Sosa
>> Next position player: Matt Watson, 25
Most Plate Appearances, No SB
1,002- Mackey Sasser
894- Jason Phillips
654- Mo Vaughn
626- Mike Vail
586- Barry Lyons
541- Jon Matlack
Most Plate Appearances, No Strikeouts
9- Tim Corcoran
7- Brent Strom
7- Doug Henry
6- Gary Thurman
6- Tony Castillo
Most Plate Appearances, No Walks
131- Tracy Stallard
97- Shawon Dunston
94- Orlando Hernandez
83- Pedro Astacio
78- Eric Hillman
>> Next position player: Joe Moock, 40
Most Plate Appearances, No IBB
1,139- Tom Seaver
926- Jerry Koosman
837- Dwight Gooden
622- Derek Bell
605- Alex Ochoa
600- Ron Darling
Most Plate Appearances, No Sacrifice Flies
843- Rod Kanehl
573- Bobby Klaus
457- Al Leiter
426- Bobby Jones
421- Craig Swan
346- John Stephenson
336- Willie Randolph
An Agent Zero (named after a fictitious movie reference in Seinfeld) is a player who never had a (fill in the blank) for the Mets.
For the purposes of these lists, I did include pitchers within the tally.
Agent Zeroes
Mets History
Most Plate Appearances, No Singles
47- Randy Tate
34- Brian Daubach
23- Andy Hassler
22- Sandy Alomar Sr.
21- Mike Remlinger
>> Next position player: Ross Jones, 13
Most Plate Appearances, No Doubles
252- Pat Zachry
183- Jeff Duncan
179- Nolan Ryan
162- Roger Craig
118- Glendon Rusch
>> Next position player: Dick Stuart, 96
Most Plate Appearances, No Home Runs
798- Alex Trevino
657- Chris Cannizzaro
541- Jon Matlack
457- Al Leiter
455- David Cone
355- Tom Glavine
340- Phil Linz
Most Plate Appearances, No RBI
78- Eric Hillman
73- Doug Saunders
63- Ray Burris
62- Anthony Young
58- Charlie Puleo
57- Neil Allen
>> Next position player: Harry Chiti, 43
Most Plate Appearances, No Runs
52- Kelvin Torve
45- Warren Spahn
41- Mike Bruhert
38- Jimmie Schaffer
32- Jorge Sosa
>> Next position player: Matt Watson, 25
Most Plate Appearances, No SB
1,002- Mackey Sasser
894- Jason Phillips
654- Mo Vaughn
626- Mike Vail
586- Barry Lyons
541- Jon Matlack
Most Plate Appearances, No Strikeouts
9- Tim Corcoran
7- Brent Strom
7- Doug Henry
6- Gary Thurman
6- Tony Castillo
Most Plate Appearances, No Walks
131- Tracy Stallard
97- Shawon Dunston
94- Orlando Hernandez
83- Pedro Astacio
78- Eric Hillman
>> Next position player: Joe Moock, 40
Most Plate Appearances, No IBB
1,139- Tom Seaver
926- Jerry Koosman
837- Dwight Gooden
622- Derek Bell
605- Alex Ochoa
600- Ron Darling
Most Plate Appearances, No Sacrifice Flies
843- Rod Kanehl
573- Bobby Klaus
457- Al Leiter
426- Bobby Jones
421- Craig Swan
346- John Stephenson
336- Willie Randolph
Saturday, September 22, 2007
A Quick Observation
And we thank Scott "I'm Jewish but my favorite holiday is Christmas" Schoenweis for not taking Friday night off to observe Yom Kippur.
And to reward those who endured that particular game, we offer up the following tidbit.
This was the third time in Mets history that they scored at least nine or more runs, but the opposing staff yielded one earned run or fewer.
The most recent occurrence, I believe I've referenced before: a 16-4 victory over the Astros in the opener of a doubleheader on July 27, 1985 (attended by this blogger, than a puzzled 10-year-old scorekeeper), in which all 16 runs were unearned, thanks to five Astros errors.
The other was a 10-inning 11-9 loss to the Braves on June 5, 1963, a game in which the Mets rallied from 9-1 down to tie, only to lose in extra innings.
And to reward those who endured that particular game, we offer up the following tidbit.
This was the third time in Mets history that they scored at least nine or more runs, but the opposing staff yielded one earned run or fewer.
The most recent occurrence, I believe I've referenced before: a 16-4 victory over the Astros in the opener of a doubleheader on July 27, 1985 (attended by this blogger, than a puzzled 10-year-old scorekeeper), in which all 16 runs were unearned, thanks to five Astros errors.
The other was a 10-inning 11-9 loss to the Braves on June 5, 1963, a game in which the Mets rallied from 9-1 down to tie, only to lose in extra innings.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Mets vs Pirates, Rivalry Minutiae
So I'm headed to Pittsburgh for the Mets 3-game series with the Pirates this week and their 328th game in that city will be my first, unless you count my unpleasant one-inning venture into last year's All-Star Game.
Because I wanted to be properly armed minutiae-wise for my travels, I did some studying on Baseball-Reference.com and BaseballMusings on previous Mets voyages to The Steel City, and here's what I've gleaned.
* The Mets are 316-350 all-time against the Pirates, with 146 of their victories coming in Pittsburgh. The all-time record is slightly misleading, because if you subtract the first five seasons in Mets history, the club is 295-281 against Pittsburgh. That's pretty good considering they started 1-10, 2-20, 5-30, and 8-40 against the Pirates.
* Only two players have had a .400 or better batting average for the Mets against the Pirates (minimum 50 plate appearances). If you guessed that the pair were Rico Brogna (.414) and Dave Gallagher (.409), you're not only correct, but amazing, and should probably be writing your own blog.
* The most home runs by a Met against the Pirates is 34, by Darryl Strawberry, a whopping 13 more than runner-up Dave Kingman.
* Only one Met has had a five-hit, two-homer game in Pittsburgh. That was done by Mike Piazza on April 14, 2000. Dave Kingman (3), Willie Montanez, Mark Carreon, and John Olerud are the only other Mets with a multi-homer game in Pittsburgh. Tommie Agee is the only other Met with a five-hit game in Pittsburgh.
* The most wins for a Mets pitcher against the Pirates is 21, by both Jerry Koosman and Tom Seaver. The most wins for an unbeaten Mets pitcher against the Pirates is 4, as both Tom Glavine and George Stone have 4-0 records against Pittsburgh as Mets.
* The complete-game shutout has indeed gone the way of the dinosaur, particularly when it comes to throwing one on the road. The last Met to throw a complete-game shutout in Pittsburgh was David Cone, on September 29, 1989. In fact, the Mets have had only one other shutout in Pittsburgh since that game (May 9, 2000). Cone is also the last Mets pitcher to strike out 10+ in Pittsburgh, which he did on October 1, 1990. The only other Mets to strike out 10+ in Pittsburgh are Tom Seaver (3 times) Sid Fernandez, and Nolan Ryan.
Because I wanted to be properly armed minutiae-wise for my travels, I did some studying on Baseball-Reference.com and BaseballMusings on previous Mets voyages to The Steel City, and here's what I've gleaned.
* The Mets are 316-350 all-time against the Pirates, with 146 of their victories coming in Pittsburgh. The all-time record is slightly misleading, because if you subtract the first five seasons in Mets history, the club is 295-281 against Pittsburgh. That's pretty good considering they started 1-10, 2-20, 5-30, and 8-40 against the Pirates.
* Only two players have had a .400 or better batting average for the Mets against the Pirates (minimum 50 plate appearances). If you guessed that the pair were Rico Brogna (.414) and Dave Gallagher (.409), you're not only correct, but amazing, and should probably be writing your own blog.
* The most home runs by a Met against the Pirates is 34, by Darryl Strawberry, a whopping 13 more than runner-up Dave Kingman.
* Only one Met has had a five-hit, two-homer game in Pittsburgh. That was done by Mike Piazza on April 14, 2000. Dave Kingman (3), Willie Montanez, Mark Carreon, and John Olerud are the only other Mets with a multi-homer game in Pittsburgh. Tommie Agee is the only other Met with a five-hit game in Pittsburgh.
* The most wins for a Mets pitcher against the Pirates is 21, by both Jerry Koosman and Tom Seaver. The most wins for an unbeaten Mets pitcher against the Pirates is 4, as both Tom Glavine and George Stone have 4-0 records against Pittsburgh as Mets.
* The complete-game shutout has indeed gone the way of the dinosaur, particularly when it comes to throwing one on the road. The last Met to throw a complete-game shutout in Pittsburgh was David Cone, on September 29, 1989. In fact, the Mets have had only one other shutout in Pittsburgh since that game (May 9, 2000). Cone is also the last Mets pitcher to strike out 10+ in Pittsburgh, which he did on October 1, 1990. The only other Mets to strike out 10+ in Pittsburgh are Tom Seaver (3 times) Sid Fernandez, and Nolan Ryan.
* It appears that the Mets have only had two players who were Pittsburgh natives- Frank Thomas and Don Shaw. If we include managers, you can add Art Howe to the list, though I prefer to forget him.
* Among the unique things that have happened involving Mets trips to Pittsburgh: A September 12, 1969 doubleheader in which the Mets won each game 1-0 and the winning pitchers (Jerry Koosman and Don Cardwell) drove in the winning run in each game; a walk-off loss on August 8, 1974 interruped by the announcement of the resignation of president Richard Nixon, and an August 6, 1988 matchup in which the Mets were the recipient of three balk calls in the eighth inning of an eventual 5-3 victory over the Pirates and their closer, Jim Gott.
* 93 players have played for both the Mets and the Pirates in their careers, a list that includes Moises Alou and Gary Matthews Jr. among others, though I'd forgotten that either played for Pittsburgh. Of those, four played for only the Mets and Pirates, with that quartet being household names Steve Bieser, Larry Elliott, Larry Foss, and Tom (traded to Houston for Jerry Grote) Parsons.
* The Mets are 39-30 all-time in games against the Pirates that were decided by walk-off, but only 1-1 since 2000.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Because I Know You're Curious
Getting right to it...
Damion Easley's inside-the-park HR was indeed the 24th in Mets history
* 10 at home, 14 on the road
* 23 different players. The only one with 2 is Darryl Strawberry
* Most is: 5 against the Phillies, 4 against the Reds
* First was by Gil Hodges, May 16, 1962 against the Cubs at the Polo Grounds
* First at Shea was by Ron Hunt, June 5, 1966 against the Dodgers (Game 1 of doubleheader against Sandy Koufax, while trailing 15-2)
* There have been 2 inside-the-park HR to come in walk-off wins.
May 16, 1962- Gil Hodges vs Cubs (Felix Mantilla walk-off hit)
June 11, 2005- Marlon Anderson vs Angels (Cliff Floyd walk-off HR)
* Mets who have had a walk-off HR and an inside-the-park HR: Darryl Strawberry, Dave Kingman, Gil Hodges, Howard Johnson, Kevin Elster, Lee Mazzilli and Steve Henderson
* Most HR by a Met who never hit an inside-the-park HR, Mike Piazza, 220, Todd Hundley, 124
* Seasons with more than one: 1962, 1979, 1980, 1982, 2006, all with 2
Damion Easley's inside-the-park HR was indeed the 24th in Mets history
* 10 at home, 14 on the road
* 23 different players. The only one with 2 is Darryl Strawberry
* Most is: 5 against the Phillies, 4 against the Reds
* First was by Gil Hodges, May 16, 1962 against the Cubs at the Polo Grounds
* First at Shea was by Ron Hunt, June 5, 1966 against the Dodgers (Game 1 of doubleheader against Sandy Koufax, while trailing 15-2)
* There have been 2 inside-the-park HR to come in walk-off wins.
May 16, 1962- Gil Hodges vs Cubs (Felix Mantilla walk-off hit)
June 11, 2005- Marlon Anderson vs Angels (Cliff Floyd walk-off HR)
* Mets who have had a walk-off HR and an inside-the-park HR: Darryl Strawberry, Dave Kingman, Gil Hodges, Howard Johnson, Kevin Elster, Lee Mazzilli and Steve Henderson
* Most HR by a Met who never hit an inside-the-park HR, Mike Piazza, 220, Todd Hundley, 124
* Seasons with more than one: 1962, 1979, 1980, 1982, 2006, all with 2
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Hit Streak Minutiae
Source: Baseball-Reference.com Play Index
* Longest Hit Streaks
Mets History
David Wright 2006-07 24
Hubie Brooks 1984 24
Mike Piazza 1999 24
John Olerud 1998 23
Mike Vail 1975 23
Cleon Jones 1970 23
* Longest Hit Streaks
From Start of His Season, Mets History
David Wright 2007 12
Ed Kranepool 1965 12
Johnny Lewis 1965 11
* Longest Multi-Season Hit Streaks
Mets History
David Wright 2006-07 24
Jose Vizcaino 1995-96 16
Gary Carter 1986-87 16
Rusty Staub 1973-74 16
* The longest hit streak of a multi-hit variety in Mets history is 8 games, by Steve Henderson (1979). Thirteen players have reached 6 games, including Carlos Beltran (2006) and Jose Reyes (2003).
* The longest hit streak by a Mets pitcher is held by Jerry Koosman, at 6 games (1974)
* The longest hitless streak by a Mets position player is 20 games, by David Wright's good friend, Joe McEwing (2002).
* The longest "reached base at least once" streak in Mets history is 47 games, set by John Olerud (1998-99). Jose Vizcaino (1995-96), Darryl Strawberry (1987) and Keith Hernandez (1983) are all tied for 2nd at 32 games.
* The longest "reached via error" streak in Mets history is 4 games, by Ty Wigginton (2003)
* The longest "reached via walk" streak in Mets history is 12 games, by Darryl Strawberry (1987)
* What did Piazza do in the 25th game? He went 0-4 in a 6-3 win over the Marlins. What did Brooks do in the 25th game? He went 0-4 in a 5-2 win over the Cardinals.
* Neither Piazza nor Brooks had a walk-off hit during their hit streak. The longest hitting streak by a Mets player, who had a walk-off hit during that hit streak is the 23-gamer by Cleon Jones in 1970. He had a walk-off triple against the Phillies on September 10, 1970, though he had a hit earlier in the game, extending his hit streak to 18 games.
* Longest Hit Streaks
Mets History
David Wright 2006-07 24
Hubie Brooks 1984 24
Mike Piazza 1999 24
John Olerud 1998 23
Mike Vail 1975 23
Cleon Jones 1970 23
* Longest Hit Streaks
From Start of His Season, Mets History
David Wright 2007 12
Ed Kranepool 1965 12
Johnny Lewis 1965 11
* Longest Multi-Season Hit Streaks
Mets History
David Wright 2006-07 24
Jose Vizcaino 1995-96 16
Gary Carter 1986-87 16
Rusty Staub 1973-74 16
* The longest hit streak of a multi-hit variety in Mets history is 8 games, by Steve Henderson (1979). Thirteen players have reached 6 games, including Carlos Beltran (2006) and Jose Reyes (2003).
* The longest hit streak by a Mets pitcher is held by Jerry Koosman, at 6 games (1974)
* The longest hitless streak by a Mets position player is 20 games, by David Wright's good friend, Joe McEwing (2002).
* The longest "reached base at least once" streak in Mets history is 47 games, set by John Olerud (1998-99). Jose Vizcaino (1995-96), Darryl Strawberry (1987) and Keith Hernandez (1983) are all tied for 2nd at 32 games.
* The longest "reached via error" streak in Mets history is 4 games, by Ty Wigginton (2003)
* The longest "reached via walk" streak in Mets history is 12 games, by Darryl Strawberry (1987)
* What did Piazza do in the 25th game? He went 0-4 in a 6-3 win over the Marlins. What did Brooks do in the 25th game? He went 0-4 in a 5-2 win over the Cardinals.
* Neither Piazza nor Brooks had a walk-off hit during their hit streak. The longest hitting streak by a Mets player, who had a walk-off hit during that hit streak is the 23-gamer by Cleon Jones in 1970. He had a walk-off triple against the Phillies on September 10, 1970, though he had a hit earlier in the game, extending his hit streak to 18 games.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The 411 on Metskilledya
The post counter on my blogger page tells me that this is post #411 and I'll go with that, even though some of them consist of me merely saying "No post today, back tomorrow."
With that in mind, my goal today is to be as informative as I was in post #410, which I'd have to rank among my all-time favorites (maybe at 500, we'll do a "best of"). So today, rather than pay tribute to Mets killers, I'm going to borrow an idea from Jerry Seinfeld and do the opposite. It's my little tribute to his tv show (and George's gym teacher, Mr. Heyman) that I'm going to refer to the players I write about today as "Metskilledya."
Again, following the Q and A format, with mucho kudos to the Play Index section at Baseball-Reference.com
Who holds the record for longest "hitless" streak against the Mets?
Well, in order to do this, we have to adjust our criteria to suit what Baseball-Reference can handle, and as a result, there are several answers.
The most consecutive games without a hit, against the Mets (with at least 1 AB or SF per game) is 17. Dennis Martinez went 0-35 in a 17-game stretch from 1988 to 1993. Bill Hands was even worse, going 0-45 over 17 games from 1966 to 1970.
If we go the non-pitcher route, we're looking at Manny Sanguillen, who was 0-19 over a 15-game swing from 1979-80, but that includes time as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement.
If we enforce the criteria that you had to start each game, the longest skein is 11 games, by shortstop Bobby Wine (0-26) from 1964 to 1965, one more than Mike Scioscia (0-32 over 10 starts in 1987-88) and Tommy Gregg (0-37 over 10 starts from 1989 to 1991).
Aren't you glad you asked?
Who holds the record for most consecutive STARTS without reaching base, against the Mets (non-pitchers)
The answer is two guys whose names I've never heard- Luis Gomez (1980) and the immortal Skip Jutze (1973-76)
Who, among non-pitchers has the longest streak of games, without a home run, against the Mets?
The answer is a former Met, Larry Bowa, who had none over 254 games from 1970 to 1985. That doesn't particularly appeal to me because he never hit home runs. Among credible home run hitters, the top two are basically Lou Brock (118 games, 1967 to 1974) and our favorite, Bill Buckner (78 games, 1970-1979).
Who, among non pitchers, has the longest streak of games with a strikeout, against the Mets?
Not surprisingly, the answer is former Met Andres Galarraga, who struck out in 19 straight games against them from 1988-1989. If we include pitchers, the answer becomes Wayne Twitchell and Bob Veale, who each had 21-game runs. Special kudos to current Met farmhand Fernando Tatis, who had a run of 19 straight starts with a whiff from 1998-2001.
Who had the most consecutive games of hitting into a double play against the Mets?
A twin killing deserves a twin "Metskilledya." John Kruk (1986-87) and Al Oliver (1969) share the honors, with four games apiece.
Who suffered a loss in the most consecutive games against the Mets?
Interestingly, the answer is a former Met, Pete Falcone, who lost 7 straight appearances against the Mets from 1976-1978, despite a respectable 4.04 ERA. Falcone finished his career an unremarkable 0-9 against the Mets, making him the patron saint among "Metskilledya" pitchers.
This question has a fun spinoff. If you make the query: Whose team suffered the most defeats in his consecutive appearances against the Mets (make sense?), the answer is poor Larry McWilliams. During one stretch of his career (1985-1988), McWilliams appeared in 16 games against the Mets, and his team dropped all 16. His name was McWilliams, not McLucky.
What team had the longest losing streak against the Mets?
The 1986-87 Pirates dropped 15 straight in one stretch, four worse than the 1969 Padres, but they got their revenge by hurting the Mets division title chances in the latter part of the 1987 season.
What team went the most games without a home run, against the Mets?
The 1991 Cardinals, reliant on speed more than power, won 8 of 12 games against the Mets in one span without going deep once, edging out the 1969-70 Phillies (11) by one game.
And just to appease those curious from Wednesday night's disaster...
True Metrezs know...The most walks by a Mets pitcher in a walk-off win is 8, by Rick Ownbey, against the Expos on September 21, 1982. Ron Gardenhire, yes the current Twins manager, bailed Ownbey out with a walk-off home run to give the Mets a 2-1 win.
With that in mind, my goal today is to be as informative as I was in post #410, which I'd have to rank among my all-time favorites (maybe at 500, we'll do a "best of"). So today, rather than pay tribute to Mets killers, I'm going to borrow an idea from Jerry Seinfeld and do the opposite. It's my little tribute to his tv show (and George's gym teacher, Mr. Heyman) that I'm going to refer to the players I write about today as "Metskilledya."
Again, following the Q and A format, with mucho kudos to the Play Index section at Baseball-Reference.com
Who holds the record for longest "hitless" streak against the Mets?
Well, in order to do this, we have to adjust our criteria to suit what Baseball-Reference can handle, and as a result, there are several answers.
The most consecutive games without a hit, against the Mets (with at least 1 AB or SF per game) is 17. Dennis Martinez went 0-35 in a 17-game stretch from 1988 to 1993. Bill Hands was even worse, going 0-45 over 17 games from 1966 to 1970.
If we go the non-pitcher route, we're looking at Manny Sanguillen, who was 0-19 over a 15-game swing from 1979-80, but that includes time as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement.
If we enforce the criteria that you had to start each game, the longest skein is 11 games, by shortstop Bobby Wine (0-26) from 1964 to 1965, one more than Mike Scioscia (0-32 over 10 starts in 1987-88) and Tommy Gregg (0-37 over 10 starts from 1989 to 1991).
Aren't you glad you asked?
Who holds the record for most consecutive STARTS without reaching base, against the Mets (non-pitchers)
The answer is two guys whose names I've never heard- Luis Gomez (1980) and the immortal Skip Jutze (1973-76)
Who, among non-pitchers has the longest streak of games, without a home run, against the Mets?
The answer is a former Met, Larry Bowa, who had none over 254 games from 1970 to 1985. That doesn't particularly appeal to me because he never hit home runs. Among credible home run hitters, the top two are basically Lou Brock (118 games, 1967 to 1974) and our favorite, Bill Buckner (78 games, 1970-1979).
Who, among non pitchers, has the longest streak of games with a strikeout, against the Mets?
Not surprisingly, the answer is former Met Andres Galarraga, who struck out in 19 straight games against them from 1988-1989. If we include pitchers, the answer becomes Wayne Twitchell and Bob Veale, who each had 21-game runs. Special kudos to current Met farmhand Fernando Tatis, who had a run of 19 straight starts with a whiff from 1998-2001.
Who had the most consecutive games of hitting into a double play against the Mets?
A twin killing deserves a twin "Metskilledya." John Kruk (1986-87) and Al Oliver (1969) share the honors, with four games apiece.
Who suffered a loss in the most consecutive games against the Mets?
Interestingly, the answer is a former Met, Pete Falcone, who lost 7 straight appearances against the Mets from 1976-1978, despite a respectable 4.04 ERA. Falcone finished his career an unremarkable 0-9 against the Mets, making him the patron saint among "Metskilledya" pitchers.
This question has a fun spinoff. If you make the query: Whose team suffered the most defeats in his consecutive appearances against the Mets (make sense?), the answer is poor Larry McWilliams. During one stretch of his career (1985-1988), McWilliams appeared in 16 games against the Mets, and his team dropped all 16. His name was McWilliams, not McLucky.
What team had the longest losing streak against the Mets?
The 1986-87 Pirates dropped 15 straight in one stretch, four worse than the 1969 Padres, but they got their revenge by hurting the Mets division title chances in the latter part of the 1987 season.
What team went the most games without a home run, against the Mets?
The 1991 Cardinals, reliant on speed more than power, won 8 of 12 games against the Mets in one span without going deep once, edging out the 1969-70 Phillies (11) by one game.
And just to appease those curious from Wednesday night's disaster...
True Metrezs know...The most walks by a Mets pitcher in a walk-off win is 8, by Rick Ownbey, against the Expos on September 21, 1982. Ron Gardenhire, yes the current Twins manager, bailed Ownbey out with a walk-off home run to give the Mets a 2-1 win.
Minutiae Break: Mets Killers and Streakholders
I'd been wanting to write something on Mets-killers and streakholders for quite some time and the news of Ryan Howard's accomplishment Monday struck me as a good chance to do so.
For those unaware, Howard became the first player since Hank Aaron to homer in 5 consecutive games against the Mets. That's pretty impressive company, perhaps even more so considering that Aaron did it back in 1962-63.
So, with the help of those new handy-dandy Retrosheet search engine tools on Baseball-Reference.com, I thought I'd take a look at other noteworthy streakholders against the Mets. To make it an easier read (and perhaps inspire a trivia question or two), we'll offer it up in a Q and A format.
Who holds the record for the longest hitting streak against the Mets?
Matty Alou, 22 games, spanning from 1971 to 1973. Steve Finley (1995-97) and Gary Templeton (1978-79) rank 2nd with 21-game streaks.
Who holds the record for longest hitting streak against the Mets, at Shea Stadium?
Luis Castillo, 32 games (2001-2005), whose string is 9 better than Willie Davis' 23, which went from 1966 to 1969.
Who holds the record for most consecutive games with an extra-base hit, against the Mets?
A very difficult question to which the answer is Glenn Wilson, who had either a double, triple or home run in 9 straight games against the Mets during the 1985 season. Albert Pujols (2001-2002) and Chipper Jones (1999) came up one game shy).
Who holds the record for most consecutive games with a stolen base, against the Mets?
Another that we'd put on the very difficult list. It's not Vince Coleman, Joe Morgan, Tony Womack, Brett Butler, Von Hayes or Jimmy Wynn, who stole bases in 5 straight vs the Mets. The answer is well known for a famous strikeout: Kevin Bass, who stole a base in 6 straight games against the Mets during the 1988 season.
Who holds the record for most consecutive games with an RBI, against the Mets?
For this one, the top two blew me away. Former Met Ellis Valentine ranks second with a run of 11 straight games in 1976-77. Current Met Moises Alou ranks first with 14 straight from 1993 to 1995. Amazingly, the third-place opponent was hardly an RBI machine, ex-Giants second baseman Jim Davenport (9 straight, 1962).
Who holds the record for most consecutive games with a triple, against the Mets?
Another one you'd never guess with a million guesses, even if I told you it's a former Met. The answer is Donn Clendenon, who tripled in three straight games against the Mets in 1965.
Who holds the record for most consecutive appearances with a win, against the Mets?
Please note, this question is different from the question: Who has the longest win streak against the Mets? We're looking for wins in consecutive appearances. Actually, either way, the pitcher is the same: Larry Jackson, whom we've previously written about. He picked up the win in 13 straight appearances against the Mets, from 1962 to 1966.
Who holds the record for most consecutive appearances with a shutout, against the Mets?
This is a fun one for me. The runners-up are Juan Marichal (1965) and near-1986 World Series hero Bruce Hurst (1992) with three apiece. But the victory for this answer is Vern Law, who tossed four straight shutouts against the Mets in 1965-66.
Which team holds the record for most consecutive wins against the Mets?
As recently as 2004, a team threatened this mark, when the Marlins won 10 straight against the Mets. But the 12 straight by those Milwaukee Braves for which Hank Aaron was homering in 1962-63, still remains the record to this day.
What team holds the record for most consecutive games with a home run against the Mets?
The answer to that query is pertinent today, because the answer is these Phillies, who have homered in 19 straight games against the Mets, dating back to last season. And yet, the Phillies are 7-12 in those 19 games. Go figure.
For those unaware, Howard became the first player since Hank Aaron to homer in 5 consecutive games against the Mets. That's pretty impressive company, perhaps even more so considering that Aaron did it back in 1962-63.
So, with the help of those new handy-dandy Retrosheet search engine tools on Baseball-Reference.com, I thought I'd take a look at other noteworthy streakholders against the Mets. To make it an easier read (and perhaps inspire a trivia question or two), we'll offer it up in a Q and A format.
Who holds the record for the longest hitting streak against the Mets?
Matty Alou, 22 games, spanning from 1971 to 1973. Steve Finley (1995-97) and Gary Templeton (1978-79) rank 2nd with 21-game streaks.
Who holds the record for longest hitting streak against the Mets, at Shea Stadium?
Luis Castillo, 32 games (2001-2005), whose string is 9 better than Willie Davis' 23, which went from 1966 to 1969.
Who holds the record for most consecutive games with an extra-base hit, against the Mets?
A very difficult question to which the answer is Glenn Wilson, who had either a double, triple or home run in 9 straight games against the Mets during the 1985 season. Albert Pujols (2001-2002) and Chipper Jones (1999) came up one game shy).
Who holds the record for most consecutive games with a stolen base, against the Mets?
Another that we'd put on the very difficult list. It's not Vince Coleman, Joe Morgan, Tony Womack, Brett Butler, Von Hayes or Jimmy Wynn, who stole bases in 5 straight vs the Mets. The answer is well known for a famous strikeout: Kevin Bass, who stole a base in 6 straight games against the Mets during the 1988 season.
Who holds the record for most consecutive games with an RBI, against the Mets?
For this one, the top two blew me away. Former Met Ellis Valentine ranks second with a run of 11 straight games in 1976-77. Current Met Moises Alou ranks first with 14 straight from 1993 to 1995. Amazingly, the third-place opponent was hardly an RBI machine, ex-Giants second baseman Jim Davenport (9 straight, 1962).
Who holds the record for most consecutive games with a triple, against the Mets?
Another one you'd never guess with a million guesses, even if I told you it's a former Met. The answer is Donn Clendenon, who tripled in three straight games against the Mets in 1965.
Who holds the record for most consecutive appearances with a win, against the Mets?
Please note, this question is different from the question: Who has the longest win streak against the Mets? We're looking for wins in consecutive appearances. Actually, either way, the pitcher is the same: Larry Jackson, whom we've previously written about. He picked up the win in 13 straight appearances against the Mets, from 1962 to 1966.
Who holds the record for most consecutive appearances with a shutout, against the Mets?
This is a fun one for me. The runners-up are Juan Marichal (1965) and near-1986 World Series hero Bruce Hurst (1992) with three apiece. But the victory for this answer is Vern Law, who tossed four straight shutouts against the Mets in 1965-66.
Which team holds the record for most consecutive wins against the Mets?
As recently as 2004, a team threatened this mark, when the Marlins won 10 straight against the Mets. But the 12 straight by those Milwaukee Braves for which Hank Aaron was homering in 1962-63, still remains the record to this day.
What team holds the record for most consecutive games with a home run against the Mets?
The answer to that query is pertinent today, because the answer is these Phillies, who have homered in 19 straight games against the Mets, dating back to last season. And yet, the Phillies are 7-12 in those 19 games. Go figure.
Monday, April 09, 2007
A History of HOTWOOD
It's a beautiful day for baseball this Monday (more or less) as the game returns to Flushing for the first time this season and we're excited that there's finally a chance for walk-off wins again.
That got us to doing some research into what we're calling HOTWOOD. No, that has nothing to do with the Mets bats from their first few games, nor is it the town in Indiana where (name that obscure Met) grew up.
HOTWOOD stands for Home Openers That Weren't On Opening Day.
And here's what we can tell you about them...
* The Mets are 12-9 all-time in HOTWOOD, a good record, but far shy of their 29-17 Opening Day mark.
*The Mets have won 5 HOTWOOD in a row, though that comes with an asterisk attached to the 2000 HOTWOOD win. When the Mets opened in Japan in 2000, they were technically the home team on Opening Day, but to call that game the "home opener" would be inappropriate, as it would also be to acknowledge the second "fake" Opening Day" that came after the 1981 strike. So we won't. We also only count one of the two defeats suffered in a doubleheader against the Giants on HOTWOOD, 1997, because there can only be one HOTWOOD game per season.
* If you're attending this HOTWOOD, expect the Mets to have some hot wood. In this five-game streak, the Mets have outscored their opponents, 37-16, scoring an average of 7.4 runs per HOTWOOD. Their high for runs scored in a HOTWOOD is 10, which came in 2004 against the Braves and 1995 against the Cardinals.
* Mets pitchers have thrown 3 shutouts on HOTWOOD. They were tossed by Jerry Koosman (1968 vs Giants), Tom Seaver (1977 vs Cardinals) and Ron Darling (1988 vs Expos). Koosman's came two days after the Mets lost a 1-0 24-inning affair in Houston so the bullpen was much appreciative.
* Conversely, the Mets have been shut out twice on HOTWOOD, in 1984 by Bryn Smith and 1992 by Ken Hill. Both were with the Expos at the time.
* The only previous Mets HOTWOOD against the Phillies came in 1982, as Randy Jones somehow beat Steve Carlton, 5-2, with the help of a 3-run home run from Dave Kingman.
* The Mets won their last HOTWOOD, 8-4 against the Astros, in 2005. They scored 5 runs in the 8th inning to get the victory, with the go-ahead hit coming from Kazuo Matsui.
* Of the 9 HOTWOOD defeats, 3 game in extra innings-- a 6-2 13-inning loss to the Cardinals in 1986, a 3-2 14-inning loss to the Expos in 1979, and a 6-4 10-inning loss against the Pirates in 1970, the day they raised their first world championship banner.
* The Mets first HOTWOOD came in 1962, a 4-3 loss to the Pirates. Sherman "Roadblock" Jones had the honor of making the first HOTWOOD start, just a few months after he'd been pitching in the World Series for the Reds. He pitched alright but took the loss, one of four defeats he'd suffer (with no victories) in his final major-league season.
* And lastly, the Mets have never had a walk-off win in a HOTWOOD, so please forgive us if we're rooting for a little history today.
That got us to doing some research into what we're calling HOTWOOD. No, that has nothing to do with the Mets bats from their first few games, nor is it the town in Indiana where (name that obscure Met) grew up.
HOTWOOD stands for Home Openers That Weren't On Opening Day.
And here's what we can tell you about them...
* The Mets are 12-9 all-time in HOTWOOD, a good record, but far shy of their 29-17 Opening Day mark.
*The Mets have won 5 HOTWOOD in a row, though that comes with an asterisk attached to the 2000 HOTWOOD win. When the Mets opened in Japan in 2000, they were technically the home team on Opening Day, but to call that game the "home opener" would be inappropriate, as it would also be to acknowledge the second "fake" Opening Day" that came after the 1981 strike. So we won't. We also only count one of the two defeats suffered in a doubleheader against the Giants on HOTWOOD, 1997, because there can only be one HOTWOOD game per season.
* If you're attending this HOTWOOD, expect the Mets to have some hot wood. In this five-game streak, the Mets have outscored their opponents, 37-16, scoring an average of 7.4 runs per HOTWOOD. Their high for runs scored in a HOTWOOD is 10, which came in 2004 against the Braves and 1995 against the Cardinals.
* Mets pitchers have thrown 3 shutouts on HOTWOOD. They were tossed by Jerry Koosman (1968 vs Giants), Tom Seaver (1977 vs Cardinals) and Ron Darling (1988 vs Expos). Koosman's came two days after the Mets lost a 1-0 24-inning affair in Houston so the bullpen was much appreciative.
* Conversely, the Mets have been shut out twice on HOTWOOD, in 1984 by Bryn Smith and 1992 by Ken Hill. Both were with the Expos at the time.
* The only previous Mets HOTWOOD against the Phillies came in 1982, as Randy Jones somehow beat Steve Carlton, 5-2, with the help of a 3-run home run from Dave Kingman.
* The Mets won their last HOTWOOD, 8-4 against the Astros, in 2005. They scored 5 runs in the 8th inning to get the victory, with the go-ahead hit coming from Kazuo Matsui.
* Of the 9 HOTWOOD defeats, 3 game in extra innings-- a 6-2 13-inning loss to the Cardinals in 1986, a 3-2 14-inning loss to the Expos in 1979, and a 6-4 10-inning loss against the Pirates in 1970, the day they raised their first world championship banner.
* The Mets first HOTWOOD came in 1962, a 4-3 loss to the Pirates. Sherman "Roadblock" Jones had the honor of making the first HOTWOOD start, just a few months after he'd been pitching in the World Series for the Reds. He pitched alright but took the loss, one of four defeats he'd suffer (with no victories) in his final major-league season.
* And lastly, the Mets have never had a walk-off win in a HOTWOOD, so please forgive us if we're rooting for a little history today.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Triple Your Pleasure (x2)
I've sung the praises of this new Baseball-Reference Play Index tool a few times already, so I'll tell you again how wonderful it is to be able to use it to share some more minutiae with you. People like to speak of the excitement of the multi-homer game. A multi-triple game, like the one Jose Reyes had in another rout on Friday, is as exciting, and a lot more rare.
* It was the 3rd multi-triple game of Jose Reyes' career. The two previous ones came in 2005- on May 18 against the Reds and May 26 in Florida against the Marlins.
* The 3 multi-triple games are a team record, breaking the mark he previously shared with Doug Flynn (who once had a 3-triple game) and Lance Johnson.
* Johnson had 8 multi-triple games, most by any player within the last 50 years, one more than George Brett and two more than Willie Mays. The active leaders are Carl Crawford and Omar Vizquel, who have 5.
* Among the other notable players to have had 3 multi-triple games: Joe Morgan, Pete Rose (2 coming against the Mets), Lou Brock, and Vince Coleman
* Lastly, if anyone out there can name the only pitcher in the last 50 years to have a multi-triple game, you're golden in my eyes. Or in this case, you're probably related to the guy who did it, Jim Golden, who had a multi-triple game against the Mets in a 16-3 win by Houston in Game 2 of a doubleheader on June 22, 1962. Amazing.
* It was the 3rd multi-triple game of Jose Reyes' career. The two previous ones came in 2005- on May 18 against the Reds and May 26 in Florida against the Marlins.
* The 3 multi-triple games are a team record, breaking the mark he previously shared with Doug Flynn (who once had a 3-triple game) and Lance Johnson.
* Johnson had 8 multi-triple games, most by any player within the last 50 years, one more than George Brett and two more than Willie Mays. The active leaders are Carl Crawford and Omar Vizquel, who have 5.
* Among the other notable players to have had 3 multi-triple games: Joe Morgan, Pete Rose (2 coming against the Mets), Lou Brock, and Vince Coleman
* Lastly, if anyone out there can name the only pitcher in the last 50 years to have a multi-triple game, you're golden in my eyes. Or in this case, you're probably related to the guy who did it, Jim Golden, who had a multi-triple game against the Mets in a 16-3 win by Houston in Game 2 of a doubleheader on June 22, 1962. Amazing.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Busch Administration
I'd imagine the Cardinals approval ratings are about as low as our current President, especially after...
* This, which was the third time in the history of the Mets-Cardinals rivalry that the Mets scored 10 or more runs and the Cardinals tallied none. The first was a Jon Matlack 13-0 shutout at home on July 1, 1976. The second was an 11-0 Sid Fernandez gem in St. Louis on August 1, 1989.
* It was the first time the Mets beat the Cardinals by 10+ since a 13-1 romp on September 7, 1989.
* The 2 runs allowed by the Mets in their first three games were the fewest they've surrendered in an opening trio in team history. The previous best was 4, in 1981, a season interrupted by strike. The Mets are 3-0 for the first time since 1994, also a season wiped out by strike.
* John Maine became the 2nd Mets starter ever to pitch at least 7 innings, allowing 1 hit or fewer, within his team's first 3 games of the season. The other was the "great" Bruce Berenyi, who matched Maine's effort with seven one-hit innings against the Reds in a one-hit shutout on April 12, 1985.
*This was the 36th time in team history that a Mets starter threw at least seven innings, allowing one hit or fewer. The Mets are 32-4 in those 36 games, though it's hard to believe they lost any of them. For those curious, Tom Seaver pitched 5 such games. David Cone had three. Steve Trachsel and Nolan Ryan, along with Jon Matlack, Tom Glavine, Gary Gentry and Sid Fernandez have each had two. A bunch of others have thrown one, Maine now among them.
* It was the first Mets sweep in St. Louis since May 26-28, 2000, but the Mets only outscored the Cardinals in those games by an 23-12 count.
* It was somewhat reminiscent of a 4-game sweep that the Mets had in St. Louis from April 24-27, 1986, their first trip back to St. Louis after a heartbreaking conclusion to the previous campaign. The Mets outscored the Cardinals in that one, 23-10, and had a 9-0 rout within that quartet. The Mets enjoyed an immensely successful run through St. Louis that season, winning 8 of 9 games there.
* The Mets failed to turn a double play, but did turn 7 in this 3 game series, reducing the pace they're on to 378 double plays for the season. The good news though is that with his performance in the series finale, Carlos Beltran is now on pace to drive in 322 runs and Jose Reyes is on pace to score 270.
* And lastly, as a "walk-off" reward for those who have read this far. The win in the series finale came 11 years to the day of a Mets walk-off win against the Cardinals, and they scored 10 runs that day too!
It was a rather bizarre contest, one that marked Paul Wilson's major-league debut (6 innings, 3 runs, 6 hits) and the only reason a walk-off was necessary was because of an 8th inning for the ages, in which the Cardinals scored five runs on three hits and four(!) Mets errors. St. Louis took a 9-8 lead in the top of the 9th on Willie McGee's two-out hit, but the Mets got some good fortune in their final frame.
With two outs and Edgardo Alfonzo on second base, Chris Jones hit a potential game-ending grounder to third. Fortunately for the Flushing faithful, Gary Gaetti played the role off Bill Buckner and Alfonzo came home with Jones going to second after the ball went through Gaetti's legs.
And then in a most appropriate twist, given Wednesday's events, the Mets had a Maine man, or in this case, a Mayne man ready to be the hero. Catcher, Brent (not pitcher, John), singled to right off future Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley and Jones came home with the game-winning run.
* This, which was the third time in the history of the Mets-Cardinals rivalry that the Mets scored 10 or more runs and the Cardinals tallied none. The first was a Jon Matlack 13-0 shutout at home on July 1, 1976. The second was an 11-0 Sid Fernandez gem in St. Louis on August 1, 1989.
* It was the first time the Mets beat the Cardinals by 10+ since a 13-1 romp on September 7, 1989.
* The 2 runs allowed by the Mets in their first three games were the fewest they've surrendered in an opening trio in team history. The previous best was 4, in 1981, a season interrupted by strike. The Mets are 3-0 for the first time since 1994, also a season wiped out by strike.
* John Maine became the 2nd Mets starter ever to pitch at least 7 innings, allowing 1 hit or fewer, within his team's first 3 games of the season. The other was the "great" Bruce Berenyi, who matched Maine's effort with seven one-hit innings against the Reds in a one-hit shutout on April 12, 1985.
*This was the 36th time in team history that a Mets starter threw at least seven innings, allowing one hit or fewer. The Mets are 32-4 in those 36 games, though it's hard to believe they lost any of them. For those curious, Tom Seaver pitched 5 such games. David Cone had three. Steve Trachsel and Nolan Ryan, along with Jon Matlack, Tom Glavine, Gary Gentry and Sid Fernandez have each had two. A bunch of others have thrown one, Maine now among them.
* It was the first Mets sweep in St. Louis since May 26-28, 2000, but the Mets only outscored the Cardinals in those games by an 23-12 count.
* It was somewhat reminiscent of a 4-game sweep that the Mets had in St. Louis from April 24-27, 1986, their first trip back to St. Louis after a heartbreaking conclusion to the previous campaign. The Mets outscored the Cardinals in that one, 23-10, and had a 9-0 rout within that quartet. The Mets enjoyed an immensely successful run through St. Louis that season, winning 8 of 9 games there.
* The Mets failed to turn a double play, but did turn 7 in this 3 game series, reducing the pace they're on to 378 double plays for the season. The good news though is that with his performance in the series finale, Carlos Beltran is now on pace to drive in 322 runs and Jose Reyes is on pace to score 270.
* And lastly, as a "walk-off" reward for those who have read this far. The win in the series finale came 11 years to the day of a Mets walk-off win against the Cardinals, and they scored 10 runs that day too!
It was a rather bizarre contest, one that marked Paul Wilson's major-league debut (6 innings, 3 runs, 6 hits) and the only reason a walk-off was necessary was because of an 8th inning for the ages, in which the Cardinals scored five runs on three hits and four(!) Mets errors. St. Louis took a 9-8 lead in the top of the 9th on Willie McGee's two-out hit, but the Mets got some good fortune in their final frame.
With two outs and Edgardo Alfonzo on second base, Chris Jones hit a potential game-ending grounder to third. Fortunately for the Flushing faithful, Gary Gaetti played the role off Bill Buckner and Alfonzo came home with Jones going to second after the ball went through Gaetti's legs.
And then in a most appropriate twist, given Wednesday's events, the Mets had a Maine man, or in this case, a Mayne man ready to be the hero. Catcher, Brent (not pitcher, John), singled to right off future Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley and Jones came home with the game-winning run.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Minutiae Break: It Takes Two
It was about a year ago at this time that we honored the Mets for reaching the 10,000 double plateau. We have no such milestones approaching for double plays, but since they've been the most important thing to come out of the two victories so far, we thought we'd pay homage.
* With 7 double plays turned in 2 games, the Mets are on pace to turn 567 for the season. That would shatter the club record of 171, previously set in 1966 and 1983. It would also destroy the major-league record of 217, set by the 1949 Philadelphia Athletics.
* The Mets turned 4 DP on Opening Day and 3 in the second game of the season. The record for double plays turned in a game is 5, previously set August 8, 1962 (a 5-2 win vs the Giants), May 24, 1973 against the Dodgers (7-3 19-inning win), June 9, 1983 against the Cubs in Wrigley Field (6-4 11-inning win) and June 5, 1997 at home against the Marlins (a 6-0 regulation victory).
* The information is a little more easily accessible on ground-ball double plays and that's good, since all seven have been of that nature. The 4 GIDP induced on Opening Day marked the first time the Mets had induced 4 or more GIDP in any game since an 11-9 12-inning win against the Giants in San Francisco on August 21, 2004. It was the 22nd time in team history that they've induced 4 or more GIDP in a game. The Mets are 15-7 all-time when they induce 4 GIDP or more in a game.
* The Mets have only had one walk-off win in a game in which they induced 4 GIDP. It was a 3-2 18-inning affair with the Phillies in the first game of a doubleheader, on August 1, 1972.
* Based on a search of the Baseball-Reference.com Play Index, it looks like the all time leader in GIDP for a player against the Mets is Pete Rose with 26. Both Rose and Terry Pendleton had 23 games in which they grounded into a double play against the Mets, the most of any player, though Pendleton only grounded into 23 total against them.
* The record for most ground-ball double plays in one game against the Mets, by a player is 3, by then-Phillies catcher Johnny Estrada in a 6-3 Phillies win on May 30, 2001.
* Speaking of the Phillies, they've had four games of grounding into at least four double plays against the Mets, most of any team. Sunday's game was the first such game for the Cardinals against the Mets.
* Armando Reynoso holds the club record for ground-ball DP induced, getting 5 in that 1997 win over the Marlins. Only one pitcher induced as many as 3 last season (Glavine got 3 in the opener). That would be Mike Pelfrey (8-3 win at Cincinnati, July 18, 2006).
* Famous DP in Mets history...Well, you have to start with September 24, 1969, when the Mets clinched the NL East with a 6-0 win over the Cardinals. The game ended with Joe Torre grounding into a 6-4-3 double play.
The Mets also clinched the 1973 NL East pennant with a double play when they beat the Cubs, 6-4 on October 1. Glenn Beckert hit a soft line drive to first and with baserunner Ken Rudolph in motion, it was an easy double play.
The 1986 season also had a bunch of Metmorable ones. The afforementioned Terry Pendleton hit into a game-ender in a 4-3 Mets win on April 26, 1986, the third win in a four-game sweep at the defending NL champion Cardinals.
There were also two of an unusual nature- a 3-5-4 in a 14-inning 6-3 win in Cincinnati (best known for the Eric Davis-Ray Knight fight, Dave Parker dropping a game-ending fly ball, and Jesse Orosco and Roger McDowell alternating between outfield and mound). The other was an 8-2-5 combination in a 6-5 win over the Padres on August 27, when John Gibbons got bowled over at home plate but still managed to throw out Tim Flannery, who was trying to go to third base.
* And while this wasn't scored a double play, it's still an interesting way to get two outs and worth your reading time.
http://metswalkoffs.blogspot.com/2006/08/impossible-has-happened.html
* With 7 double plays turned in 2 games, the Mets are on pace to turn 567 for the season. That would shatter the club record of 171, previously set in 1966 and 1983. It would also destroy the major-league record of 217, set by the 1949 Philadelphia Athletics.
* The Mets turned 4 DP on Opening Day and 3 in the second game of the season. The record for double plays turned in a game is 5, previously set August 8, 1962 (a 5-2 win vs the Giants), May 24, 1973 against the Dodgers (7-3 19-inning win), June 9, 1983 against the Cubs in Wrigley Field (6-4 11-inning win) and June 5, 1997 at home against the Marlins (a 6-0 regulation victory).
* The information is a little more easily accessible on ground-ball double plays and that's good, since all seven have been of that nature. The 4 GIDP induced on Opening Day marked the first time the Mets had induced 4 or more GIDP in any game since an 11-9 12-inning win against the Giants in San Francisco on August 21, 2004. It was the 22nd time in team history that they've induced 4 or more GIDP in a game. The Mets are 15-7 all-time when they induce 4 GIDP or more in a game.
* The Mets have only had one walk-off win in a game in which they induced 4 GIDP. It was a 3-2 18-inning affair with the Phillies in the first game of a doubleheader, on August 1, 1972.
* Based on a search of the Baseball-Reference.com Play Index, it looks like the all time leader in GIDP for a player against the Mets is Pete Rose with 26. Both Rose and Terry Pendleton had 23 games in which they grounded into a double play against the Mets, the most of any player, though Pendleton only grounded into 23 total against them.
* The record for most ground-ball double plays in one game against the Mets, by a player is 3, by then-Phillies catcher Johnny Estrada in a 6-3 Phillies win on May 30, 2001.
* Speaking of the Phillies, they've had four games of grounding into at least four double plays against the Mets, most of any team. Sunday's game was the first such game for the Cardinals against the Mets.
* Armando Reynoso holds the club record for ground-ball DP induced, getting 5 in that 1997 win over the Marlins. Only one pitcher induced as many as 3 last season (Glavine got 3 in the opener). That would be Mike Pelfrey (8-3 win at Cincinnati, July 18, 2006).
* Famous DP in Mets history...Well, you have to start with September 24, 1969, when the Mets clinched the NL East with a 6-0 win over the Cardinals. The game ended with Joe Torre grounding into a 6-4-3 double play.
The Mets also clinched the 1973 NL East pennant with a double play when they beat the Cubs, 6-4 on October 1. Glenn Beckert hit a soft line drive to first and with baserunner Ken Rudolph in motion, it was an easy double play.
The 1986 season also had a bunch of Metmorable ones. The afforementioned Terry Pendleton hit into a game-ender in a 4-3 Mets win on April 26, 1986, the third win in a four-game sweep at the defending NL champion Cardinals.
There were also two of an unusual nature- a 3-5-4 in a 14-inning 6-3 win in Cincinnati (best known for the Eric Davis-Ray Knight fight, Dave Parker dropping a game-ending fly ball, and Jesse Orosco and Roger McDowell alternating between outfield and mound). The other was an 8-2-5 combination in a 6-5 win over the Padres on August 27, when John Gibbons got bowled over at home plate but still managed to throw out Tim Flannery, who was trying to go to third base.
* And while this wasn't scored a double play, it's still an interesting way to get two outs and worth your reading time.
http://metswalkoffs.blogspot.com/2006/08/impossible-has-happened.html
Friday, March 30, 2007
More Opening Day Minutiae
Thanks, in large part, to the new, Baseball-Reference.com PI tool, you can stump your friends with the following trivia...
* Six Mets have had 4 hits in an Opening Day game, but none has ever had more.
The 6 are
Richie Hebner, 1979
Kevin McReynolds, 1988
Darryl Strawberry, 1988
Jeff Kent, 1994
Todd Hundley, 1995
Xavier Nady, 2006
* Two Mets have scored 3 runs in an Opening Day game, but none has ever scored more. The 2 are
Jerry Grote, 1969
Brett Butler, 1995
(interestingly, the Mets lost both games)
* Two Mets have stolen 2 bases in an Opening Day game, but none has ever had more. The 2 are
Mookie Wilson, 1985
Darryl Strawberry, 1989
* Five Mets have homered twice in an Opening Day game, but none has ever had more. The 5 are
Cleon Jones, 1973
Darryl Strawberry, 1988
Kevin McReynolds, 1988
Bobby Bonilla, 1992
Robin Ventura, 2001
* Four Mets have had at least 4 RBI in an Opening Day game, but none has ever had more. The 4 are
Ron Swoboda, 1968
Richie Hebner, 1979
Todd Hundley, 1995
Robin Ventura, 2001
* The only Mets pitcher to throw a shutout on Opening Day is Dwight Gooden, circa 1993
* The only Mets pitcher to strike out 10 or more on Opening Day is Pedro Martinez, circa 2005 (12)
* Seven Mets relievers have recorded an Opening Day win. They are
Ron Taylor, 1970
Doug Sisk, 1983
Tom Gordon, 1985
Jeff Innis, 1992
Jerry Dipoto, 1996
Turk Wendell, 1998
Dennis Cook, 2001
* Two Mets pitchers have induced at least 3 GIDPs in an Opening Day game. They are
Mike Hampton, 2000 (4)
Bob Ojeda, 1989 (3)
* Three Mets pitchers have recorded a pickoff in an Opening Day game (yes, we're getting that obscure). They are
Tom Seaver, 1971
Tom Seaver, 1977
Tom Hausman, 1981
Tom Glavine, 2003
(yes, amazingly, they all share the same first name)
Back on Sunday, hopefully with something a little more creative.
* Six Mets have had 4 hits in an Opening Day game, but none has ever had more.
The 6 are
Richie Hebner, 1979
Kevin McReynolds, 1988
Darryl Strawberry, 1988
Jeff Kent, 1994
Todd Hundley, 1995
Xavier Nady, 2006
* Two Mets have scored 3 runs in an Opening Day game, but none has ever scored more. The 2 are
Jerry Grote, 1969
Brett Butler, 1995
(interestingly, the Mets lost both games)
* Two Mets have stolen 2 bases in an Opening Day game, but none has ever had more. The 2 are
Mookie Wilson, 1985
Darryl Strawberry, 1989
* Five Mets have homered twice in an Opening Day game, but none has ever had more. The 5 are
Cleon Jones, 1973
Darryl Strawberry, 1988
Kevin McReynolds, 1988
Bobby Bonilla, 1992
Robin Ventura, 2001
* Four Mets have had at least 4 RBI in an Opening Day game, but none has ever had more. The 4 are
Ron Swoboda, 1968
Richie Hebner, 1979
Todd Hundley, 1995
Robin Ventura, 2001
* The only Mets pitcher to throw a shutout on Opening Day is Dwight Gooden, circa 1993
* The only Mets pitcher to strike out 10 or more on Opening Day is Pedro Martinez, circa 2005 (12)
* Seven Mets relievers have recorded an Opening Day win. They are
Ron Taylor, 1970
Doug Sisk, 1983
Tom Gordon, 1985
Jeff Innis, 1992
Jerry Dipoto, 1996
Turk Wendell, 1998
Dennis Cook, 2001
* Two Mets pitchers have induced at least 3 GIDPs in an Opening Day game. They are
Mike Hampton, 2000 (4)
Bob Ojeda, 1989 (3)
* Three Mets pitchers have recorded a pickoff in an Opening Day game (yes, we're getting that obscure). They are
Tom Seaver, 1971
Tom Seaver, 1977
Tom Hausman, 1981
Tom Glavine, 2003
(yes, amazingly, they all share the same first name)
Back on Sunday, hopefully with something a little more creative.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Opening Day Minutiae, 2007 edition
Let's get some of this stuff out of the way now, if you don't mind...we might revisit the topic again, but while it's fresh on my mind, let's make sure you're prepared for Sunday with an initial burst of knowledge.
* The Mets are 28-17 on Opening Day all-time, and that's after an 0-8 start, so we're looking at a nice 28-of-37 run.. Their first Opening Day win came in 1970, and their most recent Opening Day win came in 2006.
* The Mets have alternated wins and losses in their last 5 Opening Days and not to alarm you, but if the streak continues, they're due to lose on Sunday.
* The Mets are 11-9 all-time on the road on Opening Day (counting Tokyo as a neutral site), having lost 4 of their last 6 road Opening Day affairs.
* The Mets are 4-2 against the Cardinals in Opening Day games, with the wins coming in their last four Opening Day meetings (1985, 1989, 1992 and 1996). The losses came in their first two Opening Days- 1962 and 1963, by a combined score of 18-4.
* The Mets are 1-1 in St. Louis on Opening Day and this will be the third different Busch Stadium ballpark in which they've played an Opening Day game. The loss came in 1962. The win came in 1992.
* Only once have the Mets opened against a defending World Series champion. That was in 1972 when they beat the champion Pirates, 4-0, behind Tom Seaver, at Shea Stadium.
* The next run the Mets score will be their 200th Opening Day run. They have scored 199 runs in 45 Opening Days. They have actually been outscored, 203-199, or by an average of 4.5 to 4.4.
* The Mets have only been shut out on Opening Day once, and it was by the Cardinals (7-0 in 1963). They have thrown 6 Opening Day shutouts, with the most recent coming over 14 innings against the Phillies in 1998 (1-0).
* The most runs the Mets have scored on Opening Day is 12 (1994 vs Cubs). The most they've allowed is 15 (welcome to New York, Art Howe, 2003 vs Cubs)
* Tom Seaver went 6-0 for the Mets in Opening Day games. Dwight Gooden went 6-1. Roger Craig and Al Jackson each went 0-2.
* The Mets have won via walk-off on Opening Day twice (1985 and 1998) and lost via walk-off on Opening Day four times (1968, 1974, 1995, and 2005).
* The Mets are 28-17 on Opening Day all-time, and that's after an 0-8 start, so we're looking at a nice 28-of-37 run.. Their first Opening Day win came in 1970, and their most recent Opening Day win came in 2006.
* The Mets have alternated wins and losses in their last 5 Opening Days and not to alarm you, but if the streak continues, they're due to lose on Sunday.
* The Mets are 11-9 all-time on the road on Opening Day (counting Tokyo as a neutral site), having lost 4 of their last 6 road Opening Day affairs.
* The Mets are 4-2 against the Cardinals in Opening Day games, with the wins coming in their last four Opening Day meetings (1985, 1989, 1992 and 1996). The losses came in their first two Opening Days- 1962 and 1963, by a combined score of 18-4.
* The Mets are 1-1 in St. Louis on Opening Day and this will be the third different Busch Stadium ballpark in which they've played an Opening Day game. The loss came in 1962. The win came in 1992.
* Only once have the Mets opened against a defending World Series champion. That was in 1972 when they beat the champion Pirates, 4-0, behind Tom Seaver, at Shea Stadium.
* The next run the Mets score will be their 200th Opening Day run. They have scored 199 runs in 45 Opening Days. They have actually been outscored, 203-199, or by an average of 4.5 to 4.4.
* The Mets have only been shut out on Opening Day once, and it was by the Cardinals (7-0 in 1963). They have thrown 6 Opening Day shutouts, with the most recent coming over 14 innings against the Phillies in 1998 (1-0).
* The most runs the Mets have scored on Opening Day is 12 (1994 vs Cubs). The most they've allowed is 15 (welcome to New York, Art Howe, 2003 vs Cubs)
* Tom Seaver went 6-0 for the Mets in Opening Day games. Dwight Gooden went 6-1. Roger Craig and Al Jackson each went 0-2.
* The Mets have won via walk-off on Opening Day twice (1985 and 1998) and lost via walk-off on Opening Day four times (1968, 1974, 1995, and 2005).
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving Minutiae!
Thank you for reading...
* David Wright's favorite sandwich is one with Turkey, from Subway. He had 3 walk-off hits and a walk-off sacrifice fly for the Mets last season, which earned him a significant enough raise such that he should be able to afford a better bird today.
* Turk(ey) Wendell had 7 walk-off wins with the Mets. He also had six walk-off losses for them and one walk-off loss against them.
* Happy 52nd birthday to former Cardinals backup catcher Glenn Brummer, the last person to win a game with a walk-off straight steal of home (1982). Also, happy remembrances to the family of Clarence Jonnard, also known as "Bubber." Born on this day in 1897, Bubber was a Mets scout, who signed, among others, Ed Kranepool (6 Mets walk-off hits), Ken Singleton ( a walk-off sacrifice fly) and Mike Jorgensen (3 Mets walk-off hits, including a grand slam)
* The last walk-off "turkey" I can remember watching was on the PBA Tour, when Parker Bohn III (I once interviewed him, so I remember this) struck out in the 10th frame to beat fellow bowler Bob Vespi, who had struck out in his half of the 10th. I believe Bohn trailed by 29 pins entering the final frame, but I'm not 100 percent certain. For those unfamiliar, a turkey in bowling is 3 straight strikes.
We're kind of like 1010 WINS...the minutiae never stops!
* David Wright's favorite sandwich is one with Turkey, from Subway. He had 3 walk-off hits and a walk-off sacrifice fly for the Mets last season, which earned him a significant enough raise such that he should be able to afford a better bird today.
* Turk(ey) Wendell had 7 walk-off wins with the Mets. He also had six walk-off losses for them and one walk-off loss against them.
* Happy 52nd birthday to former Cardinals backup catcher Glenn Brummer, the last person to win a game with a walk-off straight steal of home (1982). Also, happy remembrances to the family of Clarence Jonnard, also known as "Bubber." Born on this day in 1897, Bubber was a Mets scout, who signed, among others, Ed Kranepool (6 Mets walk-off hits), Ken Singleton ( a walk-off sacrifice fly) and Mike Jorgensen (3 Mets walk-off hits, including a grand slam)
* The last walk-off "turkey" I can remember watching was on the PBA Tour, when Parker Bohn III (I once interviewed him, so I remember this) struck out in the 10th frame to beat fellow bowler Bob Vespi, who had struck out in his half of the 10th. I believe Bohn trailed by 29 pins entering the final frame, but I'm not 100 percent certain. For those unfamiliar, a turkey in bowling is 3 straight strikes.
We're kind of like 1010 WINS...the minutiae never stops!
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