In 1964, Braves outfielder Rico Carty, who made a career of putting up Amazing numbers against the Mets, hit .509 against them, with eight home runs and 27 RBI.
Albert Pujols didn't quite take his game to that astronomical level, but hius 2009 season against the Mets was a near duplicate of that of the man he figures to rreplace as the greatest Cardinal of all-time.
Check this out:
Stan Musial vs 1962 Mets- .468 BA, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 2 K, 11 BB
Albert Pujols vs 2009 Mets- . 469 BA, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 2 K, 7 BB
What's particularly impressive from a Pujols perspective is that he put up those numbers in 9 games.
Musial did his damage in 17 games.
Stan the Man does have one accomplishment on his resume that Pujols doesn't, at least not yet.
Musial hit three home runs in a game against the Mets on July 8, 1962. Pujols has five multi-homer games against the Mets, but has yet to hit three against them in one contest.
Most Multi-HR Games vs Mets
8- Willie McCovey
6- Willie Mays
5- Albert Pujols
5- Chipper Jones
5- Dave Kingman
5- Dick Allen
After watching what he did in this series, you'd hope he never gets the chance to do so.
True Metjols know...It took the Mets nine years before they hit Albert Pujols with a pitch in regular-season play. That's a step up from the 14 years it took before the Mets hit Chipper Jones with a pitch for the first time.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Stranger Than Fiction?
The folks at "Faith and Fear" told you on Wednesday morning that 'Stranger Things Haven't Happened' in regards to this Mets team.
And then came Wednesday's game. Let's review.
* Mets starter Jonathon Niese pitched 1 2/3 innings, and the Mets won, 9-0.
The Mets have never thrown a shutout in a game in which their starter lasted fewer than two innings.
* Reliever Nelson Figueroa, who pitched on Monday, not only pitched 4 1/3 shutout innings; he also tripled AND drew a walk.
Nelson Figueroa is the second pitcher in Mets history to triple and draw a walk in the same game. The other did it twice (1970 and 1983): Tom Seaver.
* I repeat: Mets reliever Nelson Figueora tripled and walked.
A major league relief pitcher had not tripled and walked in the same game since Astros reliever Ron Cook...in 1970!
* I repeat again: Mets reliever Nelson Figueroa tripled...
The Mets are 4-0 all-time when they have a relief pitcher hit a triple. The 3 others: Eric Cammack (2000). Neil Allen (1981) and Darrell Sutherland (1965).
* Mets reliever Bobby Parnell collected his first career save and his first career hit in the same game.
I don't have the means to look that up, but it sounds good.
* That means that 2 Mets relievers got hits in this game (Thanks to Greg at Faith and Fear for that one).
Two Mets relievers have had hits in the same game 6 times. It most recently happened in the second game of a doubleheader against the Pirates on June 15, 1986 (Randy Niemann and Roger McDowell).
The other years it happened: 1962, 1966, 1976, and 1984.
And then came Wednesday's game. Let's review.
* Mets starter Jonathon Niese pitched 1 2/3 innings, and the Mets won, 9-0.
The Mets have never thrown a shutout in a game in which their starter lasted fewer than two innings.
* Reliever Nelson Figueroa, who pitched on Monday, not only pitched 4 1/3 shutout innings; he also tripled AND drew a walk.
Nelson Figueroa is the second pitcher in Mets history to triple and draw a walk in the same game. The other did it twice (1970 and 1983): Tom Seaver.
* I repeat: Mets reliever Nelson Figueora tripled and walked.
A major league relief pitcher had not tripled and walked in the same game since Astros reliever Ron Cook...in 1970!
* I repeat again: Mets reliever Nelson Figueroa tripled...
The Mets are 4-0 all-time when they have a relief pitcher hit a triple. The 3 others: Eric Cammack (2000). Neil Allen (1981) and Darrell Sutherland (1965).
* Mets reliever Bobby Parnell collected his first career save and his first career hit in the same game.
I don't have the means to look that up, but it sounds good.
* That means that 2 Mets relievers got hits in this game (Thanks to Greg at Faith and Fear for that one).
Two Mets relievers have had hits in the same game 6 times. It most recently happened in the second game of a doubleheader against the Pirates on June 15, 1986 (Randy Niemann and Roger McDowell).
The other years it happened: 1962, 1966, 1976, and 1984.
* Jeff Francoeur drew his first unintentional walk in his 22nd game as a Met.
Giants infield coach Shawon Dunston has the Mets position player record for most games played without a walk of any kind- 42.
* The Mets...these ragtag Mets, somehow beat the Cardinals by a 9-0 score.
This was the 686th meeting between the Mets and Cardinals, but only the second that ended with the final score being Mets 9, Cardinals 0. The other took place in 1986.
Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Down
Look at it this way...at least you got to see a Met rarity on Tuesday night.
Mark DeRosa's go-ahead HBP in the 10th inning marked the first time that the Mets have ever allowed a go-ahead, extra-inning HBP IN THEIR HOME BALLPARK.
Would like to compile a list of the dumbest injuries in Mets history. Luis Castillo is not the first Met to be a dugout-steps victim (Pat Zachry, after allowing a hit to Pete Rose to extend Rose's hit streak, kicked the dugout steps and broke his ankle), but he seems a worthy candidate for such a list.
The truly down Mets fan knows...This marked the 2nd time the Mets have allowed a go-ahead extra-inning HBP in any ballpark.
The other, amazingly enough, also came against the Cardinals. It was a walk-off hit by pitch, drawn by Jerry Davanon against Jack Aker on July 25, 1974.
Mark DeRosa's go-ahead HBP in the 10th inning marked the first time that the Mets have ever allowed a go-ahead, extra-inning HBP IN THEIR HOME BALLPARK.
Would like to compile a list of the dumbest injuries in Mets history. Luis Castillo is not the first Met to be a dugout-steps victim (Pat Zachry, after allowing a hit to Pete Rose to extend Rose's hit streak, kicked the dugout steps and broke his ankle), but he seems a worthy candidate for such a list.
The truly down Mets fan knows...This marked the 2nd time the Mets have allowed a go-ahead extra-inning HBP in any ballpark.
The other, amazingly enough, also came against the Cardinals. It was a walk-off hit by pitch, drawn by Jerry Davanon against Jack Aker on July 25, 1974.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Go Figueroa
Speaking of the Hall of Fame, I want Nelson Figueroa inducted.
To complete the sentence...I want Nelson Figueroa inducted into the Minor League Baseball Hall of Fame.
Nelson Figueroa's career minor league record is 119-79. That's perseverance, dedication, and greatness.
When we think of Mets pitchers with extended minor league careers, we think Rick Anderson, Terry Leach, and Rick Reed among others. But Figueroa's numbers dwarf all of them.
Figueroa's career winning percentage in the minor leagues is .601.
For comparitive purposes:
Win Percentage in MLB
Tom Seaver: . .603
Tom Glavine: .600
So it's safe to say that Nelson Figueroa, from a minor league perspective, is in pretty good company. For what it's worth, I'd watch a Figueroa minor league start over a Glavine Mets start any day.
True Metgueroas know...Nelson Figueroa's 10-21 career MLB record is a near match for former Met reliever Jeff Innis (10-20).
To complete the sentence...I want Nelson Figueroa inducted into the Minor League Baseball Hall of Fame.
Nelson Figueroa's career minor league record is 119-79. That's perseverance, dedication, and greatness.
When we think of Mets pitchers with extended minor league careers, we think Rick Anderson, Terry Leach, and Rick Reed among others. But Figueroa's numbers dwarf all of them.
Figueroa's career winning percentage in the minor leagues is .601.
For comparitive purposes:
Win Percentage in MLB
Tom Seaver: . .603
Tom Glavine: .600
So it's safe to say that Nelson Figueroa, from a minor league perspective, is in pretty good company. For what it's worth, I'd watch a Figueroa minor league start over a Glavine Mets start any day.
True Metgueroas know...Nelson Figueroa's 10-21 career MLB record is a near match for former Met reliever Jeff Innis (10-20).
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Didn't We Just Do This...
It's late, so I'm keeping it really brief...
Fistbumps = Angel Pagan
* Walk-up win #171 (walk-up=bottom of 8th win) was the Mets 3rd of the season and 2nd this week.
* Angel Pagan hit the 5th walk-up grand slam in Mets history, his first career grand slam
Walk-Up Grand Slams Mets History (game-winning grand slam in bottom 8th)
2009- Angel Pagan (Diamondbacks)
2009- Fernando Tatis (Rockies)
1985- Gary Carter (Braves)
1978- Lee Mazzilli (Phillies)
1963- Jim Hickman (Braves)
* This was only the 2nd walk-up win by the Mets against the Diamondbacks. The other came on May 6, 1998. Coincidentally, it was the 2nd Mets walk-up win in a week's time (May 3) and the other came against the Rockies.
Fistbumps = Angel Pagan
* Walk-up win #171 (walk-up=bottom of 8th win) was the Mets 3rd of the season and 2nd this week.
* Angel Pagan hit the 5th walk-up grand slam in Mets history, his first career grand slam
Walk-Up Grand Slams Mets History (game-winning grand slam in bottom 8th)
2009- Angel Pagan (Diamondbacks)
2009- Fernando Tatis (Rockies)
1985- Gary Carter (Braves)
1978- Lee Mazzilli (Phillies)
1963- Jim Hickman (Braves)
* This was only the 2nd walk-up win by the Mets against the Diamondbacks. The other came on May 6, 1998. Coincidentally, it was the 2nd Mets walk-up win in a week's time (May 3) and the other came against the Rockies.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Not 'Dead' Yet
July 31 isn't just the trade deadline.
It's the anniversary of one of the greatest pitching duels in "recent" Mets history.
Go figure that a matchup of Paul Wilson and Denny Neagle would produce such a contest, but it did.
This was 1996 and the Mets were quasi-buyers instead of the sellers they'd been the previous year, when they dealt Bret Saberhagen and Bobby Bonilla at the trade deadline.
Many say that Wilson's best game as a Met was the one in which he lost on a Sammy Sosa walk-off home run. "But he was never the same after that," John Franco noted on WFAN the other day.
He did have one or two nice moments though.
Wilson allowed only one hit, a sixth-inning double by Al Martin, over eight innings, striking out seven and walking three.
Wilson left a bit chagrined, trailing 1-0 into the bottom of the 9th. Neagle had struck out 12 through the first eight innings, but Bernard Gilkey (who whiffed three times) negated that work with a game-tying home run.
This was a big deal at the time, as it marked the Mets 16th straight game with a home run, a club record.
That took Wilson off the hook, though the Mets looked like they'd still lose anyway, when Jason Kendall's two-out hit in the 10th plated the go-ahead run for the Pirates.
The Mets had pulled off a pair of dramatic wins the day before, and they'd match that effort here. With one on and one out, Chris Jones hit a mammoth home run to centerfield off Dan Plesac, good for a walk-off win.
It figures that Jones, a man with a penchant for walk-offs, would have been a good bench acquisition for a team in pennant contention. But these Mets believed they were legit.
As Marty Noble recounted in his game story, Alvaro Espinoza was heard yelling in the clubhouse "Just like last year!" referencing how his former team, the 1995 Indians, was the master of the dramatic win.
As it turned out, given the Mets 71-91 record by the end of the season, it was more like "Wait Till Next Year!"
The Mets fan on deadline knows...The Mets have 3 walk-off wins on July 31. All have come against the Pirates.
It's the anniversary of one of the greatest pitching duels in "recent" Mets history.
Go figure that a matchup of Paul Wilson and Denny Neagle would produce such a contest, but it did.
This was 1996 and the Mets were quasi-buyers instead of the sellers they'd been the previous year, when they dealt Bret Saberhagen and Bobby Bonilla at the trade deadline.
Many say that Wilson's best game as a Met was the one in which he lost on a Sammy Sosa walk-off home run. "But he was never the same after that," John Franco noted on WFAN the other day.
He did have one or two nice moments though.
Wilson allowed only one hit, a sixth-inning double by Al Martin, over eight innings, striking out seven and walking three.
Wilson left a bit chagrined, trailing 1-0 into the bottom of the 9th. Neagle had struck out 12 through the first eight innings, but Bernard Gilkey (who whiffed three times) negated that work with a game-tying home run.
This was a big deal at the time, as it marked the Mets 16th straight game with a home run, a club record.
That took Wilson off the hook, though the Mets looked like they'd still lose anyway, when Jason Kendall's two-out hit in the 10th plated the go-ahead run for the Pirates.
The Mets had pulled off a pair of dramatic wins the day before, and they'd match that effort here. With one on and one out, Chris Jones hit a mammoth home run to centerfield off Dan Plesac, good for a walk-off win.
It figures that Jones, a man with a penchant for walk-offs, would have been a good bench acquisition for a team in pennant contention. But these Mets believed they were legit.
As Marty Noble recounted in his game story, Alvaro Espinoza was heard yelling in the clubhouse "Just like last year!" referencing how his former team, the 1995 Indians, was the master of the dramatic win.
As it turned out, given the Mets 71-91 record by the end of the season, it was more like "Wait Till Next Year!"
The Mets fan on deadline knows...The Mets have 3 walk-off wins on July 31. All have come against the Pirates.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Fame On Them
Let's move on to something else that the Mets have screwed up royally, and I use that word for a reason.
The Royals returned home after the All-Star Break and those who showed up got something extra for their dollar.
The chance to go to the newly-opened Royals Hall of Fame.
I went to Monday's game and figured there would be some sort of recognition regarding the plans to "Met-up" Citi Field, that I'd read about not too long ago. There were none.
Forgive our impatience, but the lack of a Mets Hall of Fame in Citi Field is a joke.
The Jackie Robinson Rotunda is a great tribute and its presence is appropriate. The Mets Hall of Fame should have been given priority on the same line.
In fact, as we've documented before in this space, there are a lot of issues with the Mets Hall of Fame, or lack thereof.
In regards to the comparison to the Royals, it's worth noting that this is a franchise that has been in existence for seven years fewer than the Mets.
There are 12 players in the Mets Hall of Fame.
The Royals Hall of Fame includes 16 of their players.
The Mets have made 2 inductions since 1998.
The Royals have made 7.
The Mets did not induct anyone into their Hall of Fame from 2003 to 2008.
The Royals have made 5 inductions in that time period.
The Mets Hall of Fame appears to have been an afterthought, brought to mind only after some bad PR about the lack of Mets history in their own ballpark. But there was no hesitation to auction off historic items such as Tom Seaver's locker.
The Royals renovation of Kauffman Stadium includes a 6,800 square foot room to house, among other things, the original scouting report for Frank White and the George Brett pine-tar-home run bat.
Greg of Faith and Fear and I recently compiled top-of-our head lists of who else should be included in a Mets Hall of Fame, and the names were a near-match. To summarize his thoughts (which he's previously done in his blog) and mine:
If you can sell Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry t-shirts in the clubhouse shop, and hire Howard Johnson as your hitting coach then it's time for them to be enshrined in Metsietown, regardless of any issues with their past foibles. You can also make very good cases for Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez and Jesse Orosco from the 1986 teams, as well as late-returnee Lee Mazzilli. Davey Johnson is a no-doubter.
The Mets waited until Tommie Agee was dead to properly honor him. That could be avoided with Frank Cashen if there's a willingness to expedite the process.
I have a feeling that the Mets are going to do the right thing on August 22 and enshrine the entire 1969 team (memo to Mets: it's a good idea, if you haven't already thought of it). That takes care of Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda, if you feel strongly about their presence.
Jon Matlack would probably have already made the Mets Hall of Fame had he won Game 7 of the 1973 World Series. He won 82 other games, which ranks 7th-most among Mets pitchers. That qualifies him as legit.
David Cone and Al Leiter both went over to the dark side (the other NY team). That shouldn't disqualify them. John Franco seems to have stayed in the family, regardless of some recent comments he made. Two hundred seventy six saves earned him a spot. Edgardo Alfonzo is a top-5 guy in Mets hits and RBI. He belongs.
Mike Piazza...duh, although I'm wondering how the Mets will react if he ends up on a potentially dubious list of tarnish.
I know Greg has a few other names on his list, but you get the point by now. I've also got an idea for a "Hall of Very Good" in which you could put the likes of John Olerud and Ron Taylor, and a "Fan Fave" wing in which the Bruce Boisclair's of the world could receive recognition. But we'll save that for another time.
The Mets could easily induct one person per year (that's how the Phillies do it...by fan vote) for the next 15 years, and have a few names to spare. But given the tepid response to the idea of bringing back Old Timer's Day, I'm not convinced that the Mets marketers think in this manner.
The actions of Mets officials the last few days have been worthy of the Baseball Hall of Shame (a great series of books, by the way).
Showing that a Mets Hall of Fame is worthy of their time and immediate attention might be a way to eventually undo some of the damage caused by the unfortunate actions of a misbehaving few. They've spoiled the experience for many, over the last couple of days.
The last few words of the Fan Ground Rules announced by the players on the jumbotron (I'm not calling it by its corporate name) prior to games are "We want you back."
Actions speak louder. Memo to Mets: Act Now.
The Royals returned home after the All-Star Break and those who showed up got something extra for their dollar.
The chance to go to the newly-opened Royals Hall of Fame.
I went to Monday's game and figured there would be some sort of recognition regarding the plans to "Met-up" Citi Field, that I'd read about not too long ago. There were none.
Forgive our impatience, but the lack of a Mets Hall of Fame in Citi Field is a joke.
The Jackie Robinson Rotunda is a great tribute and its presence is appropriate. The Mets Hall of Fame should have been given priority on the same line.
In fact, as we've documented before in this space, there are a lot of issues with the Mets Hall of Fame, or lack thereof.
In regards to the comparison to the Royals, it's worth noting that this is a franchise that has been in existence for seven years fewer than the Mets.
There are 12 players in the Mets Hall of Fame.
The Royals Hall of Fame includes 16 of their players.
The Mets have made 2 inductions since 1998.
The Royals have made 7.
The Mets did not induct anyone into their Hall of Fame from 2003 to 2008.
The Royals have made 5 inductions in that time period.
The Mets Hall of Fame appears to have been an afterthought, brought to mind only after some bad PR about the lack of Mets history in their own ballpark. But there was no hesitation to auction off historic items such as Tom Seaver's locker.
The Royals renovation of Kauffman Stadium includes a 6,800 square foot room to house, among other things, the original scouting report for Frank White and the George Brett pine-tar-home run bat.
Greg of Faith and Fear and I recently compiled top-of-our head lists of who else should be included in a Mets Hall of Fame, and the names were a near-match. To summarize his thoughts (which he's previously done in his blog) and mine:
If you can sell Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry t-shirts in the clubhouse shop, and hire Howard Johnson as your hitting coach then it's time for them to be enshrined in Metsietown, regardless of any issues with their past foibles. You can also make very good cases for Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez and Jesse Orosco from the 1986 teams, as well as late-returnee Lee Mazzilli. Davey Johnson is a no-doubter.
The Mets waited until Tommie Agee was dead to properly honor him. That could be avoided with Frank Cashen if there's a willingness to expedite the process.
I have a feeling that the Mets are going to do the right thing on August 22 and enshrine the entire 1969 team (memo to Mets: it's a good idea, if you haven't already thought of it). That takes care of Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda, if you feel strongly about their presence.
Jon Matlack would probably have already made the Mets Hall of Fame had he won Game 7 of the 1973 World Series. He won 82 other games, which ranks 7th-most among Mets pitchers. That qualifies him as legit.
David Cone and Al Leiter both went over to the dark side (the other NY team). That shouldn't disqualify them. John Franco seems to have stayed in the family, regardless of some recent comments he made. Two hundred seventy six saves earned him a spot. Edgardo Alfonzo is a top-5 guy in Mets hits and RBI. He belongs.
Mike Piazza...duh, although I'm wondering how the Mets will react if he ends up on a potentially dubious list of tarnish.
I know Greg has a few other names on his list, but you get the point by now. I've also got an idea for a "Hall of Very Good" in which you could put the likes of John Olerud and Ron Taylor, and a "Fan Fave" wing in which the Bruce Boisclair's of the world could receive recognition. But we'll save that for another time.
The Mets could easily induct one person per year (that's how the Phillies do it...by fan vote) for the next 15 years, and have a few names to spare. But given the tepid response to the idea of bringing back Old Timer's Day, I'm not convinced that the Mets marketers think in this manner.
The actions of Mets officials the last few days have been worthy of the Baseball Hall of Shame (a great series of books, by the way).
Showing that a Mets Hall of Fame is worthy of their time and immediate attention might be a way to eventually undo some of the damage caused by the unfortunate actions of a misbehaving few. They've spoiled the experience for many, over the last couple of days.
The last few words of the Fan Ground Rules announced by the players on the jumbotron (I'm not calling it by its corporate name) prior to games are "We want you back."
Actions speak louder. Memo to Mets: Act Now.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Slam, Dunk!
When it comes to truth telling, I remember the commercials from a few years back. The one to choose is the Daily News ("New York's Hometown Paper!")
When it comes to grand slams, the one to choose is Fernando Tatis, and I'll admit I had enough doubts to acknowledge skepticism when he batted for Cory Sullivan on Monday night.
We'll give Tatis a fistbump for his efforts and we'll throw an honorary one Adam Rubin's way as well.
* Walk-up win #170 (walk-up=bottom of 8th win) was the Mets 2nd of the season. Both have been by the final score of 7-3. The other came on May 8 against the Pirates.
* In fact, the last 3 Mets walk-off wins have been by final scores of 7-3.
* Fernando Tatis hit the 4th walk-up grand slam in Mets history
Walk-Up Grand Slams
Mets History (game-winning grand slam in bottom 8th)
2009- Fernando Tatis (Rockies)
1985- Gary Carter (Braves)
1978- Lee Mazzilli (Phillies)
1963- Jim Hickman (Braves)
* This was, based on an initial check, the 8th pinch-hit grand slam in Mets history.
Pinch-Hit Grand Slams
Mets History
2009- Fernando Tatis (Rockies)
2000- Todd Pratt (at Dodgers)
2000- Benny Agbayani (Cubs, in Japan)
1995- Todd Hundley (at Expos)
1994- Joe Orsulak (Giants)
1986- Tim Teufel (Phillies, walk-off)
1978- Steve Henderson (Expos)
1966- Hawk Taylor (Pirates)
* I don't have a definitive answer on this, but I believe the last grand slam by a Met on an 0-2 pitch was hit by Mike Marshall against the Dodgers on May 22, 1990
The Mets fan who truly loves the media knows...Adam Rubin has been a Mets beat writer since 2003, since which time the Mets have had 23 walk-up wins.
When it comes to grand slams, the one to choose is Fernando Tatis, and I'll admit I had enough doubts to acknowledge skepticism when he batted for Cory Sullivan on Monday night.
We'll give Tatis a fistbump for his efforts and we'll throw an honorary one Adam Rubin's way as well.
* Walk-up win #170 (walk-up=bottom of 8th win) was the Mets 2nd of the season. Both have been by the final score of 7-3. The other came on May 8 against the Pirates.
* In fact, the last 3 Mets walk-off wins have been by final scores of 7-3.
* Fernando Tatis hit the 4th walk-up grand slam in Mets history
Walk-Up Grand Slams
Mets History (game-winning grand slam in bottom 8th)
2009- Fernando Tatis (Rockies)
1985- Gary Carter (Braves)
1978- Lee Mazzilli (Phillies)
1963- Jim Hickman (Braves)
* This was, based on an initial check, the 8th pinch-hit grand slam in Mets history.
Pinch-Hit Grand Slams
Mets History
2009- Fernando Tatis (Rockies)
2000- Todd Pratt (at Dodgers)
2000- Benny Agbayani (Cubs, in Japan)
1995- Todd Hundley (at Expos)
1994- Joe Orsulak (Giants)
1986- Tim Teufel (Phillies, walk-off)
1978- Steve Henderson (Expos)
1966- Hawk Taylor (Pirates)
* I don't have a definitive answer on this, but I believe the last grand slam by a Met on an 0-2 pitch was hit by Mike Marshall against the Dodgers on May 22, 1990
The Mets fan who truly loves the media knows...Adam Rubin has been a Mets beat writer since 2003, since which time the Mets have had 23 walk-up wins.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Rogers, On Board
On the day when we salute the best of the best in baseball, I thought it a good idea to salute the best hitter ever associated with the New York Mets.
So a cap-tip, kudos, and remembrance to Hall of Famer, and 1962 Mets hitting coach Rogers Hornsby.
For those to young to remember, and that should be just about all of you, Rogers Hornsby was among the greatest players in Baseball History (A Sporting News poll from about 10 years ago ranks him 9th).
Hornsby played regularly as a second baseman from 1916 to 1929, primarily with the Cardinals, but also for the Giants, Braves, and Cubs, then dabbled in occasional baseball for a bit to the point where his career spanned 23 years. Among the highlights:
* A .358 batting average, with 301 HR
* He hit .400 or better 3 times
* He won the Triple Crown twice
* He led the NL in OPS 11 times
* He won a World Series in 1926 as a player/manager
In 1922, Hornsby hit .401 with 42 home runs and 152 RBI.
Yet for all his accolades, he was described in a Robert Lipsyte story in April of 1962 as controversial and unpopular, and there's good reason behind that. He was nasty to management and ownership as a player, and nasty to players as a manager, similar in some ways to Ty Cobb.
That didn't make him the most ideal of fits for the 1962 Mets, but Hornsby as there as a hitting coach. He lasted only a season, dying in January of 1963.
The lack of descriptions and accounts of some of the games of his playing era makes it difficult to describe fully the details of some of Hornsby's best moments of that season. But I know of at least three walk-offs of significance.
On May 4, the Cardinals rallied from a 7-3 hole to beat the Reds, 8-7, scoring five times in the ninth inning. Hornsby capped the crazy rally with a game-ending single.
On July 7, the Cardinals beat the Dodgers, 6-5, winning on Hornsby's two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth off future Hall of Famer Dazzy Vance. Or, as The New York Times put it:
"It remained only for Hornsby to smite the ball in the ninth to settle matters."
The newspapers describe a home run chase that season between Hornsby and teammate Ken Williams. Hornsby was the standard-setter, and became so for National League history with one more dramatic home run.
This one came on July 19 against the Boston Braves. It was a three-run home run with two outs in the ninth, with the Cardinals trailing, 6-4.
Hornsby's home run not only won the game, but marked his 25th blast of the season, breaking the NL record for home runs in a season. That's pretty clutch.
So although Hornsby wasn't a particularly admirable person in a lot of respects, we offer today as a day to salute him and remember the great accomplishments of his Hall of Fame career.
True Metsbys know...Rogers Hornsby finished his career with 5 walk-off home runs. Had he played entirely for the Mets, that would have been a club record.
So a cap-tip, kudos, and remembrance to Hall of Famer, and 1962 Mets hitting coach Rogers Hornsby.
For those to young to remember, and that should be just about all of you, Rogers Hornsby was among the greatest players in Baseball History (A Sporting News poll from about 10 years ago ranks him 9th).
Hornsby played regularly as a second baseman from 1916 to 1929, primarily with the Cardinals, but also for the Giants, Braves, and Cubs, then dabbled in occasional baseball for a bit to the point where his career spanned 23 years. Among the highlights:
* A .358 batting average, with 301 HR
* He hit .400 or better 3 times
* He won the Triple Crown twice
* He led the NL in OPS 11 times
* He won a World Series in 1926 as a player/manager
In 1922, Hornsby hit .401 with 42 home runs and 152 RBI.
Yet for all his accolades, he was described in a Robert Lipsyte story in April of 1962 as controversial and unpopular, and there's good reason behind that. He was nasty to management and ownership as a player, and nasty to players as a manager, similar in some ways to Ty Cobb.
That didn't make him the most ideal of fits for the 1962 Mets, but Hornsby as there as a hitting coach. He lasted only a season, dying in January of 1963.
The lack of descriptions and accounts of some of the games of his playing era makes it difficult to describe fully the details of some of Hornsby's best moments of that season. But I know of at least three walk-offs of significance.
On May 4, the Cardinals rallied from a 7-3 hole to beat the Reds, 8-7, scoring five times in the ninth inning. Hornsby capped the crazy rally with a game-ending single.
On July 7, the Cardinals beat the Dodgers, 6-5, winning on Hornsby's two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth off future Hall of Famer Dazzy Vance. Or, as The New York Times put it:
"It remained only for Hornsby to smite the ball in the ninth to settle matters."
The newspapers describe a home run chase that season between Hornsby and teammate Ken Williams. Hornsby was the standard-setter, and became so for National League history with one more dramatic home run.
This one came on July 19 against the Boston Braves. It was a three-run home run with two outs in the ninth, with the Cardinals trailing, 6-4.
Hornsby's home run not only won the game, but marked his 25th blast of the season, breaking the NL record for home runs in a season. That's pretty clutch.
So although Hornsby wasn't a particularly admirable person in a lot of respects, we offer today as a day to salute him and remember the great accomplishments of his Hall of Fame career.
True Metsbys know...Rogers Hornsby finished his career with 5 walk-off home runs. Had he played entirely for the Mets, that would have been a club record.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Didja Ever Notice: Rice Storm
It's a good thing those 3-way rumors between the Mets/Dodgers/Red Sox involving Tom Seaver, Don Sutton, and Jim Rice, never came to anything.
Otherwise, the Mets may never have won the 1986 World Series.
Jim Rice, a legit inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame played a significant role in Mets history, albeit one overlooked because of the actions of others.
Rice went 9-for-27 with 6 walks and 6 runs scored in his only World Series appearance. But most significant were his 0 RBI, and the runs he didn't score.
The Red Sox scored five runs in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. If Rice was a little faster, they might have scored seven.
Rice had two chances to add to the Red Sox tally on a day in which he went 0-for-5. His first inning walk put runners on first and second with two outs. On a 1-1 pitch, Dwight Evans launched a double to left center field, plating the first run for Boston. Rice held at third after Len Dykstra played the carom off the fence perfectly. Rich Gedman flied out on the next pitch to limit the damage to one run.
"I have no idea how he didn't come home," Bob Ojeda told Jeff Pearlman in the book, The Bad Guys Won. Pearlman refers to the play as "a shameless display of lazy base running."
By the seventh inning, the score was tied, 2-2 and it was a frame that featured a pair of key mistakes. The first was an error by Mets third baseman Ray Knight on Rice's ground ball.
The second was Rice failing to score an insurance run, getting thrown out at home, after the Red Sox took the lead.
To his credit, Rice beat a throw to second base on a hit and run, allowing the Red Sox to go ahead initially, but his lack of fleetness afoot cost him. Rice had a good secondary lead, and a fast runner would no doubt have scored on a hit by Rich Gedman that took three hops before it reached Mookie Wilson in left field.
Wilson hit catcher Gary Carter a little off target with an on-the-fly throw, but Rice was moving at a glacial pace (In The Bad Guys Won, Pearlman quotes a story in Sports Illustrated saying "Rice cut the bag like a 16-wheeler turning into a McDonald's"), and once Carter caught the throw, he rode Rice to the inside, and tagged him out on the arm before the plate could be reached.
People also tend to forget who the last out was for Boston in the 10th inning of Game 6. It was Rice who, after the Red Sox had scored twice, flew out to right with a pair of men on to put an end to what was a disastrous half-inning for the Mets. Fortunately, some pretty good things happened just a few minutes later.
Rice hit .324 with 110 RBI in what was the last good season of a Hall-worthy career. He was an eight-time All-Star and one of the most feared hitters in the game for an extended period of time. But October 25, 1986 was not one of his better days, and for that, Mets fans should be quite thankful.
Otherwise, the Mets may never have won the 1986 World Series.
Jim Rice, a legit inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame played a significant role in Mets history, albeit one overlooked because of the actions of others.
Rice went 9-for-27 with 6 walks and 6 runs scored in his only World Series appearance. But most significant were his 0 RBI, and the runs he didn't score.
The Red Sox scored five runs in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. If Rice was a little faster, they might have scored seven.
Rice had two chances to add to the Red Sox tally on a day in which he went 0-for-5. His first inning walk put runners on first and second with two outs. On a 1-1 pitch, Dwight Evans launched a double to left center field, plating the first run for Boston. Rice held at third after Len Dykstra played the carom off the fence perfectly. Rich Gedman flied out on the next pitch to limit the damage to one run.
"I have no idea how he didn't come home," Bob Ojeda told Jeff Pearlman in the book, The Bad Guys Won. Pearlman refers to the play as "a shameless display of lazy base running."
By the seventh inning, the score was tied, 2-2 and it was a frame that featured a pair of key mistakes. The first was an error by Mets third baseman Ray Knight on Rice's ground ball.
The second was Rice failing to score an insurance run, getting thrown out at home, after the Red Sox took the lead.
To his credit, Rice beat a throw to second base on a hit and run, allowing the Red Sox to go ahead initially, but his lack of fleetness afoot cost him. Rice had a good secondary lead, and a fast runner would no doubt have scored on a hit by Rich Gedman that took three hops before it reached Mookie Wilson in left field.
Wilson hit catcher Gary Carter a little off target with an on-the-fly throw, but Rice was moving at a glacial pace (In The Bad Guys Won, Pearlman quotes a story in Sports Illustrated saying "Rice cut the bag like a 16-wheeler turning into a McDonald's"), and once Carter caught the throw, he rode Rice to the inside, and tagged him out on the arm before the plate could be reached.
People also tend to forget who the last out was for Boston in the 10th inning of Game 6. It was Rice who, after the Red Sox had scored twice, flew out to right with a pair of men on to put an end to what was a disastrous half-inning for the Mets. Fortunately, some pretty good things happened just a few minutes later.
Rice hit .324 with 110 RBI in what was the last good season of a Hall-worthy career. He was an eight-time All-Star and one of the most feared hitters in the game for an extended period of time. But October 25, 1986 was not one of his better days, and for that, Mets fans should be quite thankful.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Rickey, Tom, and Johan
Rickey Henderson's longevity was such that he faced both Tom Seaver and Johan Santana.
That's a pretty amazing link from Mets past to Mets present.
Rickey Henderson
Career vs...
Tom Seaver: 4-for-19, 2 RBI, 3 K
Johan Santana: 2-for-6, 3 RBI, 2 K
Henderson didn't face either in their prime, and it's interesting to see what those battles would have been like. His meetings with Seaver came when he was a prime pup and Seaver was grizzled, and nearing the end. His meetings with Santana came while the youngster was still finding what worked and what didn't.
The most significant date on which Seaver and Henderson went head-to-head was August 4, 1985.
This was the day in which Seaver won his 300th game, a complete-game six-hitter in a 4-1 victory at Yankee Stadium.
You could make the argument that the biggest key to this win was that Seaver kept Henderson, who was hitting .353 entering the game, off the bases. Henderson popped out to lead off the game, grounded out twice, and struck out with a man on base in the eighth inning. Henderson may have touched up Seaver for one of his 1,406 stolen bases in a prior meeting, but he wasn't going to steal the spotlight on Seaver's special day.
A little more than 17 years later, Santana could have used some advice from Seaver when he and the Twins faced the Red Sox in Minnesota. On August 17, 2002 the young lefty entered with only nine career victories. Henderson would be among those who would keep his tally in single digits.
Santana walked Henderson on four pitches to start that game, and paid the price in the form of a Johnny Damon double and a wild pitch, which scored Henderson with the game's first run.
Henderson would drive in Boston's second run via force out in the third inning, then single to fuel a rally in the fifth. A miscue by Twins first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz cost the Twins a run and put Santana three runs in arrears.
This would be the last time that Henderson and Santana met, though Santana would give the future Hall of Famer a glimpse of his potential while Henderson was perched on third base with one out.
To keep the score close, Santana stranded Henderson by striking out Nomar Garciaparra, and after a walk to Manny Ramirez, got Shea Hillenbrand to fly out to end the inning.
True Metdersons know...Santana has faced only one other current Hall of Famer- Cal Ripken Jr. who went 0-for-1 with a walk against him.
That's a pretty amazing link from Mets past to Mets present.
Rickey Henderson
Career vs...
Tom Seaver: 4-for-19, 2 RBI, 3 K
Johan Santana: 2-for-6, 3 RBI, 2 K
Henderson didn't face either in their prime, and it's interesting to see what those battles would have been like. His meetings with Seaver came when he was a prime pup and Seaver was grizzled, and nearing the end. His meetings with Santana came while the youngster was still finding what worked and what didn't.
The most significant date on which Seaver and Henderson went head-to-head was August 4, 1985.
This was the day in which Seaver won his 300th game, a complete-game six-hitter in a 4-1 victory at Yankee Stadium.
You could make the argument that the biggest key to this win was that Seaver kept Henderson, who was hitting .353 entering the game, off the bases. Henderson popped out to lead off the game, grounded out twice, and struck out with a man on base in the eighth inning. Henderson may have touched up Seaver for one of his 1,406 stolen bases in a prior meeting, but he wasn't going to steal the spotlight on Seaver's special day.
A little more than 17 years later, Santana could have used some advice from Seaver when he and the Twins faced the Red Sox in Minnesota. On August 17, 2002 the young lefty entered with only nine career victories. Henderson would be among those who would keep his tally in single digits.
Santana walked Henderson on four pitches to start that game, and paid the price in the form of a Johnny Damon double and a wild pitch, which scored Henderson with the game's first run.
Henderson would drive in Boston's second run via force out in the third inning, then single to fuel a rally in the fifth. A miscue by Twins first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz cost the Twins a run and put Santana three runs in arrears.
This would be the last time that Henderson and Santana met, though Santana would give the future Hall of Famer a glimpse of his potential while Henderson was perched on third base with one out.
To keep the score close, Santana stranded Henderson by striking out Nomar Garciaparra, and after a walk to Manny Ramirez, got Shea Hillenbrand to fly out to end the inning.
True Metdersons know...Santana has faced only one other current Hall of Famer- Cal Ripken Jr. who went 0-for-1 with a walk against him.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Simply Perfect
The last time someone pitched a perfect game in the majors was the day that Twins starter Johan Santana's 20-start unbeaten streak came to an end against the Blue Jays.
And the Mets got themselves a walk-off win.
May 18, 2004 was a pretty good baseball day even without Johnson's perfect game.
From a Mets fan's perspective, there was perfection too. The Mets won, and the Yankees lost.
The 5-4 victory over the Cardinals was probably the most dramatic walk-off win of the Art Howe era (error?).
The hosts bailed starter Tom Glavine out of a 4-1 hole, but it wasn't easy. They scored twice in the sixth to cut the lead to 4-3, but didn't tally again until the last possible moment. A key double play in the ninth (on Marlon Anderson's bunt attempt) begun by catcher Jason Phillips, kept the score within reach.
The bottom of the 9th of this game ran concurrent to Johnson's efforts against the Braves. Walks to Mike Cameron and Karim Garcia gave the Mets a two-on, one-out threat, but Eric Valent struck out swinging.
Next up was Kazuo Matsui, whose broken bat first-pitch single tied the score, 4-4. Matsui, as noted by Adam Rubin of the Daily News, was screaming "ochiro, ochiro, ochiro" as the ball landed safely (Japanese-to-English translation: "drop, drop, drop."
Cliff Floyd followed, slamming a 1-1 pitch for a single to right center field, to plate the winning run. Right at about the same instant, Johnson was finishing his perfect game.
True Metfectos know...Thanks to the Encyclopedia of Baseball Catchers website, I've put together what I think is the following full list, one Ramon Castro joined Thursday.
(EDITORS NOTE: Not one of my better days...had to add 3 names to the list after re-checking...)
Caught No-Hitter
Also Played for Mets During Career
Yogi Berra (3)
Gary Carter
Alberto Castillo
Ramon Castro
Duffy Dyer
Joe Ginsberg
Jerry Grote
Eli Marrero
J.C. Martin
Jerry May
Brent Mayne
Mike Piazza (2)
Castro and Berra are the only two to catch a perfect game and play for the Mets at some point in their career.
And the Mets got themselves a walk-off win.
May 18, 2004 was a pretty good baseball day even without Johnson's perfect game.
From a Mets fan's perspective, there was perfection too. The Mets won, and the Yankees lost.
The 5-4 victory over the Cardinals was probably the most dramatic walk-off win of the Art Howe era (error?).
The hosts bailed starter Tom Glavine out of a 4-1 hole, but it wasn't easy. They scored twice in the sixth to cut the lead to 4-3, but didn't tally again until the last possible moment. A key double play in the ninth (on Marlon Anderson's bunt attempt) begun by catcher Jason Phillips, kept the score within reach.
The bottom of the 9th of this game ran concurrent to Johnson's efforts against the Braves. Walks to Mike Cameron and Karim Garcia gave the Mets a two-on, one-out threat, but Eric Valent struck out swinging.
Next up was Kazuo Matsui, whose broken bat first-pitch single tied the score, 4-4. Matsui, as noted by Adam Rubin of the Daily News, was screaming "ochiro, ochiro, ochiro" as the ball landed safely (Japanese-to-English translation: "drop, drop, drop."
Cliff Floyd followed, slamming a 1-1 pitch for a single to right center field, to plate the winning run. Right at about the same instant, Johnson was finishing his perfect game.
True Metfectos know...Thanks to the Encyclopedia of Baseball Catchers website, I've put together what I think is the following full list, one Ramon Castro joined Thursday.
(EDITORS NOTE: Not one of my better days...had to add 3 names to the list after re-checking...)
Caught No-Hitter
Also Played for Mets During Career
Yogi Berra (3)
Gary Carter
Alberto Castillo
Ramon Castro
Duffy Dyer
Joe Ginsberg
Jerry Grote
Eli Marrero
J.C. Martin
Jerry May
Brent Mayne
Mike Piazza (2)
Castro and Berra are the only two to catch a perfect game and play for the Mets at some point in their career.
Portrait Of The Artist As a Young Man II
"When they put his numbers on the scoreboard (8.16 ERA, 21 walks in 28 innings), I figured we were off to the races..."
"When I saw him come out of the bullpen that early, to be honest, I thought, `We're in trouble."
Those were the words of Astros manager Larry Dierker and Twins outfielder Matt Lawton to newspaper reporters from the likes of the Houston Chronicle, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, after their respective teams played a game against each other June 6, 2000.
But this wasn't just any game. It was the first major league win for Johan Santana.
Yes, those were Santana's numbers when he entered in the third inning in relief of Eric Milton, who was pulled from a scoreless game after being hit with a line drive. And that was Santana whom Lawton was referring to with those comments.
Santana had pitched in nine major league games to that point, none of which his team, the Twins, had won. Used most recently in games which the Twins lost, 14-0, 13-4, and 9-3, Santana was an afterthought for most.
But Santana had some special motivation for pitching well in Houston. Santana had pitched in Class-A ball the season before and the Astros left the then-20-year-old unprotected in the Rule V Draft. The Twins made an arrangement with the Marlins, who drafted Santana, than swapped him to the Minnesota, which had seen something that it liked. Or at least something it liked more than Houston did.
There may have been some jitters at first and that led to Santana allowing a run in his first inning of work. Those subsided when Santana retired Moises Alou to prevent any further damage.
Santana rewarded the Twins willingness to put him into a close game by pitching shutout ball over the next four innings against a lineup that featured, besides Alou, Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell. Alou turned out to be the first of seven straight hitters that Santana retired.
The Twins rewarded Santana by scoring three runs in the eighth inning to put him on the right end of the decision. The RBI came from Cristian Guzman, Lawton, and another player looking to establish himself in a positive way- David Ortiz.
The Astros would bring the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning and give Santana a slight cause for angst in pursuit of his inaugural victory. Twins closer Eddie Guardado ended matters by striking out Matt Mieske and a young rookie named Lance Berkman on three pitches each to end the game.
"I was so sad, when (the Astros) let me go," Santana said. "I said then I would prove myself to them. I cannot feel any better than this."
True Mettanas know...To read my other "Portrait of the Artist as A Young Man" piece, go to this link:
http://www.metswalkoffs.com/2006/04/portrait-of-artist-as-young-man.html
"When I saw him come out of the bullpen that early, to be honest, I thought, `We're in trouble."
Those were the words of Astros manager Larry Dierker and Twins outfielder Matt Lawton to newspaper reporters from the likes of the Houston Chronicle, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, after their respective teams played a game against each other June 6, 2000.
But this wasn't just any game. It was the first major league win for Johan Santana.
Yes, those were Santana's numbers when he entered in the third inning in relief of Eric Milton, who was pulled from a scoreless game after being hit with a line drive. And that was Santana whom Lawton was referring to with those comments.
Santana had pitched in nine major league games to that point, none of which his team, the Twins, had won. Used most recently in games which the Twins lost, 14-0, 13-4, and 9-3, Santana was an afterthought for most.
But Santana had some special motivation for pitching well in Houston. Santana had pitched in Class-A ball the season before and the Astros left the then-20-year-old unprotected in the Rule V Draft. The Twins made an arrangement with the Marlins, who drafted Santana, than swapped him to the Minnesota, which had seen something that it liked. Or at least something it liked more than Houston did.
There may have been some jitters at first and that led to Santana allowing a run in his first inning of work. Those subsided when Santana retired Moises Alou to prevent any further damage.
Santana rewarded the Twins willingness to put him into a close game by pitching shutout ball over the next four innings against a lineup that featured, besides Alou, Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell. Alou turned out to be the first of seven straight hitters that Santana retired.
The Twins rewarded Santana by scoring three runs in the eighth inning to put him on the right end of the decision. The RBI came from Cristian Guzman, Lawton, and another player looking to establish himself in a positive way- David Ortiz.
The Astros would bring the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning and give Santana a slight cause for angst in pursuit of his inaugural victory. Twins closer Eddie Guardado ended matters by striking out Matt Mieske and a young rookie named Lance Berkman on three pitches each to end the game.
"I was so sad, when (the Astros) let me go," Santana said. "I said then I would prove myself to them. I cannot feel any better than this."
True Mettanas know...To read my other "Portrait of the Artist as A Young Man" piece, go to this link:
http://www.metswalkoffs.com/2006/04/portrait-of-artist-as-young-man.html
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Shut Out, Again
Working on some long-term projects today, but I'll leave you with this note.
The Mets are perilously close to being shut out walk-off wise in the months of June and July.
They haven't gone walk-off free in those months since the strike season of 1994.
The last non-strike season in which the Mets went without a walk-off in June/July was in 1985.
The Mets are perilously close to being shut out walk-off wise in the months of June and July.
They haven't gone walk-off free in those months since the strike season of 1994.
The last non-strike season in which the Mets went without a walk-off in June/July was in 1985.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Just Say No-No
The Mets have never had a walk-off win on July 21st, but that date has had an unusual share of metmorable events, both for good and for bad.
On July 21, 1965, Al Jackson took a no-hitter into the eighth inning before it was broken up with one out by future Hall of Famer Willie Stargell.
On July 21, 1972, Willie Mays homered in his return to San Francisco as a Met.
On July 21, 1975, Joe Torre hit into four double plays in a 4-2 loss to the Astros. ("Tom Seaver said he'd hide me in his trunk to get me out of here," Torre said to reporters afterwards.)
Of greater recency, it's the anniversary of a 12-0 pasting of Jake Peavy (2005) and John Maine's first career shutout (2006).
July 21 also marks the date of one of the most unusual wins in Mets history, a 3-0 road victory over the Padres in 1970.
What was odd about this victory was that it came in a game in which the Mets were being no-hit for the first eight innings.
In fact, the Padres pitcher, Clay Kirby, left with a no-hitter intact, trailing, 1-0 through eight innings.
The Mets scored in the first inning via a pair of walks, a double steal, and a groundout by Art Shamsky.
The Padres would be 30 games out of first place after this game, so it would have been the highlight of their season for a pitcher to have thrown nine no-hit innings. But when Kirby's spot was due up in the home eighth, with two outs and nobody on, manager Preston Gomez sent up a pinch-hitter. Current Blue Jays skipper Cito Gaston struck out to end the inning.
The frustration of those who followed the Padres was apparently at a level comparable to those currently following the Mets. The New York Times tells how one fan actually stormed on to the field by the Padres dugout to express his displeasure.
The no-hit bid ended with the first batter of the ninth inning, when Bud Harrelson singled off reliever Jack Baldschun. The Mets added two more runs to pad their lead. The Padres lost, 3-0.
Perhaps forgotten in the tale of this game is that it was one of Jim McAndrew's best efforts as a Met- a three-hit shutout with nine strikeouts and no walks.
The truly no-hit Mets fan knows...The Mets have at least three wins in games in which they were no-hit for 8+ innings.
They beat Jim Maloney, 1-0 after being no-hit by him for 10 innings in 1965.
They beat Larry Dierker, 1-0 in 1966, after Dierker pitched a perfect game for eight innings
And they beat Clay Kirby and the Padres in the game referenced above.
On July 21, 1965, Al Jackson took a no-hitter into the eighth inning before it was broken up with one out by future Hall of Famer Willie Stargell.
On July 21, 1972, Willie Mays homered in his return to San Francisco as a Met.
On July 21, 1975, Joe Torre hit into four double plays in a 4-2 loss to the Astros. ("Tom Seaver said he'd hide me in his trunk to get me out of here," Torre said to reporters afterwards.)
Of greater recency, it's the anniversary of a 12-0 pasting of Jake Peavy (2005) and John Maine's first career shutout (2006).
July 21 also marks the date of one of the most unusual wins in Mets history, a 3-0 road victory over the Padres in 1970.
What was odd about this victory was that it came in a game in which the Mets were being no-hit for the first eight innings.
In fact, the Padres pitcher, Clay Kirby, left with a no-hitter intact, trailing, 1-0 through eight innings.
The Mets scored in the first inning via a pair of walks, a double steal, and a groundout by Art Shamsky.
The Padres would be 30 games out of first place after this game, so it would have been the highlight of their season for a pitcher to have thrown nine no-hit innings. But when Kirby's spot was due up in the home eighth, with two outs and nobody on, manager Preston Gomez sent up a pinch-hitter. Current Blue Jays skipper Cito Gaston struck out to end the inning.
The frustration of those who followed the Padres was apparently at a level comparable to those currently following the Mets. The New York Times tells how one fan actually stormed on to the field by the Padres dugout to express his displeasure.
The no-hit bid ended with the first batter of the ninth inning, when Bud Harrelson singled off reliever Jack Baldschun. The Mets added two more runs to pad their lead. The Padres lost, 3-0.
Perhaps forgotten in the tale of this game is that it was one of Jim McAndrew's best efforts as a Met- a three-hit shutout with nine strikeouts and no walks.
The truly no-hit Mets fan knows...The Mets have at least three wins in games in which they were no-hit for 8+ innings.
They beat Jim Maloney, 1-0 after being no-hit by him for 10 innings in 1965.
They beat Larry Dierker, 1-0 in 1966, after Dierker pitched a perfect game for eight innings
And they beat Clay Kirby and the Padres in the game referenced above.
Monday, July 20, 2009
To The Moon(man)
A year ago, on the 50th anniversary of NASA, I wrote about the Mets win on the day of the moon landing.
http://www.metswalkoffs.com/2008/07/moon-shots.html
So I need a new hook for today...
There seems to be entertainment in the story of Greg "Moon Man" Minton, so we'll venture in that direction. Turns out, according to his bio on baseball-reference, that Minton earned his nickname after getting sunburned while playing for a minor league team in Phoenix. His manager, Rocky Bridges, said Minton's body had more craters than the Moon.
Moon Man's baseball claim to fame is that he once went 269 innings between allowing home runs. Then, he allowed two within a one-week span while with the Giants. Both came against the Mets.
John Stearns hit the first, and it came with some controversy, in Game 1 of a doubleheader on May 2, 1982. Instead of being a three-run game-tying home run in the eighth, it was a two-run shot that left the Mets a run short (thanks to an ump's disputed call of a fair/foul situation that turned into a Giants DP). The Mets would end up losing by a run, with Minton getting the save by retiring Rusty Staub for the final out.
Minton wouldn't be as fortunate the next time around, on May 9. Again, the game came down to him against Staub, with the score tied and two outs in the home ninth.
The Mets pinch-hitter extraordinaire was not at the level that we became used to during the latter part of his career. He was in an 0-for-16 funk.
The newspapers described Minton's 1-0 pitch as a sinker that didn't sink, and Staub broke out of his slump by hitting one to the moon, for his first home run of the season.
It was Staub's first walk-off hit as a Met since 1974.
True Metmen know...Minton's other claim to fame is that he gave up the last walk-off home run hit by a pitcher. It was hit by Padres lefty Craig Lefferts on April 25, 1986.
http://www.metswalkoffs.com/2008/07/moon-shots.html
So I need a new hook for today...
There seems to be entertainment in the story of Greg "Moon Man" Minton, so we'll venture in that direction. Turns out, according to his bio on baseball-reference, that Minton earned his nickname after getting sunburned while playing for a minor league team in Phoenix. His manager, Rocky Bridges, said Minton's body had more craters than the Moon.
Moon Man's baseball claim to fame is that he once went 269 innings between allowing home runs. Then, he allowed two within a one-week span while with the Giants. Both came against the Mets.
John Stearns hit the first, and it came with some controversy, in Game 1 of a doubleheader on May 2, 1982. Instead of being a three-run game-tying home run in the eighth, it was a two-run shot that left the Mets a run short (thanks to an ump's disputed call of a fair/foul situation that turned into a Giants DP). The Mets would end up losing by a run, with Minton getting the save by retiring Rusty Staub for the final out.
Minton wouldn't be as fortunate the next time around, on May 9. Again, the game came down to him against Staub, with the score tied and two outs in the home ninth.
The Mets pinch-hitter extraordinaire was not at the level that we became used to during the latter part of his career. He was in an 0-for-16 funk.
The newspapers described Minton's 1-0 pitch as a sinker that didn't sink, and Staub broke out of his slump by hitting one to the moon, for his first home run of the season.
It was Staub's first walk-off hit as a Met since 1974.
True Metmen know...Minton's other claim to fame is that he gave up the last walk-off home run hit by a pitcher. It was hit by Padres lefty Craig Lefferts on April 25, 1986.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Miracle Worker
In Boston, they refer to the game of May 13, 2007 as "The Mother's Day Miracle."
The Red Sox were trailing the Orioles, 5-0 in the ninth inning, and were being three-hit by Jeremy Guthrie.
Julio Lugo led off the ninth and grounded out. Coco Crisp followed by popping up to the catcher.
Or not. Ramon Hernandez muffed the ball, allowing Crisp to reach first base.
For some reason, that resulted in Guthrie's removal, in favor of Danys Baez, despite Guthrie having thrown only 91 pitches.
David Ortiz doubled to center on Baez's second pitch, scoring Crisp. Wily Mo Pena singled, advancing Ortiz to third.
With the outcome having gotten slightly more dicey, Baez was pulled for Orioles closer Chris Ray. That didn't work either. Ray walked both J.D. Drew and Kevin Youkilis, forcing in a run to make it a 5-2 game.
With the bases loaded, Jason Varitek lined a double to right center. Two more runs scored and the tying run, Youkilis, went to third base. Now it was 5-4, Orioles, and still there was only one out.
Next up was Eric Hinske, and he was intentionally walked to load the bases. He was the seventh straight hitter to reach base.
The strategy worked when Alex Cora grounded to second, and the Orioles were able to get a force at home for the second out.
That brought the game back to Lugo, who was 0-for-4 to that point. Ray fell behind, 2-0, got back to 2-2, then brought the count back to 3-2.
Lugo than nubbed a grounder between first and second. Orioles first baseman Kevin Millar moved right to get it and threw to first base. Ray had Lugo beat to the bag, but muffed the throw. Two Red Sox came home, giving Boston a 6-5 win.
Hopefully, Julio Lugo brings the good karma from that moment with him to New York, rather than all the bad karma that's come from all that he's done (or hasn't done) to the Red Sox since.
True Metgos know...If Julio Lugo plays shortstop for the Mets, he'd be their 7th shortstop this season. That would tie the club record for most shortstops used in a season. It was done previously in 1977, 1992, 1993, and 2000.
The Red Sox were trailing the Orioles, 5-0 in the ninth inning, and were being three-hit by Jeremy Guthrie.
Julio Lugo led off the ninth and grounded out. Coco Crisp followed by popping up to the catcher.
Or not. Ramon Hernandez muffed the ball, allowing Crisp to reach first base.
For some reason, that resulted in Guthrie's removal, in favor of Danys Baez, despite Guthrie having thrown only 91 pitches.
David Ortiz doubled to center on Baez's second pitch, scoring Crisp. Wily Mo Pena singled, advancing Ortiz to third.
With the outcome having gotten slightly more dicey, Baez was pulled for Orioles closer Chris Ray. That didn't work either. Ray walked both J.D. Drew and Kevin Youkilis, forcing in a run to make it a 5-2 game.
With the bases loaded, Jason Varitek lined a double to right center. Two more runs scored and the tying run, Youkilis, went to third base. Now it was 5-4, Orioles, and still there was only one out.
Next up was Eric Hinske, and he was intentionally walked to load the bases. He was the seventh straight hitter to reach base.
The strategy worked when Alex Cora grounded to second, and the Orioles were able to get a force at home for the second out.
That brought the game back to Lugo, who was 0-for-4 to that point. Ray fell behind, 2-0, got back to 2-2, then brought the count back to 3-2.
Lugo than nubbed a grounder between first and second. Orioles first baseman Kevin Millar moved right to get it and threw to first base. Ray had Lugo beat to the bag, but muffed the throw. Two Red Sox came home, giving Boston a 6-5 win.
Hopefully, Julio Lugo brings the good karma from that moment with him to New York, rather than all the bad karma that's come from all that he's done (or hasn't done) to the Red Sox since.
True Metgos know...If Julio Lugo plays shortstop for the Mets, he'd be their 7th shortstop this season. That would tie the club record for most shortstops used in a season. It was done previously in 1977, 1992, 1993, and 2000.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Angel in the Infield
So this is what it's come to, celebrating the arrival of mediocre, journeymen has-beens (whatever happened to Wilson Valdez?). If we must, we must.
Angel Berroa beat the Mets with a walk-off hit once, something of which I have no recollection.
The game took place on June 12, 2004 and the Mets were in the midst of a 5-game losing streak. This was one that would have fit in well in 2009.
A 2-0 Mets lead disappeared when Berroa hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning against Al Leiter. In the seventh, Leiter found success against Berroa, getting him to pop out to help escape a runner on third, one-out jam.
The Royals took the lead in the home eighth when Carlos Beltran singled, stole second (Joe McEwing failed to get down a tag) and scored on Mike Sweeney's hit off David Weathers.
The Mets tied the game in the ninth on Todd Zeile's RBI double, but Zeile would get doubled off second on Kaz Matsui's fly out to end the inning. Zeile evidently was at home plate when the double play was completed. It was one of four double plays the Mets hit into during this game.
The Royals would win in regulation and the three playerswho batted in the inning all have a Mets connection. Met in Name but Not In Game Joe Randa led off with a hit, and pinch-runner Wilton Guerrero would move to second on Kelly Stinnett's sacrifice (The game stories note Guerrero would have been out easily at second if Weathers handled the bunt cleanly). Berroa followed with a single to right that plated the winning run.
Newspaper accounts note that Mets catcher Vince Wilson tagged Guerrero with his glove, while holding the ball in his bare hand, a very 2009ian kind of miscue.
"Overall, we played one of our poorer games of the year," Howe told reporters afterwards. "We got what we deserved right there."
True Metroas know...Angel Berroa won the 2003 AL Rookie of the Year Award. He'll be the 5th AL Rookie of the Year to play for the Mets,
AL Rookie of The Year Winners
Played for Mets
Sandy Alomar
Carlos Beltran
Eddie Murray
Tommie Agee
Angel Berroa beat the Mets with a walk-off hit once, something of which I have no recollection.
The game took place on June 12, 2004 and the Mets were in the midst of a 5-game losing streak. This was one that would have fit in well in 2009.
A 2-0 Mets lead disappeared when Berroa hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning against Al Leiter. In the seventh, Leiter found success against Berroa, getting him to pop out to help escape a runner on third, one-out jam.
The Royals took the lead in the home eighth when Carlos Beltran singled, stole second (Joe McEwing failed to get down a tag) and scored on Mike Sweeney's hit off David Weathers.
The Mets tied the game in the ninth on Todd Zeile's RBI double, but Zeile would get doubled off second on Kaz Matsui's fly out to end the inning. Zeile evidently was at home plate when the double play was completed. It was one of four double plays the Mets hit into during this game.
The Royals would win in regulation and the three playerswho batted in the inning all have a Mets connection. Met in Name but Not In Game Joe Randa led off with a hit, and pinch-runner Wilton Guerrero would move to second on Kelly Stinnett's sacrifice (The game stories note Guerrero would have been out easily at second if Weathers handled the bunt cleanly). Berroa followed with a single to right that plated the winning run.
Newspaper accounts note that Mets catcher Vince Wilson tagged Guerrero with his glove, while holding the ball in his bare hand, a very 2009ian kind of miscue.
"Overall, we played one of our poorer games of the year," Howe told reporters afterwards. "We got what we deserved right there."
True Metroas know...Angel Berroa won the 2003 AL Rookie of the Year Award. He'll be the 5th AL Rookie of the Year to play for the Mets,
AL Rookie of The Year Winners
Played for Mets
Sandy Alomar
Carlos Beltran
Eddie Murray
Tommie Agee
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Run Home Derby Part II
Continuing Monday's list of the most notable plays at the plate in Mets history
September 20, 1973
We've referenced "Ball on the Wall" many times in our writings here, and I strongly suggest you check out some of what we've done on the subject that was a vital game between the Mets and Pirates.
The moment of moments took place in the top of the 13th when Pirate Richie Zisk was thrown out by Mets left fielder Cleon Jones trying to score on what he had to have thought was a sure-thing home run to left field by Dave Augustine. Imagine his shock to learn that the ball hit the fence, caromed to Jones, and with a perfect relay throw to home plate, Zisk was toast.
I've read a good number of accounts on what took place on that play, but Jones' account, as featured in the next day's pages of the Bucks County Courier Times, trumps any I've read.
"The ball didn't hit the top of the fence," Jones said. "It hit the corner of the two-by-four, which is the top. And the ball had a spin on it. I didn't think it was going out. That's why I turned the way I did. I knew we had to win after that."
They did, on Ron Hodges RBI single in the home half.
September 26, 1975
The Mets and Phillies played out the final days of the 1975 season with little purpose, but that didn't halt a twi-night doubleheader that was halted by a trio of rain delays and extended by extra innings in Game 2.
The second game ended when Mike Rogodzinski doubled and Tim McCarver tried to score the tying run from first. The battle between catcher and catcher came to a head when Jerry Grote took Felix Millan's relay throw and held on for dear life as McCarver barreled in.
AP described it this way:
"Jerry Grote held on to the throw from the outfield during the smashup and made the tag. Grote had to be helped from the field and McCarver walked off feeling like he'd been hit by an Amtrak Metroliner."
July 1, 1978
John Stearns should rank as one of the toughest Mets of all-time and the giving away of 50 pounds and a lot of bulk in a game-ending collision with Dave Parker should justify that.
Parker tried to score on a fly out, down a run with two outs in the ninth. Stearns caught Joel Youngblood's throw home and successfully withstood the bone-jarring impact that knocked him back 10 feet, baseball planted firmly in glove. Parker, unprotected by any equipment, suffered a broken cheekbone and posed in a Friday The 13th-style hockey mask for photos upon his return.
Said Pirates manager Chuck Tanner to the media afterwards: "It was like the Pennsylvania Railroad colliding with the B&O."
August 27, 1986
The highlight of John Gibbons brief playing career was this play, a game-winner in San Diego. Lenny Dykstra threw Garry Templeton out at the plate, trying to score on Tim Flannery's single. Dazed, but not confused after being bowled over, Gibbons got up and threw to third base, to nail Flannery trying to advance for the game's final out.
"That's what you're talking about, when you're talking about a magical year," Flannery said afterwards.
1988 NLCS Game 1
You're not supposed to lose a postseason series when you win a game the way the Mets won Game 1. Not when you come back from trailing 2-0 in the 9th inning to a pitcher who has thrown 67 consecutive scoreless innings. Not when after getting embarassed by a pair of Jay Howell curveballs, Gary Carter pokes a third one into centerfield, just eluding the reach of playing-too-deep centerfielder John Shelby.
Not when your strongest player, Kevin McReynolds, bowls over their strongest player, catcher Mike Scioscia, to score the go-ahead run on the subsequent play at the plate.
The meeting of minds between Scioscia and McReynolds would be remembered a lot more fondly by Mets fans had the team won the series. Unfortunately, it wasn't the last time we'd note the play of Scioscia in this NLCS.
April 1, 1996
Rey Ordonez's defensive wizardry was best displayed in the seventh inning of the Mets opener against the Cardinals. With a relay throw from his knees in left field, Ordonez threw Royce Clayton out trying to score. It was the pivotal play in a Mets comeback from 6-0 down to win, 7-6. Even Ozzie Smith was impressed.
"The play speaks for itself," Smith said after the game, then was quoted in Dave Anderson's New York Times story as saying "It's safe to say he's the second coming of me."
September 14, 1997
We spend so much time grumbling about how an umpire's call was to our detriment, that we might as well acknowledge an instance in which we benefitted.
Larry Vanover goofed at a most important moment, with one out in the 9th inning of a 1-0 game, with the Mets in front. David Segui tried to score on Darin Fletcher's double and was called out by Vanover, despite catcher Todd Pratt dropping the ball on the relay throw from Rey Ordonez. One out later, the Mets had their victory.
June 11, 2005
The bubble didn't burst for the 2005 Mets for another couple of months, though Marlon Anderson's bazooka gum-bubble burst somewhere along his 120-yard dash around the bases in the most exciting play I've seen in person in three decades of going to games.
The Mets had no shot against Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez, trailing by a run in the ninth inning, unless what happened, happened. Anderson hit a line drive into the gap on which fine-fielding centerfielder Steve Finley narrowly missed a shoestring catch.
Instead, Finley kicked the ball, and kicked it just far away enough that Vladimir Guerrero would have a long ways to go to chase it down on the warning track. Even Guerrero's throw and a strong relay weren't enough to get Anderson, who had just enough left for a safe slide into home, an instant prior to a quick tag by Jose Molina.
The Mets would win in the 10th on Cliff Floyd's three-run walk-off home run, an ultra-dramatic moment in its own right, but for the elements of surprise and elation, it would be hard to top Marlon's mad dash home.
September 20, 1973
We've referenced "Ball on the Wall" many times in our writings here, and I strongly suggest you check out some of what we've done on the subject that was a vital game between the Mets and Pirates.
The moment of moments took place in the top of the 13th when Pirate Richie Zisk was thrown out by Mets left fielder Cleon Jones trying to score on what he had to have thought was a sure-thing home run to left field by Dave Augustine. Imagine his shock to learn that the ball hit the fence, caromed to Jones, and with a perfect relay throw to home plate, Zisk was toast.
I've read a good number of accounts on what took place on that play, but Jones' account, as featured in the next day's pages of the Bucks County Courier Times, trumps any I've read.
"The ball didn't hit the top of the fence," Jones said. "It hit the corner of the two-by-four, which is the top. And the ball had a spin on it. I didn't think it was going out. That's why I turned the way I did. I knew we had to win after that."
They did, on Ron Hodges RBI single in the home half.
September 26, 1975
The Mets and Phillies played out the final days of the 1975 season with little purpose, but that didn't halt a twi-night doubleheader that was halted by a trio of rain delays and extended by extra innings in Game 2.
The second game ended when Mike Rogodzinski doubled and Tim McCarver tried to score the tying run from first. The battle between catcher and catcher came to a head when Jerry Grote took Felix Millan's relay throw and held on for dear life as McCarver barreled in.
AP described it this way:
"Jerry Grote held on to the throw from the outfield during the smashup and made the tag. Grote had to be helped from the field and McCarver walked off feeling like he'd been hit by an Amtrak Metroliner."
July 1, 1978
John Stearns should rank as one of the toughest Mets of all-time and the giving away of 50 pounds and a lot of bulk in a game-ending collision with Dave Parker should justify that.
Parker tried to score on a fly out, down a run with two outs in the ninth. Stearns caught Joel Youngblood's throw home and successfully withstood the bone-jarring impact that knocked him back 10 feet, baseball planted firmly in glove. Parker, unprotected by any equipment, suffered a broken cheekbone and posed in a Friday The 13th-style hockey mask for photos upon his return.
Said Pirates manager Chuck Tanner to the media afterwards: "It was like the Pennsylvania Railroad colliding with the B&O."
August 27, 1986
The highlight of John Gibbons brief playing career was this play, a game-winner in San Diego. Lenny Dykstra threw Garry Templeton out at the plate, trying to score on Tim Flannery's single. Dazed, but not confused after being bowled over, Gibbons got up and threw to third base, to nail Flannery trying to advance for the game's final out.
"That's what you're talking about, when you're talking about a magical year," Flannery said afterwards.
1988 NLCS Game 1
You're not supposed to lose a postseason series when you win a game the way the Mets won Game 1. Not when you come back from trailing 2-0 in the 9th inning to a pitcher who has thrown 67 consecutive scoreless innings. Not when after getting embarassed by a pair of Jay Howell curveballs, Gary Carter pokes a third one into centerfield, just eluding the reach of playing-too-deep centerfielder John Shelby.
Not when your strongest player, Kevin McReynolds, bowls over their strongest player, catcher Mike Scioscia, to score the go-ahead run on the subsequent play at the plate.
The meeting of minds between Scioscia and McReynolds would be remembered a lot more fondly by Mets fans had the team won the series. Unfortunately, it wasn't the last time we'd note the play of Scioscia in this NLCS.
April 1, 1996
Rey Ordonez's defensive wizardry was best displayed in the seventh inning of the Mets opener against the Cardinals. With a relay throw from his knees in left field, Ordonez threw Royce Clayton out trying to score. It was the pivotal play in a Mets comeback from 6-0 down to win, 7-6. Even Ozzie Smith was impressed.
"The play speaks for itself," Smith said after the game, then was quoted in Dave Anderson's New York Times story as saying "It's safe to say he's the second coming of me."
September 14, 1997
We spend so much time grumbling about how an umpire's call was to our detriment, that we might as well acknowledge an instance in which we benefitted.
Larry Vanover goofed at a most important moment, with one out in the 9th inning of a 1-0 game, with the Mets in front. David Segui tried to score on Darin Fletcher's double and was called out by Vanover, despite catcher Todd Pratt dropping the ball on the relay throw from Rey Ordonez. One out later, the Mets had their victory.
June 11, 2005
The bubble didn't burst for the 2005 Mets for another couple of months, though Marlon Anderson's bazooka gum-bubble burst somewhere along his 120-yard dash around the bases in the most exciting play I've seen in person in three decades of going to games.
The Mets had no shot against Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez, trailing by a run in the ninth inning, unless what happened, happened. Anderson hit a line drive into the gap on which fine-fielding centerfielder Steve Finley narrowly missed a shoestring catch.
Instead, Finley kicked the ball, and kicked it just far away enough that Vladimir Guerrero would have a long ways to go to chase it down on the warning track. Even Guerrero's throw and a strong relay weren't enough to get Anderson, who had just enough left for a safe slide into home, an instant prior to a quick tag by Jose Molina.
The Mets would win in the 10th on Cliff Floyd's three-run walk-off home run, an ultra-dramatic moment in its own right, but for the elements of surprise and elation, it would be hard to top Marlon's mad dash home.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Run Home Derby
Their success on Sunday notwithstanding, the Mets have struggled to hit home runs throughout 2009. So, rather than partake in chatter related to Monday's Home Run Derby, I thought I'd create my own little project. I call it the Run Home Derby.
I took about a week to compile the most memorable plays at the plate in Mets history, IE: instances in which someone was indulging in a different kind of home run. The play could be by a Met, as was the case in a couple of instances, or against the Mets, which make up a significant portion of the listings.
For those who like the "Best Games I Know" series, think of this as the "Best Plays I Know." They are listed chronologically, beginning with those from the 1960s, and I encourage you to submit any I may have omitted.
April 15, 1965
The Karate Kid had a winning maneuver called "The Crane." The Mets, on this date, had one called "The Krane."
In the second inning of their meeting with the Astros, the Mets turned a 9-2-6 triple play, with help from their All-Star bound first baseman.
With runners on first and third, Jimmy Wynn flied to right for the first out. Walt Bond tried to score from third but was thrown out by Johnny Lewis.
When Lewis threw home, Ed Kranepool deked the other baserunner, Bob Aspromonte, into thinking Kranepool had cut the ball off. When Aspromonte came to the realization that Lewis had thrown through, he broke for second base. As it turned out, he was too late in doing so. Mets catcher Chris Cannizzaro pegged the ball to Roy McMillan, who tagged Aspromonte out for the triple play.
Oh, and the Mets won by walk-off on a Bobby Klaus home run off the foul pole.
June 4, 1969
If you want to pick the best defensive play of 1969 by a Mets outfielder, the choices are plentiful.
If you want to pick the best one by an infielder, this one may rank as not only the best of the year, but one of the best in team history.
It came in the top of the 15th inning of a scoreless game between the Mets and Dodgers. Billy Grabarkewitz was on third base, when Willie Davis hit a rocket that nicked Mets pitcher Ron Taylor Second baseman Al Weis charged in, made a backhand, barehand pickup and threw home to nail Grabarkewitz at the plate.
Wrote John Wiebusch of the Los Angeles Times: "It was an impossible play, but that is the kind of baseball the Mets are playing."
Keep in mind that the Mets were 8 1/2 games out of first place at the time.
They would win in the home 15th when Wayne Garrett's single and Willie Davis' misplay scored Bud Harrelson with the winning run.
July 2, 1969
Forgotten amongst Tommie Agee's fine works in 1969 was this amazing triumph. The Mets led 4-0 in the 8th inning in St. Louis before Vic Davalillo hit a game-tying grand slam.
In the home 9th, the Cardinals came very close to a walk-off. With Curt Flood on first and two outs, Vada Pinson doubled to centerfield. Flood challenged Tommie Agee to try to score the winning run, but Agee threw him out from deep center.
The story of this one wasn't so much the play at the plate, but the aftermath. That was the first of Tug McGraw's six shutout innings of relief. Somehow he escaped untouched through a pair of bases-loaded jams, seven hits, and four walks.
The Mets won it in the 14th when Agee singled, stole second and scored on Ken Boswell's hit, and Boswell came home on Wayne Garrett's bases-loaded walk.
August 30, 1969
One of the more bizarre plays of the 1969 season was captured perfectly in the Stanley Cohen book A Magic Summer. A tied game in the bottom of the ninth inning in San Francisco remained so when Willie McCovey doubled into an inning-ending double play.
That shouldn't make sense, but it does, much like the play itself.
With Bob Burda on first, McCovey hit an opposite-field double down the left field line. Rod Gaspar retrieved the ball in the corner and, in desperation, threw home on the fly. The following description is Cohen's:
" ...the wily Grote decoyed the runner. He stood idly at the plate as if no play were imminent until the ball was nearly upon him. Then he snatched Gaspar's throw on the fly and made a lunging tag on Burda for the second out."
Sounds normal enough...until you get to the next part of the play. Grote inexplicably took the ball and rolled it back to the mound. McCovey, seeing that, raced for third, and would have been safe against the 2009 sleepy-time Mets. But this was 1969 and Donn Clendenon was alert enough at first base to retrieve the ball and fire a strike to nail McCovey at third. Clendenon than won the game with an extra-inning home run.
"I don't think I ever did anything like that in all the years I played baseball," Grote told Cohen. "But Gaspar's throw stunned me. The fact that a person could throw the ball from the left field corner to home plate in Candlestick Park, and whoosh, a perfect strike, shocked me so much, I totally forgot there were only two outs."
September 8, 1969
The closest play at the plate in Mets history came in one of their most important games of the 1969 season, courtesy of Randy Hundley's glove and Tommie Agee's legs. Legs beat glove by to the plate (after a nice throw by Jim Hickman) by a smidge and Hundley's temper tantrum probably rivaled any of those from his newborn son, Todd.
Wayne Garrett's single produced the run that made the difference in a 3-2 Mets win that left the Cubs just 1 1/2 games in front.
"There's no doubt in my mind that I tagged him," Hundley told the media afterwards, and we have little doubt he'd say the same thing 40 years later.
Think about this though. That's four plays, each decided by a slim margin, that went the way of the 1969 Mets. That's what happens when it's your year. And when it's not, you get what's happened the first few months in 2009.
We'll space out the list of the remainder of plays over the next two days.
I took about a week to compile the most memorable plays at the plate in Mets history, IE: instances in which someone was indulging in a different kind of home run. The play could be by a Met, as was the case in a couple of instances, or against the Mets, which make up a significant portion of the listings.
For those who like the "Best Games I Know" series, think of this as the "Best Plays I Know." They are listed chronologically, beginning with those from the 1960s, and I encourage you to submit any I may have omitted.
April 15, 1965
The Karate Kid had a winning maneuver called "The Crane." The Mets, on this date, had one called "The Krane."
In the second inning of their meeting with the Astros, the Mets turned a 9-2-6 triple play, with help from their All-Star bound first baseman.
With runners on first and third, Jimmy Wynn flied to right for the first out. Walt Bond tried to score from third but was thrown out by Johnny Lewis.
When Lewis threw home, Ed Kranepool deked the other baserunner, Bob Aspromonte, into thinking Kranepool had cut the ball off. When Aspromonte came to the realization that Lewis had thrown through, he broke for second base. As it turned out, he was too late in doing so. Mets catcher Chris Cannizzaro pegged the ball to Roy McMillan, who tagged Aspromonte out for the triple play.
Oh, and the Mets won by walk-off on a Bobby Klaus home run off the foul pole.
June 4, 1969
If you want to pick the best defensive play of 1969 by a Mets outfielder, the choices are plentiful.
If you want to pick the best one by an infielder, this one may rank as not only the best of the year, but one of the best in team history.
It came in the top of the 15th inning of a scoreless game between the Mets and Dodgers. Billy Grabarkewitz was on third base, when Willie Davis hit a rocket that nicked Mets pitcher Ron Taylor Second baseman Al Weis charged in, made a backhand, barehand pickup and threw home to nail Grabarkewitz at the plate.
Wrote John Wiebusch of the Los Angeles Times: "It was an impossible play, but that is the kind of baseball the Mets are playing."
Keep in mind that the Mets were 8 1/2 games out of first place at the time.
They would win in the home 15th when Wayne Garrett's single and Willie Davis' misplay scored Bud Harrelson with the winning run.
July 2, 1969
Forgotten amongst Tommie Agee's fine works in 1969 was this amazing triumph. The Mets led 4-0 in the 8th inning in St. Louis before Vic Davalillo hit a game-tying grand slam.
In the home 9th, the Cardinals came very close to a walk-off. With Curt Flood on first and two outs, Vada Pinson doubled to centerfield. Flood challenged Tommie Agee to try to score the winning run, but Agee threw him out from deep center.
The story of this one wasn't so much the play at the plate, but the aftermath. That was the first of Tug McGraw's six shutout innings of relief. Somehow he escaped untouched through a pair of bases-loaded jams, seven hits, and four walks.
The Mets won it in the 14th when Agee singled, stole second and scored on Ken Boswell's hit, and Boswell came home on Wayne Garrett's bases-loaded walk.
August 30, 1969
One of the more bizarre plays of the 1969 season was captured perfectly in the Stanley Cohen book A Magic Summer. A tied game in the bottom of the ninth inning in San Francisco remained so when Willie McCovey doubled into an inning-ending double play.
That shouldn't make sense, but it does, much like the play itself.
With Bob Burda on first, McCovey hit an opposite-field double down the left field line. Rod Gaspar retrieved the ball in the corner and, in desperation, threw home on the fly. The following description is Cohen's:
" ...the wily Grote decoyed the runner. He stood idly at the plate as if no play were imminent until the ball was nearly upon him. Then he snatched Gaspar's throw on the fly and made a lunging tag on Burda for the second out."
Sounds normal enough...until you get to the next part of the play. Grote inexplicably took the ball and rolled it back to the mound. McCovey, seeing that, raced for third, and would have been safe against the 2009 sleepy-time Mets. But this was 1969 and Donn Clendenon was alert enough at first base to retrieve the ball and fire a strike to nail McCovey at third. Clendenon than won the game with an extra-inning home run.
"I don't think I ever did anything like that in all the years I played baseball," Grote told Cohen. "But Gaspar's throw stunned me. The fact that a person could throw the ball from the left field corner to home plate in Candlestick Park, and whoosh, a perfect strike, shocked me so much, I totally forgot there were only two outs."
September 8, 1969
The closest play at the plate in Mets history came in one of their most important games of the 1969 season, courtesy of Randy Hundley's glove and Tommie Agee's legs. Legs beat glove by to the plate (after a nice throw by Jim Hickman) by a smidge and Hundley's temper tantrum probably rivaled any of those from his newborn son, Todd.
Wayne Garrett's single produced the run that made the difference in a 3-2 Mets win that left the Cubs just 1 1/2 games in front.
"There's no doubt in my mind that I tagged him," Hundley told the media afterwards, and we have little doubt he'd say the same thing 40 years later.
Think about this though. That's four plays, each decided by a slim margin, that went the way of the 1969 Mets. That's what happens when it's your year. And when it's not, you get what's happened the first few months in 2009.
We'll space out the list of the remainder of plays over the next two days.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
