The Best Mets Players of All Time: Legends of Shea and Citi Field
The New York Mets, despite their relatively short history, have produced a remarkable collection of talented players. From the team's early days to the present, the Mets have had a strong presence in baseball history with numerous superstars, iconic figures, and championship contributors. Here's a look at some of the best Mets players of all time, spanning across generations and shaping the team's identity:
Hall of Famers:
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Tom Seaver (1967-1977, 1983): "The Franchise," Tom Seaver, is synonymous with Mets greatness. A dominant pitcher with a devastating curveball, Seaver holds numerous Mets pitching records and was an integral part of the 1969 World Series Championship team. He is arguably the greatest Met of all time.
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Keith Hernandez (1979-1983): A defensive wizard at first base, Hernandez's steady presence and leadership were instrumental in the Mets' 1986 World Series victory. He also won an MVP award and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
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Mike Piazza (1998-2005): One of the best hitting catchers in MLB history, Piazza resurrected the Mets' offense in the late 90s. He helped lead the team to the World Series in 2000 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
Other Notable Players:
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Darryl Strawberry (1983-1990, 1993): A gifted and powerful outfielder, Strawberry was a key component of the '86 World Series team and a five-time All-Star. He had a tumultuous career, but his talent is undeniable.
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David Wright (2004-2018): The face of the Mets for over a decade, Wright is the franchise leader in hits and RBIs. A seven-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove winner, Wright’s career was hampered by injuries but his dedication to the team was unwavering.
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Dwight Gooden (1984-1994, 1996): "Doc" Gooden, a flamethrowing right-hander, captivated the city with his electrifying pitching. He won a Cy Young Award and a World Series title, but his career was also marred by personal struggles.
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Gary Carter (1985-1989): Known as "Kid" and the "Kid" of the "Killer B's" (along with Strawberry and Gooden), Carter was a powerful and energetic catcher who provided leadership and a winning spirit to the team.
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Edgardo Alfonzo (1998-2003): A talented and versatile infielder, "El Duque" was a key member of the Mets' early 2000s success. He was a three-time All-Star and contributed significantly to the team's resurgence.
More Recent Standouts:
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Jacob deGrom (2014-2022): One of the most dominant pitchers in the modern game, deGrom possesses a lightning-fast fastball and a sharp slider. He has won two Cy Young Awards and has become a modern-day Mets icon.
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Francisco Lindor (2021-present): A dynamic shortstop known for his offensive prowess and defensive brilliance, Lindor brought star power to the Mets upon his arrival. He is a four-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove winner.
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Pete Alonso (2019-present): A power-hitting first baseman, Alonso has become a fan favorite with his home run hitting ability. He won the Home Run Derby in 2019 and has already established himself as one of the most feared hitters in the game.
Honourable Mentions:
The Mets have had numerous other talented players who deserve recognition, including:
- Jose Reyes
- Mookie Wilson
- Howard Johnson
- Ron Darling
- John Franco
- Carlos Beltrán
This list represents a small sample of the many great Mets players who have left their mark on the franchise. From the days of Shea Stadium to the new era at Citi Field, the Mets have been fortunate to have a steady stream of talent that has entertained fans and made them proud to be Mets fans. As the team continues to evolve, it is exciting to think about the next generation of Mets greats who will soon join this exclusive group of legends.
