This seems like the tenth time that I’ve had to write about the disconnect between the Wilpon’s and their fans. This disconnect can not be any more evident in the case of should the Mets retire number 17 or not? As a Mets fan and a student of their history, certain eras are much more memorable then others. For the good times, one would first think of Tom Terrific and the Amazins, the era includes the 1969 World Series title and the 1973 National League Pennant.
The second successful era people would think of is the era from 1984-1990, when the Mets even advertised over that period that they had the best overall record in baseball. No one person catagorizes that era of Met history than Keith Hernandez. The Mets were going nowhere fast (as usual) in the early 80′s. Frank Cashen had taken over in 1980 and was brought in to take the Mets to the same place he had brought the Baltimore Orioles in the 60′s and 70′s.
Cashen knew the job would take some time as he needed to replenish the farm system. His first pick was a right fielder named Darryl Strawberry, he later drafted Doc Gooden and traded Lee Mazzilli for Ron Darling. But no move was as important as the move Cashen made on June 15, 1983 when he sent Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey to the Cardinals for Keith Hernandez. Keith was the leader to take all of the young guys under his wings. Keith was the guy that lit the fire for the 1986 season. Flat out, Keith and Whitey Herzog disliked each other which only fueled the Met-Cardinal rivalry and brought the best both out of Keith and the team. It is in my opinion, that if Keith Hernandez does not become a Met, then we would still be waiting for a follow up to 1969.
Not only do I feel Keith is the man who led this team to the title with his leadership skills but he was also one hell of a player. Keith is arguably the greatest defensive first baseman of all time. Keith won 11 consecutive gold gloves which is a record for first basemen, which would pretty much tell you that he is the best of all time. As a kid, who played first base and modeled his game after Keith Hernandez, I can tell you that he brought pride to the position. He also made me work hard on things that I would see him do. I wanted to get down and dirty like Keith and I wanted the other team to never think of laying a bunt down my way. It’s hard to remember how a true first baseman should play the bag because after Keith retired, I have yet to see anyone play the way he did. First base is now a position where people just get thrown because they are fat or can’t run or are old but Keith showed that having a good defensive first baseman can make the difference.
Not only was Keith a Hall of Fame defensive player, he was an All-Star at the plate. Before steroids inflated offensive numbers, Keith put up strong numbers every season. Keith averaged about a .300 average with homers in the teens and 90 “Rib Eye Steaks” in his time with the Mets. He was a Silver Slugger in ’84 and made the All-Star teams in ’84, ’86 and ’87. Keith was also known for being clutch. One need go no further then the ’86 NLCS Game 6 or the ’86 World Series Game 7 to see that. Keith was a player who rose to the top in those big moments. Once again I will reiterate, there is no way the 1986 team wins without him.
When you have almost 50 years as a team and have just 2 World Series titles, I feel that you need to honor those that brought you to that glory. For the 80′s Mets, it was Keith Hernandez who brought it all together. I think for all time, people should be able to come into CitiField and take a look at that outfield fence and remember what a huge piece he was to the puzzle.
This move just makes too much sense for it not to happen, Keith is on good terms with the team as he is an announcer. Keith is loved by fans alike and he is one of our all time players. However, as much as Keith gives this organization he is still disrespected. As it is assumed that Carter’s 8, Mays’ 24 and Piazza’s 31 are not handed out to anyone, Keith’s 17 is repeatedly given out to inferior players.
Thanks to MBTN.net for help with this info: Players to wear 17 since Keith left.
David Cone, Jeff McKnight, Bret Saberhagen, Brent Mayne, Luis Lopez, Mike Bordick, Kevin Appier, Satoru Komiyama, Graeme Lloyd, Jason Anderson, Wilson Delgado, Mr. Koo, Jose Lima, David Newhan and Fernando Tatis.
I believe Coney switched to honor Keith and with the exception of the Cy Young award winner Saberhagen, this looks like a lineup of the worst ever players to suit up for the Mets. Is this a joke? Pull the number from Tatis and honor Keith like he deserves!!!
