New York Mets: 5 greatest first basemen of all-time

Sep 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson on the field with mascot Mr. Met before a game against the Houston Astros at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5.) Donn Clendenon

Donn Clendenon wasn’t on the Mets for a very long time, but his time with the Mets was memorable.

Clendenon was with the Pittsburgh Pirates for most of his career, but he still was a very important part of Mets history when he arrived in 1969. In three seasons with the Mets, Clendenon hit .267 with 45 homeruns, and 171 RBI.

It would be in the 1969 World Series when Clendenon would make his mark in franchise history. After not playing against the Braves due to the platoon at first base with Ed Kranepool, Clendenon would get his opportunities in the World Series against the lefties of the Baltimore Orioles.

In the World Series, Clendenon batted .357 in four games with three homeruns, four RBI, and a double. The power surge for Clendenon led to him taking home World Series MVP honors in the Mets’ first championship.

Clendenon carried the momentum of the 1969 World Series MVP honor into the 1970 season, as he batted .288 with 22 homeruns and 97 RBI.

1971 would be Clendenon’s final season with the Mets, but he will go down in history as the team’s first World Series MVP.

Next: No.4