New York Mets: Five best catchers in franchise history
1. Gary Carter
The year was 1984. The Mets jumped from last place to second place, finishing the year with 90 wins, their best season since 1969. They were an exciting young team that sported Daryl Strawberry at the plate and was led by Dwight Gooden on the mound. Keith Hernandez had just played his first full year with the team and the future looked bright. However, the team needed a catcher. They wanted a veteran that would stabilize the young pitching staff.
Out of the shadows comes All-Star Gary Carter, acquired by the Mets in the off-season for four players. In his debut on April 9, 1985, Carter hit the game-winning home run in the 10th inning and he had Mets fans hearts from there on out. He was called “the kid” for his sheer love of the game and it showed every day. In 1985 he posted his highest home run total with the Mets (32) and highest average (.281).
Carter made his mark in the 1986 World Series, starting in game four when he hit 2 home runs over the Green Monster to help the Mets to victory. His biggest memory from that series was when he started the rally in the 10th inning of game six that led to this:
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Carter may have spent the majority of his career in Montreal but what he did in New York will never be forgotten. That’s what puts him number one on our list. Gone too soon, the late, great, Gary Carter.