New York Mets: Five best center fielders in franchise history
2. Mookie Wilson
This one was tough because he could have been number one. After all it was his jersey number. Mookie Wilson made his debut with the Mets in 1980. After getting his feet wet in 1981, he started a string of seasons from 1982-1988 where he went only one season of less than 100 hits. From 1982-1984, Mookie stole over 50 bases per year. The numbers went down when Lenny Dykstra joined him, but his speed was always a threat on the base paths.
In the field, Wilson was always consistent though he never won a Gold Glove. His fielding percentage in center field was typically over .980. Throughout his career he was not a liability in the field for the team from Queens. Mookie was an all-around player who had a smile that won fans over.
Of course, Mets fans will always hold Mookie close in their hearts for this:
Destiny was on the side of the Mets on that faithful night at Shea. Wilson’s patience at the plate to work the count was stuff of legends. He’s been known to say that he would have beaten Bill Buckner to the bag if he had made the play cleanly, but I guess we will never know, will we?
Mookie will be forever in our hearts, smile and all.