New York Mets: Five best right fielders in franchise history

5. Joel Youngblood

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OK there were a lot of talented right fielders, but selecting the top five became a little bit difficult. After a bit of work, however, five guys came forward. It starts with Joel Youngblood. He was traded during the 1977 from the St. Louis Cardinals and, although he spent some time at second base, he began his Mets career in right field.

After a slow first couple of years, Youngblood had his best year with the team in 1979. He led the Mets in home runs with 16, runs scored with 90, and doubles with 37. He also recorded 162 hits that season. To perform that well is exciting when you note that he hit in every spot in the lineup except for eighth. Remember each spot in the lineup is different. Leadoff requires a good eye and getting on base. 3rd-5th requires driving in runs. To perform well moving all over the lineup is quite unique.

He followed that up with a season in 1980 when he hit .276 with eight home runs and 69 RBI. He dropped another 142 hits and 26 more doubles around the National League, showing that he was no one-hit wonder. His final full year with the team was 1981. That year, Youngblood was the only Mets representative at the All-Star game. In that strike-shortened year, he managed a career high .350 batting average.