New York Mets all-time starting lineup

FUKUOKA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 8: Jose Reyes #7 of the New York Mets hits the ball during the Aeon All Star Series Day 5 - MLB v Japan All-Stars at Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome on November 8, 2006 in Fukuoka, Japan. MBL All-Star team won today's game 5-3, meaning they have won every one of the five game series. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO – 1986: First baseman Keith Hernandez (Getty Images) /

Keith Hernandez was first for the Mets in two ways. He came to the Mets from the division rival Cardinals and played first base from in 1983, after cementing himself as one of the best in the league at his position. He’s also first in another way. In 1987 — 45 years after the team’s first game and after helping lead the team to their first World Series title since 1969 — Hernandez became the Mets first captain in franchise history.

Let’s be honest, first base just looks better with a lefty patrolling that foul line. Frankly, no one did it better in a Mets uniform than Hernandez. Hernandez won five of his 11 Gold Gloves while in a Mets uniform. He only committed 40 errors in just over six seasons in Queens. He was also stellar at the dish.

In his first full season in Flushing (1984) he won his second Silver Slugger Award as the best offensive first baseman. In his time in New York, he hit 249 extra base hits and had 468 RBI with a slashline of .297/.387/.429.

No other first baseman in Mets history performed better in combination of defense and offense. Hernandez is the best we’ve ever seen.

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