The New York Mets continually appear to have players destined for stardom, but they never quite reach their full potential. Which of those players found enough sustained success to make the franchise’s Mount Rushmore.
The New York Mets were the dynasty that never was. After their humble beginnings, when Casey Stengel once asked if there was anyone who could play the game, they suddenly became a winner. Improbably, the 1969 Mets came from the basement and knocked off the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles in five games to win their first World Series.
Each decade appeared to be the start of a Golden Era of Mets baseball. The 1980s had Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, two of the top prospects int he game. The 1990s saw Bill Pulsipher, Jason Isringhausen, and Paul Wilson emerge as the top pitching prospects in the game. Only Isringhausen made an All-Star appearance, and that came as a closer after his time with the Mets ended.
The Mets are in a similar situation these days. Their pitching staff is filled with highly touted arms, minor league phenoms that were expected to make them a force for years. Instead, injuries and inconsistency have kept the team from reaching their full potential, just like in years past.
Nonetheless, the Mets have had some great years. In addition to their 1969 title, they won the World Series in 1986, keeping the Curse of the Bambino alive. All told, they have nine postseason appearances and five National League titles. They may not have had that dynasty, but the Mets have still found success.
Which of those players has meant the most to the New York Mets? Let us take a look at their Mount Rushmore.