Mets Trivia

[milladrive]

I figured I'd bring a trivia thread to the Mets forum, dedicated specifically for answers that include Met players, managers, coaches, GM's, owners, etc.

When answering, feel free to come up with a question of your own, although it's certainly not required.

Okay, here goes...

----------------

Since 1940, who are the only two pitchers to throw 200+ innings in their first ten (10) Major League seasons.

[The Commissioner]

Well, Seaver is obviously one. Are both of them Mets, because I seem to recall Don Sutton also accomplishing that before the strike interfered with his streak.

[milladrive]

Well, Seaver is obviously one. Are both of them Mets, because I seem to recall Don Sutton also accomplishing that before the strike interfered with his streak.

We have a winner! Seaver and Sutton are indeed the pitchers. Very good, sir.

-------------

Of the seven positions eligible, what is the only position for which the Mets have never had a Gold Glove winner?

[NYMets523]

Catcher.

P: Darling
1B: Keith
2B: Flynn
SS: Ordonez
3B: Wright, Ventura
OF: Beltran, Agee

[m8644]

kind of funny we dont have a gold glover at catcher.....cause we've had some of the better defensive catchers of the last 30-40 years.

Jerry Grote
Gary Carter
Charlie O'Brien
Alberto Castillo, etc

Granted a few of those were backups, I just find it amusing.

[milladrive]

Excellent "catch" 523. :happy:

-------------

Okay, this may be a brain-scratcher, but I'm pretty sure we have some Met stat-heads in here.

During regular season games, who are the Mets home run leaders by position through 2009? The player must have been in the game at that particular position at the time of the homers for them to count. ...Extra credit for the total number of dingers hit while playing these positions.

Pitcher:
Catcher:
First Base:
Second Base:
Third Base:
Shortstop:
Outfield (Left):
Outfield (Center):
Outfield (Right):
Designated Hitter:
Pinch Hitter:

[NJMetfan4life]

Pitcher: J Isringhausen 2
Catcher:Mike Piazza 220
First Base: Dave Kingman 154
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo 120
Third Base: HoJo 192
Shortstop: Jose Reyes 63
Leftfield: Kevin McReynolds 122
Centerfield: Carlos Beltran 127
Rightfield: Darryl Strawberry 252
DH: To Come soon
Pinch Hitter: To come soon

[milladrive]

Pitcher: J Isringhausen 2
Catcher:Mike Piazza 220
First Base: Dave Kingman 154
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo 120
Third Base: HoJo 192
Shortstop: Jose Reyes 63
Leftfield: Kevin McReynolds 122
Centerfield: Carlos Beltran 127
Rightfield: Darryl Strawberry 252
DH: To Come soon
Pinch Hitter: To come soon


You're correct on Catcher, Second Base, Shortstop, and all of the Outfield. So, you nailed six of eleven. :applaud:

However, the only number you're correct on is Strawberry's. Remember, the players had to hit their homers while in the game at their respective positions for the homer to count on their totals. ;)

[NJMetfan4life]

You're correct on Catcher, Second Base, Shortstop, and all of the Outfield. So, you nailed six of eleven. :applaud:

However, the only number you're correct on is Strawberry's. Remember, the players had to hit their homers while in the game at their respective positions for the homer to count on their totals. ;)


Pitcher: Dwight Gooden 7
Catcher:Mike Piazza 200
First Base: Dave Kingman 72
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo 73
Third Base: HoJo 185
Shortstop: Jose Reyes 61
Leftfield: Kevin McReynolds To come
Centerfield: Carlos Beltran To come
Rightfield: Darryl Strawberry 252
DH: To Come soon
Pinch Hitter: To come soon

[milladrive]

Pitcher: Dwight Gooden 7
Catcher:Mike Piazza 200
First Base: Dave Kingman 72
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo 73
Third Base: HoJo 185
Shortstop: Jose Reyes 61
Leftfield: Kevin McReynolds To come
Centerfield: Carlos Beltran To come
Rightfield: Darryl Strawberry 252
DH: To Come soon
Pinch Hitter: To come soon


Getting better. You nailed the Pitcher and his number (Gooden with 7), Catcher and his number (Piazza with 200 while in the game as catcher), Second Base (Alfonzo), though you're a little off with the number, Shortstop and his number (Reyes with 61), and again all of the Outfield, including Straw and his number (252).

So, to summarize to the moment, we have:

Pitcher: Dwight Gooden (7)
Catcher: Mike Piazza (200)
First Base:
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo
Third Base:
Shortstop: José Reyes (61)
Left Field: Kevin McReynolds
Center Field: Carlos Beltrán
Right Field: Darryl Strawberry (252)
Designated Hitter:
Pinch Hitter:


Incidentally, in a twist of irony, those three outfielders account for the three Met outfielders with the most homers hit by Met outfielders. It's just concidence that they played three different primary positions.

[Joe Rigatoni]

Here are three trivia questions with a common theme.

1.Who got the game winning hit on Mets Opening Day 1983 but never played
in another major league game after that game?

2.Who got the save on Mets Opening Day 1989 but only got one other save
for the Mets in his career after that?

3.Who got the save for the Mets on the original Jackie Robinson night on
April 15,1997 yet that was his only save that he ever got for the Mets?
Infact,it was the last save of his major league career.Who was this pitcher?

[Joe Rigatoni]

One last trivia question and this is in the spirit of the unfortunate
Jeff Francoeur game ending triple play.

In the movie The Odd Couple there was a fictitious game between the
Pirates and the Mets at Shea and Bill Mazeroski of the Pirates hit into
a game ending triple play and the Mets won 1-0.Give me the names of
all four players for the Mets who played the infield during Mazeroski's
game ending triple play and also give me the name of the Mets pitcher
who got Mazeroski to hit into the game ending triple play.

I got a chance to speak to Bud Harrelson recently during a 1969 Mets
event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City,L.I.and he confirmed
the identity to all four players for the Mets who played the infield during
Mazeroski's game ending triple play and also confirmed the identity of the
Mets pitcher who got Mazeroski to hit into the game ending triple play as
well.

[milladrive]

Here are three trivia questions with a common theme.

1.Who got the game winning hit on Mets Opening Day 1983 but never played
in another major league game after that game?

2.Who got the save on Mets Opening Day 1989 but only got one other save
for the Mets in his career after that?

3.Who got the save for the Mets on the original Jackie Robinson night on
April 15,1997 yet that was his only save that he ever got for the Mets?
Infact,it was the last save of his major league career.Who was this pitcher?


1. Mike Howard.

2. Don Aase.

3. Toby Borland.



In the movie The Odd Couple there was a fictitious game between the Pirates and the Mets at Shea and Bill Mazeroski of the Pirates hit into a game ending triple play and the Mets won 1-0.Give me the names of all four players for the Mets who played the infield during Mazeroski's game ending triple play and also give me the name of the Mets pitcher who got Mazeroski to hit into the game ending triple play.

I'll have to check out The Odd Couple movie again (I have it on DVD) in order to answer that one since I'm running a blank on this fictitious game.


Now, how about getting to work on my yet-to-be-completed question, there, bucko. :p

[NJMetfan4life]

McReynolds is 118. Could David Wright with 150 HR's be the Mets 3rd basemen leader? Beltran I believe has 125,and finally for tonight, Carlos Delgado is the Mets 1st basmen leader with a total of 101 round trippers.

[milladrive]

McReynolds is 118. Could David Wright with 150 HR's be the Mets 3rd basemen leader? Beltran I believe has 125,and finally for tonight, Carlos Delgado is the Mets 1st basmen leader with a total of 101 round trippers.

I've gotta give you credit, NJM. You're putting in quite an effort on this question, and you're getting closer and closer with each post.

You got McReynolds' number with 118. David Wright is indeed the Mets' Third Base leader, but his number is a little off. As well, you're ever so close with Beltrán's number. Lastly, you've pegged Carlos Delgado as the firstbaseman with 101 (Kranepool is next in line with 98).

So, to keep current, we now have:

Pitcher: Dwight Gooden (7)
Catcher: Mike Piazza (200)
First Base: Carlos Delgado (101)
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo
Third Base: David Wright
Shortstop: José Reyes (61)
Outfield (Left): Kevin McReynolds (118)
Outfield (Center): Carlos Beltrán
Outfield (Right): Darryl Strawberry (252)
Designated Hitter:
Pinch Hitter:

Almost there! :applaud:

[NJMetfan4life]

Just a guess, but does Ed Kranepool have the most pinch hit HR's?

[milladrive]

Just a guess, but does Ed Kranepool have the most pinch hit HR's?

Boy oh boy, you're impressing me with every step, sir! The Pinch Hitter position is kind of a trick question, though. Steady Eddie is one of two tied for the lead as a Pinch Hitter.

Continued update:

Pitcher: Dwight Gooden (7)
Catcher: Mike Piazza (200)
First Base: Carlos Delgado (101)
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo
Third Base: David Wright
Shortstop: José Reyes (61)
Outfield (Left): Kevin McReynolds (118)
Outfield (Center): Carlos Beltrán
Outfield (Right): Darryl Strawberry (252)
Designated Hitter:
Pinch Hitter: Ed Kranepool and...

:highfive:

[NJMetfan4life]

Boy oh boy, you're impressing me with every step, sir! The Pinch Hitter position is kind of a trick question, though. Steady Eddie is one of two tied for the lead as a Pinch Hitter.

Continued update:

Pitcher: Dwight Gooden (7)
Catcher: Mike Piazza (200)
First Base: Carlos Delgado (101)
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo
Third Base: David Wright
Shortstop: José Reyes (61)
Outfield (Left): Kevin McReynolds (118)
Outfield (Center): Carlos Beltrán
Outfield (Right): Darryl Strawberry (252)
Designated Hitter:
Pinch Hitter: Ed Kranepool and...

:highfive:

They have 6 each, I'll figure it out tomorrow.:yawn:

[Cowtipper]

I have Edgardo Alfonzo as having 72 while at second base.

[Cowtipper]

Wright has 140 homers I reckon, and Beltran has 125 I believe.

[milladrive]

They have 6 each, I'll figure it out tomorrow.:yawn:

Six (6) is correct.


I have Edgardo Alfonzo as having 72 while at second base.


Wright has 140 homers I reckon, and Beltran has 125 I believe.

140 is indeed the number for Wright at 3B (HoJo follows with 129). The numbers for Alfonzo at 2B and Beltrán (which is the same number NJM calculated) are just a bit off.

The ever-continuous update:

Pitcher: Dwight Gooden (7)
Catcher: Mike Piazza (200)
First Base: Carlos Delgado (101)
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo
Third Base: David Wright (140)
Shortstop: José Reyes (61)
Outfield (Left): Kevin McReynolds (118)
Outfield (Center): Carlos Beltrán
Outfield (Right): Darryl Strawberry (252)
Designated Hitter:
Pinch Hitter: Ed Kranepool and... (6)

This is so close to fin I can taste it. You guys are awesome.

[Cowtipper]

I believe Mike Piazza is the Mets DH leader, hitting nine home runs at that 'position'.

Are you sure Alfonzo didn't have 72 home runs at second base? According to this he did:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/event_bat.cgi?n1=alfoned01#year_game=career&divisory=1&pitchORbat=bat&n1=alfoned01&event=23&out_type=

Look where it says "DfPos"

[milladrive]

I believe Mike Piazza is the Mets DH leader, hitting nine home runs at that 'position'.

Are you sure Alfonzo didn't have 72 home runs at second base? According to this he did:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/event_bat.cgi?n1=alfoned01#year_game=career&divisory=1&pitchORbat=bat&n1=alfoned01&event=23&out_type=

Look where it says "DfPos"


You've pegged Piazza as the DH leader, though his number is off ever so closely.

As for Alfonzo, I'm quite certain. The number of homers hit while in the game at Second Base is just slightly off using that calculator. Hint (though this may give it away): There's a more accurate way of doing the definitive arithmetic elsewhere at BR.

Wow, I really didn't think the answers would be so close to finished this quickly. Sssuper!


Culminating cumulations:

Pitcher: Dwight Gooden (7)
Catcher: Mike Piazza (200)
First Base: Carlos Delgado (101)
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo
Third Base: David Wright (140)
Shortstop: José Reyes (61)
Outfield (Left): Kevin McReynolds (118)
Outfield (Center): Carlos Beltrán
Outfield (Right): Darryl Strawberry (252)
Designated Hitter: Mike Piazza
Pinch Hitter: Ed Kranepool and... (6)

All that remains is Alfonzo's, Beltrán's, and DH Piazza's totals, as well as the other Pinch Hitter.

[NJMetfan4life]

Piazza had 9 as a DH, and I am positive that Carlos Beltran has 125 HR's as a CF when a Met. Also, Alfonso did have 72 http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=1&params=defp|as 2B|alfoned01|bat|AB|

[metfan13]

How about Staub for the other PH homer leader?

[milladrive]

How about Staub for the other PH homer leader?


Well, I was going to suggest naming the other PH leader before explaining the controversial (?) totals, but metfan13 has named him. Rusty is indeed the other Pinch Hitter with 6 as a Met. Very good. :)

[NJMetfan4life]

However, no one has yet to come up with the actual accurate totals for either Alfonzo as a Met secondbaseman, nor Baltrán as a Met centerfielder. I hold firm to these numbers, as they are accurate. The answers given so far for these two players at their positions are quite close, but not nailed.

Alfonso has 72 as a Met second baseman. He hit them from 1995-2001, never hitting one after 2001 as a second basemen

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=alfoned01&year=Career&t=b#as 2B

[milladrive]

I'm a fool.

I'll explain in a little while. My apologies.

:sorry:

[NJMetfan4life]

I'm a fool.

I'll explain in a little while. My apologies.

:sorry:

Are you using the official Mets.com Stat page? I did too for a while, than saw your other trivia question and went with the BBR splits.

[milladrive]

Okay, here's the deal.

My calculations had been done manually using the player's Home Run Log at BBR. For most primary positions, I'd merely sort by position, then subtract the number hit while not at that position.

This wouldn't have been so bad had I not perceived the "2"s under "#gm" as meaning the player hitting two in that particular game! Didn't even look at the dates immediately to their left. :dismay: Now enlightened, I realize those "2"s merely mean the second home run of those particular games.

Therefore, my numbers were not as accurate as I'd thought. From now on, I'll use the proper tools for my questions' answers. My sincerest apologies to all who had been toiling on the answers and repeatedly knocking me on the head with a baseball bat with some correct answers, only for me to be so cocksure about their incorrectness.

I'm considering this question a total wash. The players with the most homers by position while playing those positions with the Mets and their corresponding totals are as follows:

Pitcher: Dwight Gooden (7); Tom Seaver (6)
Catcher: Mike Piazza (200)
First Base: Carlos Delgado (101); Ed Kranepool (98)
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo (72); Jeff Kent (56)
Third Base: David Wright (140); Howard Johnson (131)
Shortstop: José Reyes (61); Howard Johnson (45)
Outfield: Darryl Strawberry (252)
Outfield: Carlos Beltràn (125)
Outfield: Kevin McReynolds (118)
Designated Hitter: Mike Piazza (9)
Pinch Hitter: Tie: Rusty Staub & Ed Kranepool (6)

I promise my future trivia questions' answers will be completely accurate. Right now, though, I feel like such a screwball. :baseball: :sigh:

[Joe Rigatoni]

1. Mike Howard.

2. Don Aase.

3. Toby Borland.




I'll have to check out The Odd Couple movie again (I have it on DVD) in order to answer that one since I'm running a blank on this fictitious game.


Now, how about getting to work on my yet-to-be-completed question, there, bucko. :p

You are correct on all three questions on my first trivia post.
I am sorry this is the first chance I got to respond to confirm that.
As far as your trivia question:"Jeez,that's a lot of thinking,bro."
"That's going to make my head spin but I'll give it my best shot."

[NJMetfan4life]

Okay, here's the deal.

My calculations had been done manually using the player's Home Run Log at BBR. For most primary positions, I'd merely sort by position, then subtract the number hit while not at that position.

This wouldn't have been so bad had I not perceived the "2"s under "#gm" as meaning the player hitting two in that particular game! Didn't even look at the dates immediately to their left. :dismay: Now enlightened, I realize those "2"s merely mean the second home run of those particular games.

Therefore, my numbers were not as accurate as I'd thought. From now on, I'll use the proper tools for my questions' answers. My sincerest apologies to all who had been toiling on the answers and repeatedly knocking me on the head with a baseball bat with some correct answers, only for me to be so cocksure about their incorrectness.

I'm considering this question a total wash. The players with the most homers by position while playing those positions with the Mets and their corresponding totals are as follows:

Pitcher: Dwight Gooden (7); Tom Seaver (6)
Catcher: Mike Piazza (200)
First Base: Carlos Delgado (101); Ed Kranepool (98)
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo (72); Jeff Kent (56)
Third Base: David Wright (140); Howard Johnson (131)
Shortstop: José Reyes (61); Howard Johnson (45)
Outfield: Darryl Strawberry (252)
Outfield: Carlos Beltràn (125)
Outfield: Kevin McReynolds (118)
Designated Hitter: Mike Piazza (9)
Pinch Hitter: Tie: Rusty Staub & Ed Kranepool (6)

I promise my future trivia questions' answers will be completely accurate. Right now, though, I feel like such a screwball. :baseball: :sigh:

I feel relieved I got most of them. I put in bold what I did get. :D

I have a question. What is so unusual about Harry Chiti, a player the Mets had in the 1960's?

[metfan13]

I feel relieved I got most of them. I put in bold what I did get. :D

I have a question. What is so unusual about Harry Chiti, a player the Mets had in the 1960's?

He was traded for himself.

Mets got him in a trade for a player to be named later. Chiti was the player after hit under .200 for a couple of weeks.

[metfan13]

OK, sticking with catchers. Who's Steve Chilcott?

[NJMetfan4life]

He was traded for himself.

Mets got him in a trade for a player to be named later. Chiti was the player after hit under .200 for a couple of weeks.

You got it. I always found it funny that he was traded for a PTNL and cash, and they mets ended up just paying the Indians.

[Cowtipper]

OK, sticking with catchers. Who's Steve Chilcott?

#1 overall draft pick who never made the majors.

[milladrive]

#1 overall draft pick who never made the majors.

Dang, I would have never gotten that one! Is that really the answer? I love the knowledge in this place.


I feel relieved I got most of them. I put in bold what I did get. :D

I definitely give you TONS of credit for coming up with most of the players and stats, NJM. I tip my cap to you, sir. :nod: :applaud:

In all fairness, though, I believe Cowtipper pegged Piazza with 9 DH dingers before you did (check post #22).

--------------

Okay, after my last fiasco, I'll toss a batting practice lob:


Who were the only Mets to wear #41 before Tom Seaver?

[Joe Rigatoni]

OK, sticking with catchers. Who's Steve Chilcott?

Not only was he the #1 overall draft pick who never made the majors but
he was also drafted before Reggie Jackson.

[Joe Rigatoni]

Tt
Dang, I would have never gotten that one! Is that really the answer? I love the knowledge in this place.



I definitely give you TONS of credit for coming up with most of the players and stats, NJM. I tip my cap to you, sir. :nod: :applaud:

In all fairness, though, I believe Cowtipper pegged Piazza with 9 DH dingers before you did (check post #22).

--------------

Okay, after my last fiasco, I'll toss a batting practice lob:


Who were the only Mets to wear #41 before Tom Seaver?

The only Mets to wear #41 before Tom Seaver were Clem Labine,
Grover Powell,Jim Bethke,and Gordon Richardson.

[metfan13]

Cowtipper and Joe, you are correct with your details.

And one more thing to add, he, along with the Yanks Brien Taylor (who injured his shoulder in a bar fight before playing in the minors) are the ONLY first overall draft picks never to play in the majors.

(That excluding the guys from the past 2-3 drafts of course)

[milladrive]

The only Mets to wear #41 before Tom Seaver were Clem Labine,Grover Powell,Jim Bethke,and Gordon Richardson.

Got it. :nod:

--------

Now that I've recuperated from my pathetic brain injury, I feel a bit more comfy returning to homers.

Who were the top five leaders in home runs for the Mets in the decade, 2000-2009? The numbers are required.

[NJMetfan4life]

In all fairness, though, I believe Cowtipper pegged Piazza with 9 DH dingers before you did (check post #22).

I know, that's why I bolded the 9 only.

EDIT: Never mind. He took the time to write out "nine" instead of just putting in "9" like I did so I didn't see it.

[milladrive]

Now that I've recuperated from my pathetic brain injury, I feel a bit more comfy returning to homers.

Who were the top five leaders in home runs for the Mets in the decade, 2000-2009? The numbers are required.

No one gonna run these bases?

[NJMetfan4life]

No one gonna run these bases?

1. David Wright with 140

[milladrive]

1. David Wright with 140

1.
2. David Wright (140)
3.
4.
5.

[Joe Rigatoni]

Who is the only Mets pitcher in team history to start two games in a row
that the team played in the same season?
Please give me the name of the pitcher and when it happened as well.

[milladrive]

Who is the only Mets pitcher in team history to start two games in a row
that the team played in the same season?
Please give me the name of the pitcher and when it happened as well.

Way to ignore my question, mister. :p

But okay... Just to clarify, were these two games regular-season games that this pitcher started consecutively?

[Joe Rigatoni]

Way to ignore my question, mister. :p

But okay... Just to clarify, were these two games regular-season games that this pitcher started consecutively?

Excellent question.Wow,you're good.It's a good thing we have you on the
right side of the law.The answer is:No,these were not two games regular
season games that this pitcher started consecutively.

[milladrive]

Excellent question.Wow,you're good.It's a good thing we have you on the right side of the law.The answer is:No,these were not two games regular season games that this pitcher started consecutively.

Well then, it's a trick question, since the post-season doesn't count as part of the season. Even the players' stats aren't combined with their post-season stats at their careers' final tally.

But all right then, the answer is Seaver, who started the final game of the '73 season, then started Game 1 of the NLCS.

Now...

Who were the top five leaders in home runs for the Mets in the decade, 2000-2009? The numbers are required.

So far, NJMetfan4life is the only one with even a semblance of part of the answer. At this point, we have...

1.
2. David Wright (140)
3.
4.
5.

[NJMetfan4life]

Beltran with 125 and Delgado with 101. Also, Piazza should be #1, but I'm not sure on the number yet.

[milladrive]

Beltran with 125 and Delgado with 101. Also, Piazza should be #1, but I'm not sure on the number yet.

NJM, you've truly earned your props from me. :nod:

Who were the top five leaders in home runs for the Mets in the decade, 2000-2009? The numbers are required.

1. Mike Piazza
2. David Wright (140)
3. Carlos Beltrán
4. Carlos Delgado
5.

(P.S. ...And this time, I promise I've gotten the numbers correct.)

[Joe Rigatoni]

Well then, it's a trick question, since the post-season doesn't count as part of the season. Even the players' stats aren't combined with their post-season stats at their careers' final tally.

But all right then, the answer is Seaver, who started the final game of the '73 season, then started Game 1 of the NLCS.

Now...

Who were the top five leaders in home runs for the Mets in the decade, 2000-2009? The numbers are required.

So far, NJMetfan4life is the only one with even a semblance of part of the answer. At this point, we have...

1.
2. David Wright (140)
3.
4.
5.

You're correct.It was Tom Seaver.On Monday October 1,1973 the Mets
had a doubleheader scheduled with the Cubs at Wrigley Field.The Mets
needed to win one of the two games in order to be National League East
Champions.The doubleheader started at 11am and there was a whopping
1,913 people in the stands.So Seaver started the first game and the Mets
won 6-4 so they became National League East Champions.Then shortly
after the first game it started to rain and the rain didn't let up so since the
second game was now a meaningless game in determining who won the
division the game got rained out.This was the Mets last game of the regular
season and as a result of the second game rainout the Mets finished the
year playing 161 games with a record of 82-79 and the Cubs finished the
year playing 161 games with a record of 77-84.So the next game the Mets
would play would be Game 1 of the NLCS against the Reds(otherwise known
as the Met playoff game)on Saturday October 6.And since he would be able
to get his normal four days rest Seaver started Game 1 of the NLCS as well.
As a result Seaver is the only pitcher in Mets history to start two straight
games that the team had played in the same year.

The Top Five Mets Home Run Leaders from 2000-2009.
Mike Piazza 157
David Wright 140
Carlos Beltran 127
Carlos Delgado 104
Cliff Floyd 81

[milladrive]

You're correct.It was Tom Seaver.On Monday October 1,1973 the Mets had a doubleheader scheduled with the Cubs at Wrigley Field.The Mets needed to win one of the two games in order to be National League East Champions.The doubleheader started at 11am and there was a whopping 1,913 people in the stands.So Seaver started the first game and the Mets won 6-4 so they became National League East Champions.Then shortly after the first game it started to rain and the rain didn't let up so since the second game was now a meaningless game in determining who won the division the game got rained out.This was the Mets last game of the regular season and as a result of the second game rainout the Mets finished the year playing 161 games with a record of 82-79 and the Cubs finished the year playing 161 games with a record of 77-84.So the next game the Mets would play would be Game 1 of the NLCS against the Reds(otherwise known as the Met playoff game)on Saturday October 6.And since he would be able to get his normal four days rest Seaver started Game 1 of the NLCS as well. As a result Seaver is the only pitcher in Mets history to start two straight games that the team had played in the same year.

The Top Five Mets Home Run Leaders from 2000-2009.
Mike Piazza 157
David Wright 140
Carlos Beltran 127
Carlos Delgado 104
Cliff Floyd 81

Ya know, that's one of the things I like about you, Joe. The tales of Met history that, in this particular instance, go along with the answer to a trivia question. I very much enjoyed the read. :)

As well, you've indeed nailed the top five dinger hitters of the 2000-2009 decade.

Mike Piazza (157)
David Wright (140) [must certainly give NJMetfan4life credit for this one]
Carlos Beltràn (127)
Carlos Delgado (104)
Cliff Floyd (81)

I think your last post is what they call "batting a thousand." Excellent work, sir. :applaud:

-------------------

Next up...

Who is the only Met to hit a pinch-hit home run in his first Major-League at-bat?

[Joe Rigatoni]

Ya know, that's one of the things I like about you, Joe. The tales of Met history that, in this particular instance, go along with the answer to a trivia question. I very much enjoyed the read. :)

As well, you've indeed nailed the top five dinger hitters of the 2000-2009 decade.

Mike Piazza (157)
David Wright (140) [must certainly give NJMetfan4life credit for this one]
Carlos Beltràn (127)
Carlos Delgado (104)
Cliff Floyd (81)

I think your last post is what they call "batting a thousand." Excellent work, sir. :applaud:

-------------------

Next up...

Who is the only Met to hit a pinch-hit home run in his first Major-League at-bat?

Mike Jacobs

P:S:Thank you for your kind words on my last trivia post.

[milladrive]

Mike Jacobs

Mike Jacobs it is. 8/21/05. Had a feeling you wouldn't even need to look that one up. ;) ...Very good.


Now stepping up to the plate...

Which Met holds the records for grounding into double plays both in a single season and during his total years with the team?

[NJMetfan4life]

Joe Torre? Fun Fact: Joe Torre grounded into 4 double plays in one game.

[m8644]

Joe Torre? Fun Fact: Joe Torre grounded into 4 double plays in one game.

and apparently erased Felix Millan on the basepaths all 4 times

[milladrive]

Joe Torre? Fun Fact: Joe Torre grounded into 4 double plays in one game.


and apparently erased Felix Millan on the basepaths all 4 times

I actually recall watching the game in which Torre did that to Millan. It's one of those few games I vividly recall from my younger years.

But, although a valid guess, nope, the player in question is not Joe Torre.

[m8644]

I actually recall watching the game in which Torre did that to Millan. It's one of those few games I vividly recall from my younger years.

But, although a valid guess, nope, the player in question is not Joe Torre.

Id guess Kranepool, just for sheer longevity.

[Joe Rigatoni]

Mike Jacobs it is. 8/21/05. Had a feeling you wouldn't even need to look that one up. ;) ...Very good.


Now stepping up to the plate...

Which Met holds the records for grounding into double plays both in a single season and during his total years with the team?

Mike Piazza holds the record for grounding into double plays in a single
season with 27 in 1999.

Ed Kranepool holds the record for grounding into the most double plays
during his total years with the team with 138.

Now here's my trivia question in the spirit of one of your previous ones:
What Mets player convinced management to not send Mike Jacobs down
to the minor leagues after he just hit a pinch hit three run homer in his only
at bat in the major leagues to that point?

[m8644]

Mike Piazza holds the record for grounding into double plays in a single
season with 27 in 1999.

Ed Kranepool holds the record for grounding into the most double plays
during his total years with the team with 138.

Now here's my trivia question in the spirit of one of your previous ones:
What Mets player convinced management to not send Mike Jacobs down
to the minor leagues after he just hit a pinch hit three run homer in his only
at bat in the major leagues to that point?

Pedro did it

[Joe Rigatoni]

Pedro did it

You're correct.It was Pedro Martinez.Interestingly,the Mets fully expected to
send Mike Jacobs down to the minor leagues after a Sunday afternoon game
against the Nationals at Shea Stadium.Then as fate would have it the Nationals were blowing out the Mets that day so the Mets used Jacobs as a
pinch hitter in the game.The Mets basically threw Jacobs a bone so this way
he would get the experience of a major league at bat.And low and behold with
his first major league at bat Jacobs hits a pinch hit three-run homer.The Mets
still wanted to send Jacobs down to the minor leagues after the game.Then
Pedro talked management out of it basically saying look at the potential of
what this kid could do.Look at what he done in his only major league at bat.
So the Mets kept Jacobs on the team and the rest is history.Jacobs went on
fire after that and then after the season the Mets traded him to the Marlins
as the main piece for Carlos Delgado.Delgado became our starting first
baseman and Jacobs was the Marlins starting first baseman.Just think of
what would have happened if Jacobs doesn't get that at bat.We never would
of got to see how good he is in the major leagues for the rest of the season.
We may not have been able to get Carlos Delgado as a result because we
may not have been able to give the Marlins a major league ready first
baseman in return.And if Pedro didn't convince management to keep Jacobs
on the team even though he hit a pinch hit three-run homer in his only
major league at bat the following could have happened.Jacobs could have
been buried in the minor leagues and there are never any guarantees in
life and he could have gotten injured before getting another chance in the
major leagues.You never know what could have happened.So there was a
chance that Jacobs could have been the only player in major league history
to hit a home run in his only major league at bat.Obviously,Jacobs wouldn't
want this but it is something to tell the grandchildren if it did happen.
But then again as the eight members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox who
got banned from baseball for throwing the World Series that year kept
telling each other:"Memories don't pay mortgages." Besides,now Jacobs has
more memories to tell the grandchildren someday.It's interesting how much
that one major league at bat Jacobs had that made such an impact with all
of the above.

[milladrive]

Well, Joe, you caught me again. You're correct on both players. Piazza with 27 GIDP for a season, and Krane with 138 for his Met career. Not sure why I overlooked Kranepool. It's possible that my brain went dyslexic for a moment, since Piazza's Met GIDP total was so close to Eddie's. While Krane did it 138 times, Mike finished with 132.

Anyone happen to know the only other two Mets who hit into more than 100 double plays while with the Mets?

[Joe Rigatoni]

Well, Joe, you caught me again. You're correct on both players. Piazza with 27 GIDP for a season, and Krane with 138 for his Met career. Not sure why I overlooked Kranepool. It's possible that my brain went dyslexic for a moment, since Piazza's Met GIDP total was so close to Eddie's. While Krane did it 138 times, Mike finished with 132.

Anyone happen to know the only other two Mets who hit into more than 100 double plays while with the Mets?

Yes,Jerry Grote into 121 double plays and Cleon Jones into 107 double plays
while with the Mets.

[dodgerkim4]

Where did the Mets Colors of orange and blue come from?

[Joe Rigatoni]

Well, Joe, you caught me again. You're correct on both players. Piazza with 27 GIDP for a season, and Krane with 138 for his Met career. Not sure why I overlooked Kranepool. It's possible that my brain went dyslexic for a moment, since Piazza's Met GIDP total was so close to Eddie's. While Krane did it 138 times, Mike finished with 132.

Anyone happen to know the only other two Mets who hit into more than 100 double plays while with the Mets?

Milladrive,my friend,don't keep our friends in Baseball Fever in suspense.
Please tell us if I got the right answer on this trivia question.
I have waited patiently for your response but now it's time to let us know.
We found out who shot JR faster than you letting us know if I got the
answer right,old buddy.

[Joe Rigatoni]

This is a two-part question:
1.When was the last time Met fans were able to run on the field after a
Mets win at Shea?

2.How many times in franchise history were Met fans able to run on the
field after a Mets win at Shea? Please tell me the amount of times it
happened and please tell me each time when it did happen.

[Joe Rigatoni]

I know this is an obscure trivia question but I am motivated in asking this
question based on a thread I read about the 1985 Mets and the struggle
Wally Backman had in his career against lefthanded pitching.The Mets had
to cut Kelvin Chapman because of his struggles so in late August 1985 they
signed Larry Bowa who was cut by the Cubs to play second base against
lefthanded pitching and to be Rafael Santana's backup at shortstop.Bowa
only ended up playing four games at second base for the Mets but here's
the trivia question.

Larry Bowa was 2 for 19 as a Met in 1985 which was the only year he played
for them.But the two hits he got as a Met were off the same pitcher in two
different games that were played almost a month apart.Who is the pitcher
that Bowa got his two hits as a Met off of? (Hint:The pitcher later in his
career briefly pitched for the Mets.)

[m8644]

I know this is an obscure trivia question but I am motivated in asking this
question based on a thread I read about the 1985 Mets and the struggle
Wally Backman had in his career against lefthanded pitching.The Mets had
to cut Kelvin Chapman because of his struggles so in late August 1985 they
signed Larry Bowa who was cut by the Cubs to play second base against
lefthanded pitching and to be Rafael Santana's backup at shortstop.Bowa
only ended up playing four games at second base for the Mets but here's
the trivia question.

Larry Bowa was 2 for 19 as a Met in 1985 which was the only year he played
for them.But the two hits he got as a Met were off the same pitcher in two
different games that were played almost a month apart.Who is the pitcher
that Bowa got his two hits as a Met off of? (Hint:The pitcher later in his
career briefly pitched for the Mets.)

I have no idea how or why I know.....but I do believe it was Dan Schantzer (spelling might be wrong)

[Joe Rigatoni]

I have no idea how or why I know.....but I do believe it was Dan Schantzer (spelling might be wrong)

You're correct.It was Dan Schatzeder.Great job.Nicely done.

[m8644]

i'll go with one from 1985 as well.....

everyone remembers that 18 inning game against the pirates from april of that season....and if you remember that game then I'm sure you remember Rusty's running catch in right field (fans went absolutely wild).....my question is, which pirate batter hit it? (think carefully about the point in the game)

[Joe Rigatoni]

i'll go with one from 1985 as well.....

everyone remembers that 18 inning game against the pirates from april of that season....and if you remember that game then I'm sure you remember Rusty's running catch in right field (fans went absolutely wild).....my question is, which pirate batter hit it? (think carefully about the point in the game)

Rick Rhoden

[m8644]

Rick Rhoden

you nailed it

[milladrive]

Where did the Mets Colors of orange and blue come from?

Dodger blue and Giant orange. :cap:

---------------

Next up:

Who is the only person born on Staten Island to wear a Mets uniform?

(P.S. Joe, you're not allowed to answer this one. since I've already told you the answer.)

[m8644]

Dodger blue and Giant orange. :cap:

---------------

Next up:

Who is the only person born on Staten Island to wear a Mets uniform?

(P.S. Joe, you're not allowed to answer this one. since I've already told you the answer.)

I live there so I feel i should know it haha.....I believe it's George Bamberger, when he was the manager

[Let's Go Mets!]

Who is the only person born on Staten Island to wear a Mets uniform?[/B]

Hhhhmmmm....George Bamberger, Joe Pignatano, and John Franco all lived (or live) on Staten Island. Larry Bearnarth went to St. Peters High School. There might be a few others.

My guess is George Bamberger.

[milladrive]

George Bamberger it is!! :homeplate:

It's indeed pretty difficult to believe that one of the five boroughs bore only one person to don a Met uniform.

------------------

Along the same lines...

Who are the only people to wear Mets uniforms born in each of the following locations:

Alaska
Maine
New Hampshire
Utah
U.S. Virgin Islands

England
France
Germany
Vietnam

[Let's Go Mets!]

George Bamberger it is!! :homeplate:

It's indeed pretty difficult to believe that one of the five boroughs bore only one person to don a Met uniform.

------------------

Along the same lines...

Who are the only people to wear Mets uniforms born in each of the following locations:

Alaska
Maine
New Hampshire
Utah
U.S. Virgin Islands

England
France
Germany
Vietnam

Joe Christopher, I believe, was born in the Virgin Islands.

Christopher began his career with Pittsburgh, and became an original New York Met in 1962.

[milladrive]

Joe Christopher, I believe, was born in the Virgin Islands.

Very good. :nod:


Alaska:
Maine:
New Hampshire:
Utah:
U.S. Virgin Islands: Joe Christopher

England:
France:
Germany:
Vietnam:

[Let's Go Mets!]

Very good. :nod:


Alaska:
Maine:
New Hampshire:
Utah:
U.S. Virgin Islands: Joe Christopher

England:
France:
Germany:
Vietnam:

Carlton Willey, I believe, was from Maine.

Willey was a one time Milwaukee Braves top rookie prospect, who found his way to the 1963 Mets.

If I remember correctly, he was pitching well for them (hit a grand slammer, too), when a broken jaw suddenly ended his season.

[Joe Rigatoni]

Well, Joe, you caught me again. You're correct on both players. Piazza with 27 GIDP for a season, and Krane with 138 for his Met career. Not sure why I overlooked Kranepool. It's possible that my brain went dyslexic for a moment, since Piazza's Met GIDP total was so close to Eddie's. While Krane did it 138 times, Mike finished with 132.

Anyone happen to know the only other two Mets who hit into more than 100 double plays while with the Mets?

On 10/29/09 I answered this question by saying that Jerry Grote hit into 121
double plays and Cleon Jones hit into 107 double plays while with the Mets.
Milladrive,my friend,don't keep our friends in Baseball Fever in suspense.
Please tell us if I got the right answer on this trivia question.
I have waited patiently for your response but now it's time to let us know.
We found out who shot JR faster than you letting us know if I got the answer
right,old buddy.

[milladrive]

On 10/29/09 I answered this question by saying that Jerry Grote hit into 121 double plays and Cleon Jones hit into 107 double plays while with the Mets.
Milladrive,my friend,don't keep our friends in Baseball Fever in suspense. Please tell us if I got the right answer on this trivia question. I have waited patiently for your response but now it's time to let us know. We found out who shot JR faster than you letting us know if I got the answer right,old buddy.

Sorry about that, Chief. You were right on both players and numbers. :)



Carlton Willey, I believe, was from Maine.

Willey was a one time Milwaukee Braves top rookie prospect, who found his way to the 1963 Mets.

If I remember correctly, he was pitching well for them (hit a grand slammer, too), when a broken jaw suddenly ended his season.

Another good catch! Carl Willey is indeed the only person to wear a Mets uniform to be born in Maine. :thumbsup:

Alaska:
Maine: Carl Willey
New Hampshire:
Utah:
U.S. Virgin Islands: Joe Christopher

England:
France:
Germany:
Vietnam:

[Joe Rigatoni]

I heard this on MLB Network when they recently showed Game 3 of the 1986
NLCS.Believe it or not in 1986 there was actually a player who had a streak
of going 0 for 49 in games played at Shea Stadium before finally getting a hit
including going 0 for 35 in the month of August in games played at Shea
Stadium.Who was that player?

[Joe Rigatoni]

In the spirit of oh-fers in August what year did the Mets have a 15 game
losing streak at Shea Stadium including going 0 for 13 in the month of
August at Shea Stadium.My friend Milla and I actually went to a Met game
in August that year and it was one of the best games the Mets had that
month at Shea Stadium,they were rained out.So what year did the Mets have
a 15 game losing streak at Shea Stadium?

[m8644]

I heard this on MLB Network when they recently showed Game 3 of the 1986
NLCS.Believe it or not in 1986 there was actually a player who had a streak
of going 0 for 49 in games played at Shea Stadium before finally getting a hit
including going 0 for 35 in the month of August in games played at Shea
Stadium.Who was that player?

It was Straw


In the spirit of oh-fers in August what year did the Mets have a 15 game
losing streak at Shea Stadium including going 0 for 13 in the month of
August at Shea Stadium.My friend Milla and I actually went to a Met game
in August that year and it was one of the best games the Mets had that
month at Shea Stadium,they were rained out.So what year did the Mets have
a 15 game losing streak at Shea Stadium?


that would be 2002....couldnt win a home game at all lol.

[Joe Rigatoni]

It was Straw

You're correct.It was Straw.Great job.Nicely done.


that would be 2002....couldnt win a home game at all lol.

You're correct.It was 2002.Great job.Nicely done again.

[Joe Rigatoni]

Name the 5 players who have hit 4 home runs in one game and who have also played for the Mets in their career.

[NJMetfan4life]

Carlos Delgado, Shawn Green, Mike Cameron, Willie Mays, and Gil Hodges.

[NJMetfan4life]

To answer the age old birthplace question,

Alaska: Dave Williams
Maine: Carl Willey
New Hampshire: Don Florence
Utah: George Theodore
U.S. Virgin Islands: Joe Christopher

England: Les Rohr
France: Bruce Bochy
Germany: Ron Gardenhire
Vietnam: Danny Graves

[Joe Rigatoni]

Carlos Delgado, Shawn Green, Mike Cameron, Willie Mays, and Gil Hodges.

You're correct.Great job.Nicely done.And you know I love that Hangover reference.

[milladrive]

To answer the age old birthplace question,

Alaska: Dave Williams
Maine: Carl Willey
New Hampshire: Don Florence
Utah: George Theodore
U.S. Virgin Islands: Joe Christopher

England: Les Rohr
France: Bruce Bochy
Germany: Ron Gardenhire
Vietnam: Danny Graves

Wow, someone's on a roll!!

Gotta give you the props, NJM. Even good use of the Internet deserves a nod! :nod:

But -- heh -- while all the names and birthplaces you provided were correct, one birthplace was somewhat of a trick question, since there were two Mets born there.

To which of the above locations am I referring, and who was that second Met?

:cap:

[NJMetfan4life]

Wow, someone's on a roll!!

Gotta give you the props, NJM. Even good use of the Internet deserves a nod! :nod:

But -- heh -- while all the names and birthplaces you provided were correct, one birthplace was somewhat of a trick question, since there were two Mets born there.

To which of the above locations am I referring, and who was that second Met?

:cap:

That would be #29 Tobi Stoner and he was born in the country of Germany.

[milladrive]

That would be #29 Tobi Stoner and he was born in the country of Germany.

Excellent. You reign supreme, sir! :thumbsup:

Now I simply need to come up with some newer questions, lol.

:atthepc

[Joe Rigatoni]

Umpire John Kibler who recently died was an umpire in 3 Mets "memorable games" in their history.
Can you name those three games?

[Joe Rigatoni]

Also,we all know about the Pete Rose-Bud Harrelson fight in the 1973 NLCS.
But another fight broke out at the same time with another Mets player and another Reds player.
Can you name that Mets player and Reds player?

[Dalkowski110]

"Germany: Ron Gardenhire [and Tobi Stoner]"
"Vietnam: Danny Graves"

I'm going to really nitpick here, but...nope. Ron Gardenhire and Tobi Stoner were born in West Germany. We do have a catcher prospect, Kai Gronauer, born in a reunited Germany, but that's it. Likewise, Danny Graves was born in South Vietnam. The reason I bring this up is because suppose (and I know this is a long shot) we get a guy from North Korea; born there, but managed to escape at a young age with his parents and reach the Japanese embassy. He then plays in NPB, does really well, and we sign him to a contract. Well, we've had Dae-Sung Koo and Jae Seo from South Korea; wouldn't it be somewhat unfair to say that this theoretical guy came from the same country?

Also, we make distinctions as to players born in the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. Yet, the PRC claims Taiwan is nothing more than a renegade province. And at the time ALL of the Taiwanese Major Leaguers were born, Taiwan (at the time calling itself the Republic of China or ROC moreso than Taiwan) claimed it had the right to rule the PRC. The US has had pro ballplayers from both countries, and it makes a distinction. I admit the likelihood of an "Ostie" making the Majors is unlikely, and even more remote is the possibility of anyone from North Vietnam, but those countries united could possibly contribute Major Leaguers.

And let us not forget Elmer Valo, listed as being born in Ribnik, Czechoslovakia. Right now, Ribnik is in Slovakia, yet we don't call Elmer Valo "the first Slovak Major Leaguer with a long career." In fact, most books tend to list him as Czech, ironically (which is wrong).

[NJMetfan4life]

"Germany: Ron Gardenhire [and Tobi Stoner]"
"Vietnam: Danny Graves"

I'm going to really nitpick here, but...nope. Ron Gardenhire and Tobi Stoner were born in West Germany. We do have a catcher prospect, Kai Gronauer, born in a reunited Germany, but that's it. Likewise, Danny Graves was born in South Vietnam. The reason I bring this up is because suppose (and I know this is a long shot) we get a guy from North Korea; born there, but managed to escape at a young age with his parents and reach the Japanese embassy. He then plays in NPB, does really well, and we sign him to a contract. Well, we've had Dae-Sung Koo and Jae Seo from South Korea; wouldn't it be somewhat unfair to say that this theoretical guy came from the same country?

Also, we make distinctions as to players born in the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. Yet, the PRC claims Taiwan is nothing more than a renegade province. And at the time ALL of the Taiwanese Major Leaguers were born, Taiwan (at the time calling itself the Republic of China or ROC moreso than Taiwan) claimed it had the right to rule the PRC. The US has had pro ballplayers from both countries, and it makes a distinction. I admit the likelihood of an "Ostie" making the Majors is unlikely, and even more remote is the possibility of anyone from North Vietnam, but those countries united could possibly contribute Major Leaguers.

And let us not forget Elmer Valo, listed as being born in Ribnik, Czechoslovakia. Right now, Ribnik is in Slovakia, yet we don't call Elmer Valo "the first Slovak Major Leaguer with a long career." In fact, most books tend to list him as Czech, ironically (which is wrong).

I missed you