Countdown to Mets Fantasy Camp 44 Days to Go,

Every year for the last 3 years as Spring gives way to Fall, Mets season merges into NY Rangers season, I have been able to keep the baseball side of my brain occupied with thoughts of Mets Fantasy Camp. This year more so then ever, in the past I have simply gone down to cover the week long camp as a reporter, this season I am headed down to actually participate as a player. Each year I have tried to find unique ways of counting down the days until camp and sharing them with Mets fans, So this year I will do the countdown by Jersey numbers, When possible I will post my 3 favorite Mets who have worn that number, some numbers are harder then others.

#44

#1 Leroy Stanton

While Leroy Stanton Met Career consisted of only 25 at bats, he was the first prospect I can remember, His 1970 AAA Tidewater numbers were talked about a lot on TV, he would eventually be traded a year later in the worst trade in Mets History that of course being the trade that sent Stanton, Francisco Estrada, Don Rose, and Nolan Ryan to the California Angels for Jim Fregosi.

#2

Jay Payton

Another 5 tool prospect that the Mets touted, a favorite of Bobby Valentine, Jay was a big part of the 2000 Mets Success. What I remember most about Jay was his homer off of Mariano Rivera in Game 2 of the 2000 Subway Series, setting in motion that almost miraculous, yet shortfallen 6 run comeback in the 9th. It was also the last post season Home Run Mariano would give up in his career.

#3

Ryan Thompson

Came to the Mets along with Jeff Kent from the Blue Jays for David Cone, Thompson was a 5 tool prospect,His best moment on the Mets kind of sums up the early 90's Ryan scored the winning run in the game that ended Anthony Young's record losing streak. Thompson stamped on home plate with both feet (shades of Ray Knight!) and jumped for joy while players and coaches stormed the field. The crowd, if you could call it that gave AY a standing ovation. It was one of the few times the 1993 Mets were able to celebrate at all -It was Young's first victory after 27 consecutive losses.

Harry Chiti

Bill Denehy

Al Schmelz

Jim Bibby

Leroy Stanton

Bob Rauch

Bob Myrick

Andy Hassler

Jeff Reardon

Ray Searage

Ron Darling

Bill Latham

Tom Paciorek

David Cone

Howard Johnson

Tom Filer

Ryan Thompson

John Cangelosi

Kevin Lomon

Jason Isringhausen

Jay Payton

Jay Bell

Mike Cameron

Lastings Milledge

Brady Clark

Tony Armas

Eddie Kunz

Brandon Knight

Tim Redding

Jason Bay

John Buck

Aaron Harang

Kyle Farnsworth

Buddy Carlyle

By: Mark Rosenman

WLIE 540 AM SPORTSTALKNY Host and Producer

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