Countdown to Mets Fantasy Camp 17 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.

#17

#1

Keith Hernandez

Some players get labeled the Franchise, Keith should be labeled the Turning Point,acquired in 1983 a season in which the Mets lost close to 100 games, Keith signaled that better times and better players where on the way, his professionalism his approach to the game had a trickle down effect on key players already on the team. The following season the Mets went from a team nearly losing 100 games to a team that won 90, and 2 years later they were World Champions.Mex was a true leader,there was no one you wanted up at the plate in a clutch situation and no where else on the infield you wanted the ball hit to with bases loaded and the game on the line then Keith. Plus he solved the mystery of "Magic Loogie Theory"

#2

Felix Millan

Consistency,that is what Felix Millan brought to the Mets when they made the trade with the Braves that brought The Cat and George Stone for Danny Frisella and Gary Gentry in the Winter of 1972, for the next 3 seasons #17 was penciled into the #2 spot in the lineup everyday he played, even more amazing out of the 657 games he started only 33 where not in the 2 hole.5 seasons Felix brought a gold glove and a consistent bat to the Mets lineup hitting .278 and then .316 in the League Championship.

#3

Ellis Valentine

Maybe the first 5 tool player in the history of the Mets,Eliis had an absolute cannon, without a doubt the best arm of any Met Outfielder in History.Injuries hurt him his first season with the Mets but he put together a nice 2nd season showing some of his power, the Mets failed to resign him when he was a free agent and he once again showed flashes with the Angels, but he was out of the league the following season at age 30.

Mets who wore #17

Don Zimmer

Choo Choo Coleman

Frank Lary

Dennis Ribant

Jimmie Schaffer

Dick Stuart

Larry Elliot

Don Bosch

Rod Gaspar

Ted Martinez

Felix Millan

Gil Flores

Jerry Morales

Ellis Valentine

Keith Hernandez

David Cone

Jeff McKnight

Bret Saberhagen

Brent Mayne

Luis Lopez

Mike Bordick

Kevin Appier

Satoru Komiyama

Graeme Lloyd

Jason Anderson

Wilson Delgado

Dae-Sung Koo

José Lima

David Newhan

Fernando Tatis

By: Mark Rosenman

WLIE 540 AM SPORTSTALKNY Host and Producer

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