Countdown to Mets Fantasy Camp 2 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..
Bobby Valentine
Where as Davey Johnson handled his bigger then life personalities and got the most out of them, there was no one better then getting the most out of role players then Bobby V. Additionally his in game skills were always 3 steps ahead of the opposition. So many people disliked Bobby's "I know better then you attitude " the problem is 9 times out of 10, Bobby did know better, you want proof just look to the playoffs when he clearly out managed LaRussa and Dusty Baker .The work Bobby did the days after 9/11 will never be forgotten.Bobby V always got it, he knew what the moment called for and always answered the call. Of course my favorite Bobby V moment is ejection and then his return to the dugout in fake glasses and mustache! Here is my interview with him from WLIE 540am SPORTSTALKNY .
Mackey Sasser
Talk about a contact hitter, Mackey could put all 4 pitches of an intentional walk in play. I hated the fact that the yips helped him back from such a promising career. It is a testament to just how good of a hitter Mackey was that yips and all he played in close to 300 games behind the dish, he also was the first Met catcher to throw out Vince Coleman when no one else had. Mackey will be down at fantasy camp this year for the first time and I am truly looking forward to it.
Justin Turner
The poor man's Super Joe McEwing, Justin gave the Mets versatility off of the bench playing every position except pitcher and catcher, a decent pinch hitter, a great clubhouse guy and the leader of the shaving cream pie in the face department.
Mets who wore #2
Marv Throneberry
Jimmy Piersall
George Altman
Chuck Hiller
Phil Linz
Bob Aspromonte
Jim Fregosi
Brock Pemberton
Roy Staiger
Tom Grieve
Phil Mankowski
José Oquendo
Bobby Valentine
Larry Bowa
Kevin Elster
Bill Almon
Mackey Sasser
Wayne Housie
Doug Saunders
Damon Buford
Gary Pettis
Sandy Alomar
Justin Turner
Dilson Herrera
Check back tomorrow for a recap of my favorite Mets by number 1-50.
By: Mark Rosenman
WLIE 540 AM SPORTSTALKNY Host and Producer
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