A Look At The Mets Last World Series Win

Of the four remaining teams, the Toronto Blue Jays have won the World Series most recently.  Their 1993 crown is the last time one of the four teams have won it all.  I thought it would be interesting to take a look at each of the teams that are left and see what comprised those ball clubs.  I'll start tonight's post with a look at the Mets.

The last time the Mets won the World Series was 1986.  Ronald Reagan was president, Pete Rose was a player/manager for the Reds and Peter Ueberroth was the Commissioner of Baseball.  Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and Kris Bryant weren't born.

The Mets won the NL East with a 108-54 record and were managed by Davey Johnson.  They had a really good pitching staff, led by Dwight Gooden who went 17-6 with a 2.84 ERA, followed by Ron Darling (15-6; 2.81), Bob Ojeda (18-5; 2.57) and Sid Fernandez (16-6; 3.52).

Their offense was led by Keith Hernandez who had a .310 batting average, 24 homers and 83 RBI, Darryl Strawberry (.259, 27, 93) and Gary Carter (.255, 24, 105).

They beat the NLCS 4-2 over the Houston Astros, then went on to beat the Red Sox 4-3.

The 1986 Mets had one future Hall of Famer on that team, Gary Carter.

Carter is also the only player on that team who has passed away.  He died of brain cancer in 2012.

Remembering Gary Carter

Another Hall of Famer was lost today when Gary Carter lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 57.

Carter is historically regarded as one of the greatest catchers to ever have played game.  From 1974 to 1992 he collected 2,092 hits, 324 home runs and a lifetime average of .262.  He won the World Series with the 1986 Mets.

Here, Carter can be seen on his 1975 Topps Rookie Card.

Here is an example of a ball signed by Carter that I picked up late last year.

I would like to extend my condolences to Gary Carter's family, fans as well as Expos and Mets fans.  Baseball lost one of its all time greats today at too young an age.

Hall of Fame Baseball - Gary Carter

I went to the Raleigh Toy and Hobby show today with my son and was able to pick up some good stuff.  The first of which is my 48th Hall of Fame Signed Baseball: Gary Carter.

Carter has not been doing well lately, health-wise.  He was diagnosed earlier this year with brain tumors and has undergone extensive chemotherapy in an attempt to combat the disease. 

Born in 1954, Carter played in the majors from 1974 to 1992 for the Expos, Mets, Giants and Dodgers.  He had 2,092 hits, 324 home runs and a .262 batting average.  Not bad for a player who played 2,056 games over 19 seasons as a catcher.

I'm really happy to be able to add this Carter ball to my collection as I continue to inch closer to 50...  I wonder who my next two will be?