If you're here, you probably already know the stats.You know the .296 lifetime average, you know the 11 consecutive gold gloves.
And you probably already know the man.
You know the moustache, you've heard the stories, you seen the lollipops.
Chances are, you also know the New York Mets are notoriously stingy when it comes to honoring their history. You know it's been a tumultuous history, with it's share of crushing disapointment, and a few remarkable seasons of triumph.
And you know that one man, one Keith Hernandez, stands atop the greatest pinacle the franchise has achieved. The man's leadership, his bat, and his moustache drove the 1986 New York Mets to glory.
(No, I don't know how the moustache was directly involved, but I'm sure it was. If nothing else, it had a great view of the ride.)
Yes, there are other Mets whose numbers should adorn the Shea Stadium (and soon Citi Field) walls. But there is only one Keith Hernandez. No, Keith Hernandez was not and is not a perfect man. He is as flawed as the rest of us, at least. Yet he serves as a reminder of a what motley crew of sometimes distracted and definitely falible human beings can accomplish.
In many ways, we are all Keith Hernandez. We struggle, we fight, and we claw our way toward our goals day after day. Sometimes, we succeed. Sometimes we sell hair products. Sometimes we inspire a generation of Little League ballplayers. And sometimes we make callous remarks in the broadcast booth.
But sometimes, if we're lucky, we manage to find the best of ourselves, and bring out the best in those around us. Sometimes, we accomplish something greater than ourselves.
That is what this blog sets out to do. To, if nothing else, become a gathering place for those who believe, as I do, that the New York Mets owe Keith Hernandez more than the broadcasting job he so richly deserves.
We must make our voices heard. We will develop a manifesto. We will deveop and undertake strategies to make our voices heard in the Mets' executive offices. This quest may be quixotic ... in fact, it likely will. Nonetheless, we must speak.
Join me.
Retire 17.
3 comments:
i couldn't agree more completely with your mission. Keith was and remains the best first basemen i have ever seen in fifty years of fandom. he was a field general as much as any catcher--counselled pitchers with the same authority and his competitive fire was a joy to watch on a daily basis.
as met fans we were blessed to watch him do his thing. he remains totally unparalleled at his position and it is incomprehensible that his number has not yet been retired.
give this guy his due!
Chris, someday, maybe-but 31 goes first.
Why? Who got introduced right before Seaver at "Shea Goodbye"? And who caught the final pitch from Tom Terrific?
Lastly, who will be the second Met in the HOF?
Number 31, Mike Piazza.
Mikey first, then Keith.
Andy92072
I couldn't agree more. I am a die hard Keith fan. I drove 500 miles for mustache night at Shea, and wore #17 my whole sporting career. Oct. 20th is a holiday in my house! He is was the leader on the field and off the field. The fact that where his teammates gather refer to him as ole #17 speaks volumes-WAKE UP WILPONS!
As for # 31, hmmm I'm thinking maybe Koosman first.
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