Dwight Gooden becomes the first teenager to strikeout 10 batters
Dwight Gooden becomes the first teenager to strikeout 10 batters
Houston Astros shortstop Dickie Thon is hit in the face by a Mike Torrez pitch
In a 3 – 1 loss to the Mets, Houston Astros shortstop Dickie Thon is hit in the face by a Mike Torrez pitch that breaks the orbital bone around his eye. Thon will be operated on April 11th, but will miss the rest of the season. When he returns, the All-Star SS will be plagued with blurred vision and be relegated to a back-up role for some time.
19-year-old phenom Dwight Gooden makes his debut for the New York Mets
On April 7, 1984, Davey Johnson wanted ideal conditions for the debut of highly-touted prospect Dwight Gooden, so the Mets manager held off Gooden’s first start until the Mets arrived in the pitcher-friendly Astrodome on April 7, 1984. Not only would Gooden be protected from adverse weather factors but the Astros were expected to draw…
For the first time in ten years, the Mets lose on Opening Day, bowing to the Reds, 8-1
For the first time in ten years, the Mets lose on Opening Day, bowing to the Reds, 8-1. The last time the team dropped a season opener was in 1974, when Mike Schmidt hit a two-run walk-off home run off Tug McGraw, giving the Phillies a 5-4 victory over New York at Veterans Stadium.
Keith Hernandez and Mets come to terms on an $8 million, five-year contract
After five months of discussion, the Mets and Keith Hernandez, who was eligible for free-agency at the end of the season, come to terms on an $8 million, five-year contract. The deal makes the first baseman the second-highest paid player in franchise history, earning slightly less than George Foster’s $10 million, five-year pact signed precisely two years ago.
Chicago White Sox claim Tom Seaver from the New York Mets
On January 20, 1984, the Chicago White Sox claim 39 year old Tom Seaver from the New York Mets as compensation for the loss of free agent pitcher Dennis Lamp to the Toronto Blue Jays.. The 39-year-old Seaver won only nine games in 1983, and the Mets left Seaver off their protected list…
Mets hire Davey Johnson
October 13, 1983, Davey Johnson is introduced at a press conference as New York Mets manager, the 11th in franchise history. He would go on to win 595 games and a World Series (1986). Never short on confidence, Johnson thanked Frank Cashen for “being smart enough to hire me.”
Mookie Wilson walkoff vs Braves
July 26, 1983: The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves entered extra innings at Shea Stadium ties at 1-1. #Mets starter Mike Torrez pitched all 10 innings, allowing one run and Mookie Wilson delivered a walk-off HR. Wilson was also HBP that triggered a bench-clearing fight earlier in the game. Game ticket & learn more…
New York Mets ties a major league record by delivering his eighth consecutive pinch-hit
On June 26, 1983, At Shea Stadium, Rusty Staub of the New York Mets ties a major league record by delivering his eighth consecutive pinch-hit. Staub’s pinch-hit, which comes in the ninth inning of an 8-4 loss, vs Ron Reed. The hit matches the single-season mark set by the Phillies Dave Philley on September 28,…
Cardinals trade Keith Hernandez to Mets
1983 – In one of the worst trades in franchise history, the St. Louis Cardinals send first baseman Keith Hernandez to the New York Mets in exchange for pitchers Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey. The deal is motivated by Hernandez’s penchant for cocaine, which he will overcome in New York.
