Ya Gotta Believe 40th Anniversary Player Profile: Don Hahn

This week’s Mets 1973 tribute is to the team’s part-time center fielder, Don Hahn. For younger readers, think Juan Lagares. Hahn was a defensive specialist, who most often came into games late as a defensive substitute for Willie Mays. Hahn was not much of a hitter, but he had outstanding speed that he used to run balls down in Shea Stadium’s spacious outfield.

May 14, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A view of batting practice baseballs before a game between the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets acquired Hahn from the Montreal Expos before the 1971 season in exchange for 1969 hero, Ron Swoboda, and Rich Hacker. As a Met over four seasons, Hahn hit .236, with 7 home runs and 74 RBI. Although he ran very well, Hahn was not really a base stealer, having swiped only 6 bags over four seasons as a Met. His major-league career spanned seven seasons with the Expos, Mets, Phillies, and Cardinals. Hahn’s career average was .236 over 454 games. In the 1973 season, Hahn’s slash line was .229/2/21. He played in all 12 post-season games in 1973, hitting .235 and .241 against the Reds and As respectively.

Hahn is most known for two things. First, he was involved in a bad collision with fellow Mets’ outfielder, George Theodore, in July of 1973, on a ball hit by Atlanta’s Ralph Garr. Theodore broke his hip on the play. Second, Hahn was traded to the Phillies in the same deal that sent Tug McGraw to the city of brotherly love after the 1974 season. The Mets received Del Unser and John Stearns in that deal.

Hahn has not had much of a presence with the Mets since his playing days ended after the 1975 season. Don Hahn is now 64 years old. Here’s a Rising Apple hat tip to the good soldier of the 1973 Mets, defensive specialist, Don Hahn.

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