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New York Mets All-Time Lists

New York Mets: The all-time best player born in all 50 states

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Brandon Nimmo #9 of the New York Mets celebrates his three run homerun to take a 4-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Brandon Nimmo #9 of the New York Mets celebrates his three run homerun to take a 4-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 30: David Wright #5 of the New York Mets gestures to fans as he walks into the dugout after defeating the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on September 30, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets won 1-0. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Utah – George Theodore

Only two Mets call Utah home. The best is utility man George Theodore. His .259 batting average in a part-time role for the 1973 team was enough to convince me to put him as the one-seed.

In second place, there’s pitcher Brandon Lyon. Unfortunately, his ERA of nearly 5.00 falls short of what Theodore did for a team that made it to the World Series.

Virginia – David Wright

Without question, the greatest Mets player to ever come out of Virginia is the Captain, David Wright. There’s not much we need to say about Wright. He’s on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore and one of the most beloved in team history.

Possible runner-ups would include Todd Hundley, Ron Hodges, and Billy Wagner. Oddly enough, Hodges is one of the other two Mets who spent their entire 10+ careers exclusively with the Amazins.

Washington – John Olerud

Unfortunately, John Olerud’s connection to Washington eventually did bite the Mets. He left them to play for the Seattle Mariners, but not before putting together some fantastic years in New York. He holds the single-season record for the highest batting average and is one of those men fans wish stayed around longer.

Olerud’s spot may not be safe for long. Current Mets outfielder Michael Conforto will hope to usurp Olerud’s title from him at some point in the near future.

West Virginia – Rick Reed

West Virginia native Rick Reed is an amazingly underrated member of Mets history. For instance, his .621 winning percentage is second in team history.

No one else from this state achieved nearly the same success as Reed during their time in Queens.

Wisconsin – Kris Benson

Kris Benson’s career with the Mets was brief, average, and mostly overshadowed by his wife’s antics. Still, when compared to the rest of the Wisconsin choices, he’s the best.

I would like to give my honorable mention to Joe Hietpas who literally played the ninth inning on the last game of the season in 2004. Unlike Moonlight Graham, he did get to touch the baseball as he was behind the plate for the final outs.

Wyoming – Brandon Nimmo

The best Met from Wyoming is and may forever be Brandon Nimmo. The beloved good-guy in baseball is still in the early stages of his career. However, there’s no doubt he has achieved more than most will from a state not usually associated with the game we all love.

A very honorable mention will go to John Buck who I would imagine could make the number one spot on a similar list for other organizations.

Next. Top 10 moments in Mets history

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