New York Mets: All-time “all speed” starting lineup in franchise history

First Basemen – Gregg Jefferies

Another position that usually has one of the slowest guys on the field is first base. In this case, Gregg Jefferies was not that guy. In 465 games with the Mets, Jefferies compiled 63 stolen bases, 96 doubles, and 9 triples.

Jefferies only played in parts of five seasons with the Mets, two of those years only appearing in 29 games and 6 games. In one of the three full seasons he did play, he managed to use his legs very well as he led the league in doubles with 40. His other two full seasons he managed to steal 20+ bases each year, which is quite impressive for a first baseman.

Second Basemen – Wally Backman

As we move up the middle of the diamond we get to a position that is more known for speed in second base. In what should not really be a surprise, Wally Backman takes the cake here. In 765 games with the Mets, Backman piled up 106 steals, 95 doubles, and 14 triples.

Backman took advantage of becoming a full-time player in 1984 when he stole 32 bases and another 30 the following season. In his limited time playing the previous four years he only stole 11 bases. Backman took advantage of his few years playing full-time, and as a result, finds himself at the top for second base.

Shortstop – Jose Reyes

Another position that is very speed-focused in shortstop, there should be no surprise with Jose Reyes being the best here. In his first nine seasons, Reyes was absolutely electric as he tormented opposing pitchers on the basepaths. Even when he came back for his last three seasons in his mid-thirties, he still stressed out opposing pitchers with his speed.

Reyes is the all-time Mets leader in stolen bases with 408 and triples with 113. He also went on to add 272 doubles in his 1,365 games played in the orange and blue. Reyes lead the league in triples on four different occasions with the Mets and another three times in stolen bases. In 4 different seasons, Reyes stole 50 or more bases, 3 of those seasons have 60+, and one of them even topping out at 78.

Third Base – Howard Johnson

As we move over to the hot corner, we get into a good competition between Howard Johnson and the Captain, David Wright. The majority of people most likely would pick Wright, because he is our captain and a fan favorite in simple terms, but in a speed competition, I have to give a slight edge to Johnson.

In 431 fewer games played for the Mets, Johnson had 6 more stolen bases and 8 fewer triples than Wright. In six out of 9 seasons, Johnson had 20 or more steals, four of the six having 30 or more steals, and one of those four with 40+ bases. Howard was a legit and solid stolen base threat during his time in New York.

Left Field – Vince Coleman

As we move to the outfield, we move back to more of the top speed that is seen up the middle in the infield. In left field, Vince Coleman was strong on the bases in his limited time with the Amazins. In only three seasons and 235 games, Coleman racked up 99 stolen bases, 14 triples, and 32 doubles.

Coleman was a much bigger threat outside of New York having stolen 77 bases the year before arriving and hitting the 50 mark the year after. While he was elite outside of New York, his seasons with 37, 24, and 38 stolen bases for the Mets are still impressive, especially considering the most games he played in a season was 92. If he had played well over 100 games we definitely could have seen the numbers he put up before arriving in New York.

Center Field – Mookie Wilson

As we move to center field we get to a position where the Mets have had their share of guys who can light up the bases. Lenny Dykstra and Lee Mazzilli both were great with their time in the orange and blue, but Mookie Wilson is the man when it comes down to it.

In 1,116 games with the Mets, Wilson piled up 281 stolen bases (second most all-time for a Met), 62 triples, and 170 doubles. In parts of 10 seasons with the Mets, he went on to steal 20 or more bases in 7 of them. Out of those seven seasons, he passed the 40 mark three different times, two of them even reaching 50+ bases. Wilson was always a serious threat on the bases during his time in New York and it showed.

Right Field – Roger Cedeno

As we get to the last position on the diamond, we have a spot where there has not been a whole lot of speed historically. Roger Cedeno put that history behind him as he was a headache to pitchers during his time with the Amazins.

In three seasons and 452 games with the Mets, Cedeno piled up 105 stolen bases, 10 triples, and 67 doubles. His first season with the Mets, he stole an incredible 66 bases. The next 2 seasons he spent away from New York but came back after for another two seasons where he stole 25 and 14 respectfully.

Honorable Mention: Darryl Strawberry

Lineup

1. Backman
2. Coleman
3. Reyes
4. Johnson
5. Jefferies
6. Stearns
7. Cedeno
8. Wilson
9. Hernandez

In probably every other case Reyes would obviously hit leadoff, but since he did have some pop and hit for a solid average, he is best to hit in the three-hole for this team.

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