2) Carlos Beltran
Beltran was a special kind of player. He was a switch hitter with power from both sides of the plate. He hit for average. He could steal bases. He was a Gold Glove winning centerfielder. He was an All Star five of his seven years with the New York Mets.
Beltran was not only an outstanding player, but he was an exemplary teammate and representative of the organization. Beltran’s only blemish, unfortunately, is “strike three.” And that’s unfair. It has essentially made Beltran the Bill Buckner of the New York Mets – a player who did so much good for the organization but one play, one instance, unfairly brands a player with a negative thought.
Beltran was as important to the organization as Darryl Strawberry and without the extras I’ll say? So why should Beltran’s number NOT be one of those up there in Citifield?
At least no player has worn Carter’s No. 8 for a very long time. Beltran’s No. 15 has been worn by 12…TWELVE…players since he last wore it in 2011. Some of the stars who have donned the No. 15 include Val Pascucci, Fred Lewis, and Guillermo Heredia. What an embarrassment.