The 3 best Mets General Managers in team history ranked

2. Steve Phillips was the GM of the Mets for the 2000 Subway World Series with the Yankees

Steve Phillips took over for Joe McIlvane during the 1997 season and was one of the longest tenured GM’s, lasting until 2003. The only GM to last longer was Frank Cashen.

Phillips built some of the most exciting Mets teams in the organization’s history. It all started when Phillips somehow stole Mike Piazza from the Florida Marlins days after they acquired him from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the middle of the 1998 season. And then, the Mets re-signed him long-term in that off-season.

The 1999 season sported what is known as the best fielding infield in Major League history with John Olerud at first, Edgardo Alfonso at second, Rey Ordonez at short, and Robin Ventura at third. And those guys could hit at well.

Oh…add in Mike Piazza behind the plate and the Mets were a powerhouse to be reckoned with. NEVER in Mets history had the Mets had such offensive firepower. The 2000 season would see Olerud replaced by Todd Zeile at first base, but the Mets didn’t miss a beat and had an even better year that culminated with a Subway World Series against the Yankees.

And while the Mets didn’t win that World Series, they would enjoy one of the most fun periods in their history.

Steve Phillips will always be remembered as the GM who delivered Mike Piazza and a Subway World Series to New York Mets fans.