David Wright and 3 other former Mets worthy of having their numbers retired

2) Carlos Beltran No. 15

Who were some of the others to wear No. 15 for the Mets? The most recognizable to wear it was, of course, Jerry Grote, prior to Beltran. Since his departure…quite a few have worn it, including Travis d’Arnaud. The last time it was worn…um…er….uh…is this season. It is on the back of Tyrone Taylor.

I have always wondered why is “3” more associated with Carlos Beltran than “15” by Mets fans? Rather than appreciating that Beltran gave the best years of his (what should be) Hall of Fame career to the Mets…the fans, the media, and the masses dismiss him as the guy who simply stood there and allowed “Strike Three” to sail passed him.

Beltran appeared in a Mets uniform during seven seasons…and he appeared in more than 100 games in four of those seasons – 2005 to 2008. (He suffered injuries that curtailed him to less than 100 games twice, and was traded at the deadline in his last season for Zack Wheeler.) During that four-year span, Beltran averaged .275, 29 HR, 104 RBI, 21 SB, 80 BB, 104 runs. He represented the Mets in three All Star games, won three Gold Gloves and two Silver Slugger awards.

Darryl Strawberry, whose number is soon to be retired, had a similar career trajectory with the Mets as Beltran. His best years were with the club, but spent a number of years with other organizations.

Beltran was a premier centerfielder, a switch-hitter with both power and speed. He was one of the best all-around players to ever put on a Mets uniform. The No. 15 should not be ON the playing field, but ABOVE it, with the rest of those honored.