Ranking the 15 greatest Mets infielders in franchise history

Sep 29, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) and New York Mets
Sep 29, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) and New York Mets / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Keith Hernandez
New York Mets v Los Angeles Dodgers / Owen C. Shaw/GettyImages

2. Keith Hernandez

A guy who might be known by some more for his broadcasting than his on field play is Keith Hernandez. He's great in both roles but Keith Hernandez on the baseball field is hard to top.

The first captain in franchise history spent seven years as a Met and had an amazing run. He slashed .297/.387/.429 with 80 home runs and 468 RBI. Even though he didn't win an MVP on the Mets, he did finish second in 1984, slashing .311/.409/.449 with 15 home runs and 94 RBI. He took home a Silver Slugger Award, a Gold Glove, and was an all-star that season.

In his seven years as a Met he finished in the top 10 in the MVP voting three times, won five Gold Gloves, and made three all-star games. He was a guy who put the ball in play a ton, often walking more than he struck out, and was a guy who made everyone around him better. He was a great situational hitter, and was a huge reason the Mets had the success they did when Hernandez was on the team.

Even though he didn't necessarily put up great postseason numbers, the Mets don't make the playoffs let alone win the World Series without Hernandez in 1986.

Hernandez is the best first baseman in franchise history, and one of the more underrated first baseman in baseball history. Eleven Gold gloves, five all-star appearances, an MVP Award, Keith Hernandez should be strongly considered for Cooperstown.