Mets starting lineup of the all-time greats

Far too low in the lineup but given the context he’ll understand is LF Cleon Jones

Finally, a little respect for the 1969 Mets. In all fairness, they weren’t known for their bats. Left fielder Cleon Jones might be one exception.

Jones hit .340/.422/.482 for the 1969 Mets while adding 12 home runs and 75 RBI. It was a standout season for him but not his lone quality year in New York.

Jones’ Mets totals included a .281/.340/.406 slash line, 93 home runs, and 521 RBI. He stayed with the team into 1975 when the club was making their last-ditch efforts to get back to glory.

Unlike a couple of other players on this club, I don’t feel too bad about having Jones bat eighth. His best days with the Mets weren’t incredible from a number’s standpoint. However, when compared to many other left fielders in franchise history, I like the choice.

After all, if I had gone with Yoenis Cespedes, we might end up with no left fielder at all for a year or two.

Sometimes Jones gets forgotten when compared to many other Mets legends, including the seven batters ahead of him in this lineup. He didn’t have the home run power, All-Star appearances, or major awards. Still, he’s an easy selection to be this team’s starting left fielder.