The Mets announced Thursday that John Franco has been elected to the team’s Hall of Fame, the 26th person in team history to be so honored.
Franco pitched for the Mets from 1990-2004, and serves in my mind as a constant in what was a turbulent decade to be a Mets fan. From my perspective, they acquired him when I was nine years old, and he stayed a Met until I was 24. So this certainly feels right to me.
With Franco in the fold, the Mets from that 1997-2000 window of success are now open to be added, it appears. Mike Piazza sure ought to follow, along with Edgardo Alfonzo and Bobby Valentine. You could certainly make a case for John Olerud or Robin Ventura as well-the former is among all-time Mets leaders in WAR (wins above replacement) though he played just three seasons in New York, and the latter gave us GRAND SLAM SINGLE.
Regardless, a good move by the Mets here. Franco is a worthy addition to the team Hall.
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To try to sell empty seats, they’ll start hall of faming and retiring numbers of Wayne Garrett, Vince Coleman, Bobby Bonilla, Armando Benitez, Marv Thronberry, Carlos Baerga, Aaron Heilman, Kaz Matsui (Oriental Day!,) and Roberto Alomar. Eventually, the lowest number on a uniform back will be 101.
METS, SEEKING LEFTHANDED POWER OFF THE BENCH, WINE AND DINE RUSTY STAUB. Insiders today leaked the rumor that the NY Mets were considering Staub as a lefthanded bench hitter, clubhouse chef, and late inning defensive replacement. The supposed offer is for $75,000 plus incentives, one of which, worth an additional $200,000 is premised on his ability to drop 250 lbs. by March 15. Bud Selig, in an apparent nod to the Wilpons, is reported to have suspended the major league minimum in this one particular case. Staub, who currently holds the Mets and major league lifetime record for barbequed rib consumption is presently employed by ‘Martha Stewart Living’ Magazine and is a commentator for Crisco.com.