As scribed here at 24 Hours From Suicide…A Day In The Life Of A Met Fan, on a few occasions (January 23, 2009, August 2, 2008, June 15, 2008) – we have always stated that Keith Hernandez was the greatest leader this team has ever had. Whether we have clamored for the retirement of his #17, or pushed for him to have a more active role in developing young first basemen, or even if he belongs in Cooperstown – another respected player reflects on the importance and greatness of Keith Hernandez.
Mets hitting coach, Howard Johnson, Hernandez’s team mate from 1986 to 1989, had this to say about Hernandez while preparing to host David Wright, Daniel Murphy and Nick Evans for the Super Bowl on Sunday:
Situational Hitting: ‘Keith was as good as anyone in big moments’. “He recalls the opposite-field single Hernandez dropped over the head of Red Sox shortstop Spike Owen in the sixth inning of Game 7 of the 1986 World Series. It produced the Mets' first two runs of the game.”
“Years later, Red Sox pitching coach Bill Fischer told Hernandez, ‘We knew if we got you there, we were going to win the World Series’"
Hitting Late In The Game: "Keith was at his best late in the game. He always gave us just what we needed. He knew how to put pressure on the pitcher by talking what the pitcher gave him. He had it figured out. He didn't need to hit one out. [In that Game 7], he knew two runs would get us going. And that sacrifice fly gave us a three-run lead."
"You have to understand what the circumstances call for and adjust."
Now is the time for the Wilpon’s to recognize what ‘Mex’ was to this team and franchise. What better way than having #17 be the first number retired at Gil Hodges Memorial Park, er, Citi Field? After that, #31 can be emblazoned next to #17.
Source: Marty Noble - MLB.com
Mets hitting coach, Howard Johnson, Hernandez’s team mate from 1986 to 1989, had this to say about Hernandez while preparing to host David Wright, Daniel Murphy and Nick Evans for the Super Bowl on Sunday:
Situational Hitting: ‘Keith was as good as anyone in big moments’. “He recalls the opposite-field single Hernandez dropped over the head of Red Sox shortstop Spike Owen in the sixth inning of Game 7 of the 1986 World Series. It produced the Mets' first two runs of the game.”
“Years later, Red Sox pitching coach Bill Fischer told Hernandez, ‘We knew if we got you there, we were going to win the World Series’"
Hitting Late In The Game: "Keith was at his best late in the game. He always gave us just what we needed. He knew how to put pressure on the pitcher by talking what the pitcher gave him. He had it figured out. He didn't need to hit one out. [In that Game 7], he knew two runs would get us going. And that sacrifice fly gave us a three-run lead."
"You have to understand what the circumstances call for and adjust."
Now is the time for the Wilpon’s to recognize what ‘Mex’ was to this team and franchise. What better way than having #17 be the first number retired at Gil Hodges Memorial Park, er, Citi Field? After that, #31 can be emblazoned next to #17.
Source: Marty Noble - MLB.com
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