Rodney Dangerfield Had Nothing On Us

With Andre Dawson’s much deserved election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame this week, the Expos now have twice as many players in the Hall than the Mets. You read right. Twice as many elected players to the Hall than the Mets. The Expos don’t even exist anymore, nor are they remembered in Washington, where the former franchise now resides…the Nationals.

Gary Carter is the first Expo. Andre Dawson is now the second. Will Tim Raines be the third next year?

Who is the Mets lone representative? As if anyone has to think…Tom Seaver. Remember him? He pitched with the Mets from 1966 – 1977, and again in 1983. Remember his no hitter? Well, he was with the Reds then.

The defunct Expos have two members in the Hall of Fame. We have one. Keith Hernandez doesn’t get the respect he deserves. His former teammate Ozzie Smith got in for defense. Well, Keith defined what first base should be. He re-invented the position relegated to those who could hit but not field, to being a place where good/great fielders go to play. He was clutch. He hit for average. He was a team leader. He was the major factor in turning an embarrassing franchise around. Does the Hall call? Nope. He was the first Captain of the Mets. If Keith gets elected, it probably won’t be for another 20 years or so.

The Expos were only in existence from 1969 – 2004. They only made one post season appearance…the strike year of 1981. Granted, they were screwed in 1994, but so was every other baseball fan when the strike occurred. The Expos were “on pace” to win 105 games.

A team that has been around since 1962…getting ready for their 49^th season, and only one Hall of Famer. Even the Padres have at least two in the Hall (Dave Winfield and Tony Gwynn). The Mets have one.

Rodney Dangerfield felt he got no respect? Watch in four years when Mike Piazza gets elected. He will probably go in as a Dodger even though he spent more time with the Mets. No respect!

Reference: Tyler Kepner - NY Times