June 15, 1983. Yes it was on this date 27 years ago that the Mets made the greatest trade in their history.
It was on this date that the Mets acquired Keith Hernandez from the Cardinals for Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey. With that trade, the Mets rid themselves of a pitcher that battled demons (Allen) and another pitcher who never amounted to much of a major leaguer.
In return, the Mets got the greatest 1B I have ever seen play. No, he doesn't compare with Albert Pujols, but Hernandez was the leader of the grittiest team in Mets history. As I scribed before, Darryl credits Keith with not only being "his mentor", but with teaching him and others how to handle the pressure(s) of NY. He also taught his teammates how to win.
People might forget that Hernandez was a free agent after the 1983 season, and he seriously considered leaving. He was miserable at first, but Rusty Staub showed Keith around, and sold him on the city and NY.
Mets former GM, Frank Cashen, also sold Keith on some young talent that was on the way up. Such talented players like Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, Darryl had just finished his rookie year, Roger McDowell, and many others. Hernandez was sold. That off season he signed a six year contract to remain with the Mets.
Under his leadership, the Mets from 1984 through 1989, never finished less than second place, they won the World Series in 1986 and won the NL East in 1988. Hernandez was a huge part of it.
Just like Mark Messier is forever the Ranger Captain, Keith Hernandez is the Mets captain. I have mentioned how his #17 should be retired, but until that happens, we need to look back on this date as a history changing event; The Day The Mets Became Great!
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