Wednesday, January 12, 2011

January 12th: This Date In Mets History

Since the Northeast was hit with another relatively heavy snow, we figured we'd look back on this date in Mets history:

On this date in Mets History


1972: Mets signed back-up catcher and
pinch hitter Ron Hodges - drafted in second round.

  • Hodges was primarily a back-up catcher and pinch hitter who swung from the left side.
  • Played his most games in a season, 110, at age 34 in 1983.
  • Had his contract bought out by the Mets on October 31, 1984
1993: Former Mets SS Kelvin Elster is signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a Free Agent.



  • Drafted by the Mets in the second round of 1984 Amateur Draft.
  • After shoulder injuries, he was granted Free Agency on December 19, 1992
  • Released by LA May 17, 1993
  • Signed with Florida Marlins May 22, 1993 and was released on June 4th
  • Spent time with teams after Florida: San Diego, NY Yankess, KC Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers (2X), Pirates, and returned to LA Dodgers before retiring in 2000.
2004: Former Mets 1B Tony Clark crosses the Triboro and signs as a Free Agent with the New York Yankees.
  • Clark was a stand-up likable character during his short time in Flushing.
  • Hit 16 HR's in 280 AB's in his sole season (2003) with the Mets.
2006: The San Diego Padres sign Mets utility OF Eric Valent as a Free Agent.



  • Valent played 130 games with the Mets in 2004, and put up some decent #'s: Hit 13 HR's in 270 AB's, hit .267, and knocked in 34 Runs
  • Was released by the Padres on May 14, 2006. Never played in pros again.
2009: Mets sign Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tim Redding as a Free Agent.
  • Redding had one miserable season with the Mets (2009) where he went 3-6 with a 5.10 ERA. He split his time (30 games) between starting (17) and games relieved (13). Redding didn't play after the 2009 season with the Mets.
  • Spent the 2000 season in the minors with both the Yankees and Rockies.
Sources: Ultimate Mets Database, Baseball Reference, RetroSheet