Add another potential starting point for Ruben Tejada now that the Mets waived, and subsequently lost, veteran backup catching candidate Chris Coste to the Nationals today. Coste was wearing No. 3 this spring (remember Alex Cora switched to lucky 13), seemed destined for Buffalo anyhow and still smelled like a Phillie; he’s no great loss. I know the guys the Mets plan to run out there this year aren’t destined to make anyone forget Mike Piazza, but for whatever reason I’ve developed warm fuzzies for both Rod Barajas and Henry Blanco even with the latter’s douchy forearm tattoos. I dunno. It might have been that article by David Waldstein of the Times a few weeks ago.
It’s looking more and more like Frank Catalonotto will claim a bench role and a jersey that hasn’t been worn by a Mets player in 15 years — No. 2. Can you name that player without looking it up? I couldn’t. Nor could I name the two guys preceeding him. No. 2 in 1996 went to manager Bobby Valentine, and since then then to coaches Gary Pettis and Sandy Alomar.
Steven Z. wrote to say he’s put together an all-time best-by-number list at his blog, Mets Fan Forever (check out also his “best-by-letter” list. You’re welcome to debate or disagree with him there!
Submitted by Ed Leyro (and Joey) (not verified) on Tue, 03/30/2010 – 12:03am.
I have to admit. I did not know the last player to wear #2 (I did look it up but will not spoil it for your other readers.) but I do know that my favorite player to wear #2 had to be Mackey Sasser. His throwing problems behind the plate were legendary, but he did bridge the gap between Gary Carter and Todd Hundley.
Mackey
Submitted by Jon Springer on Tue, 03/30/2010 – 6:16am.
Mackey was the last one I remember too, though I knew there was probably some after him. I confess also to forgetting that Gary Pettis was ever an employee of the Mets. He was one of Art Howe’s guys.
The No. 2s I remember first are Jim Fregosi and Roy Staiger.
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Marvelous Marv
Submitted by gored82 on Tue, 03/30/2010 – 8:53am.
I never saw him play, but I remember from the 25th anniversary video that Marvelous Marv Throneberry was the first no. 2…I also recall the immortal 3B trio of Bob Aspromonte, Jim Fregosi, and Roy Staiger, plus Jose Oquendo, Kevin Elster (for a while), and Mackey Sasser…
Bobby V also wore the deuce, but only as manager (I think)…
I saw him playing and he is a
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/30/2010 – 1:28pm.
I saw him playing and he is a very good player. But I will not spoil it for the readers so I will not tell his name…
Who?
Submitted by gored82 on Tue, 03/30/2010 – 10:10pm.
You saw who play?
Is it…
Submitted by Hodges14 (not verified) on Wed, 03/31/2010 – 6:11am.
Roberto Petagine?
1 of 2
Submitted by gored82 on Wed, 03/31/2010 – 10:45am.
Either Sasser or Damon Buford…
Buford
Submitted by Jon Springer on Wed, 03/31/2010 – 12:09pm.
Damon Buford was the guy I was looking for — he was the last player to wear No. 2 in a Mets game.
Didn’t do too badly in ’95 but it then got me wondering why they Mets traded him that winter, and for a middling minor-league outfielder who never surfaced in the pros, Terrell Lowery.