Keith Hernandez

From The Met Wiki

Age: 55 (born October 20, 1953)

Position: First Base

Bats: Left Throws: Left

Number: 17

Acquired: Neil Allen and Rick Owneby for Keith Hernandez on June 15, 1983

Contract: Retired

Every decade or two you can have an underrated superstar in New York. Today it's Carlos Beltran. In the 80s it was Keith Hernandez.

In each case, one of the big reasons is that people tend to underestimate defense, especially at center field and first base.

Hernandez's acquisition was the key part of the 80s Mets' turnaround. He did things at first base that nobody else did. He charged so hard for bunts that he greatly reduced other teams' ability to sacrifice. He played behind the runners while holding them on. And he made the normal plays better than most other first basemen.

Hernandez went on to become an announcer for the Mets.

[edit] Memorable Met Moments

• Game 6 of the 1986 NLCS. Hernandez's ninth-inning double is key to the Mets 3 run comeback. In the 16th, with Jesse Orosco struggling to hold the lead, Hernandez allegedly meets Gary Carter at the mound and threatens to kill him if he calls another fastball.