1984 New York Mets season
Encyclopedia
The New York Mets
' 1984 season
was the 23rd regular season for the Mets. They went 90-72 and finished 2nd in the National League East
. They were managed by Davey Johnson
. They played home games at Shea Stadium
.
and the Mets before it even started. Believing that it was unnecessary to protect a high-salaried, forty year old pitcher
, the Mets left Tom Seaver
unprotected and the Mets were stunned on January 20, 1984 when he was claimed in a free-agent compensation draft by the Chicago White Sox
.
This left opening day duties to Mike Torrez
. Torrez lasted only 1.1 innings against the Cincinnati Reds
at Riverfront Stadium, giving up six earned runs, and giving the Mets their first opening day loss since . Davey Johnson
's team did, however, come back to win the next six in a row, including Dwight Gooden
's Major League Baseball debut on April 7. Off-season acquisition Sid Fernandez
made his debut with the Mets on July 16, going seven innings against the Houston Astros
at the Astrodome, and earning the victory.
All-Star Game
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
' 1984 season
1984 Major League Baseball season
-Statistical leaders:-Major league baseball final standings:-Deaths:...
was the 23rd regular season for the Mets. They went 90-72 and finished 2nd in the National League East
National League East
The National League East Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. The Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies are tied for the most National League East Division titles . All of Atlanta's NL East titles came during a record stretch of 14 consecutive division titles...
. They were managed by Davey Johnson
Davey Johnson
David Allen "Davey" Johnson is an American Major League Baseball player and current manager of the Washington Nationals. He was the starting second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles when they won four American League pennants and two World Series championships between 1965 and 1972...
. They played home games at Shea Stadium
Shea Stadium
William A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
.
Offseason
- December 8, : Acquired Sid FernandezSid FernandezCharles Sidney Fernandez was a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher from to . Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fernandez was proud of his roots and wore uniform number 50 in honor of Hawaii being the 50th state...
and Ross JonesRoss JonesRoss A. Jones is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. Jones was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers ninth overall in the 1980 Major League Baseball Draft...
from the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
for Bob BailorBob BailorRobert Michael Bailor is a former right-handed utility player in Major League Baseball, best known for his speed and for being difficult to strike out...
and Carlos DiazCarlos Diaz (pitcher)Carlos Antonio Diaz is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Born in Kaneohe, Hawaii, he was the thirteenth native Hawaiian to have played in the major leagues....
. - January 17, : Kevin ElsterKevin ElsterKevin Daniel Elster is a retired Major League Baseball shortstop.Elster played for six different ballclubs during his career: the New York Mets , New York Yankees , Philadelphia Phillies , Texas Rangers , Pittsburgh Pirates , and Los Angeles Dodgers...
was drafted by the Mets in the 2nd round of the 1984 Major League Baseball Draft1984 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1984 Major League Baseball draft.- Other notable players :*Future Canadian Football League quarterback Damon Allen, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the seventh round, 182nd overall....
. Player signed May 21, 1984. - January 17, 1984: Rafael SantanaRafael SantanaRafael Francisco Santana de la Cruz is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who won a World Series ring with the 1986 New York Mets. He currently serves as the Dominican Republic scouting and player development supervisor for the Chicago White Sox.-St...
was signed as a free agent by the Mets. - January 20, 1984: The Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
choose Tom SeaverTom SeaverGeorge Thomas "Tom" Seaver , nicknamed "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1967-1986 for four different teams in his career, but is noted primarily for his time with the New York Mets...
from the Mets as a Free Agent compensation pick. - January 27, 1984: Sign Dick TidrowDick TidrowRichard William Tidrow was a Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and New York Mets from 1972 to 1984. He was primarily known as a setup man, or pitcher before the closer; however, on occasion he would also start games...
as a Free Agent. The Mets release him on May 8. - January 30, 1984: Released Dave KingmanDave KingmanDavid Arthur Kingman , nicknamed "Kong" and "Sky King", is a former Major League Baseball left fielder, first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter. The towering 6' 6" Kingman was one of the most feared sluggers of the 1970s and 1980s...
. - February 19, 1984: Kelvin MooreKelvin Moore (baseball)Kelvin Orlando Moore is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played parts of three seasons in the major leagues, from until , for the Oakland Athletics.-Sources:...
was traded by the Mets to the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for Billy Max (minors). - March 17, 1984: Jerry Martin was signed as a Free Agent with the New York Mets.
Regular season
The season had already gotten off to an embarrassing start for GM Frank CashenFrank Cashen
John Francis Cashen is a former Major League Baseball general manager. He is widely considered to be the architect of the World Champion 1986 New York Mets and was also an executive while the Baltimore Orioles won the 1966 World Series and 1970 World Series.-Early life:Cashen was born in...
and the Mets before it even started. Believing that it was unnecessary to protect a high-salaried, forty year old pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
, the Mets left Tom Seaver
Tom Seaver
George Thomas "Tom" Seaver , nicknamed "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1967-1986 for four different teams in his career, but is noted primarily for his time with the New York Mets...
unprotected and the Mets were stunned on January 20, 1984 when he was claimed in a free-agent compensation draft by the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
.
This left opening day duties to Mike Torrez
Mike Torrez
Michael Augustine Torrez is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Career:Torrez had an 18-year career from 1967 to 1984. He played for the St...
. Torrez lasted only 1.1 innings against the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
at Riverfront Stadium, giving up six earned runs, and giving the Mets their first opening day loss since . Davey Johnson
Davey Johnson
David Allen "Davey" Johnson is an American Major League Baseball player and current manager of the Washington Nationals. He was the starting second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles when they won four American League pennants and two World Series championships between 1965 and 1972...
's team did, however, come back to win the next six in a row, including Dwight Gooden
Dwight Gooden
Dwight Eugene Gooden , nicknamed "Doc Gooden" or "Dr. K", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was one of the most dominant and feared pitchers in the National League in the middle and late 1980s.-Career:...
's Major League Baseball debut on April 7. Off-season acquisition Sid Fernandez
Sid Fernandez
Charles Sidney Fernandez was a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher from to . Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fernandez was proud of his roots and wore uniform number 50 in honor of Hawaii being the 50th state...
made his debut with the Mets on July 16, going seven innings against the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
at the Astrodome, and earning the victory.
Notable transactions
- May 9, 1984: Released Craig SwanCraig SwanCraig Steven Swan was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1973 to 1984 for the New York Mets and California Angels. Swan's best season came in when he posted a 9-6 win–loss record and led the National League with an earned run average of 2.43. This was significant as the Mets were in the...
. - June 4, 1984: 1984 Major League Baseball Draft1984 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1984 Major League Baseball draft.- Other notable players :*Future Canadian Football League quarterback Damon Allen, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the seventh round, 182nd overall....
- Shawn AbnerShawn AbnerShawn Wesley Abner is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played from to . He is best known for being chosen first in the 1984 Major League Baseball Draft, although he would go on to have a marginal career....
was drafted by the Mets in the 1st round (1st pick). - Mauro GozzoMauro GozzoMauro Gozzo is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of six seasons in the majors, from until ....
was drafted by the Mets in the 13th round.
- Shawn Abner
- June 15, 1984: Acquired Bruce BerenyiBruce BerenyiBruce Berenyi , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues as a starting pitcher from 1980-1986. Berenyi was fourth in the voting for the National League Rookie of the Year in 1981 after gaining a 9-6 record...
from the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
for Jay TibbsJay TibbsJay Lindsey Tibbs was a Major League Baseball pitcher with a seven-year career from 1984 to 1990. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, Montreal Expos, Baltimore Orioles, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He had two winning seasons and a career ERA of 4.20. He currently lives in Oneonta, Alabama.-External...
, Eddie Williams and Matt Bullinger. - June 22, 1984: Released Mike TorrezMike TorrezMichael Augustine Torrez is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Career:Torrez had an 18-year career from 1967 to 1984. He played for the St...
. - July 10, 1984: Heathcliff SlocumbHeathcliff SlocumbHeath "Heathcliff" Slocumb is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He batted and threw right-handed....
was signed by the Mets as an amateur free agent. - August 28, 1984: The Mets traded players to be named later to the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
for Ray KnightRay KnightCharles Ray Knight is a former right-handed Major League Baseball third baseman best remembered for his time with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets...
. The Mets completed the deal by sending Gerald YoungGerald YoungGerald Anthony Young was a Major League Baseball outfielder. He was noted for his long strides and blazing speed, and although considered somewhat of a "hot dog" because of what appeared to be a lackadaisical style , he was considered one of the best defensive center fielders of his time...
and Manuel LeeManuel LeeManuel Lora Lee is a former shortstop and second baseman for Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays , Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals...
to the Astros on August 31 and Mitch Cook (minors) to the Astros on September 10. - August 28, 1984: Jeff GardnerJeff Gardner (baseball)Jeffrey Scott Gardner is a former Major League Baseball infielder. He was the starting second baseman for the San Diego Padres in , and played parts of three other seasons for the Padres, New York Mets, and Montreal Expos. After his playing career, Gardner was a manager in the Padres' minor league...
was signed as an amateur free agent by the Mets. - September 30, 1984: Jerry Martin was released by the New York Mets.
Opening Day starters
- Wally Backman
- Hubie Brooks
- George Foster
- John Gibbons
- Keith Hernandez
- Jose Oquendo
- Darryl Strawberry
- Mike Torrez
- Mookie Wilson
Roster
| 1984 New York Mets roster | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1B | 154 | 550 | 171 | .311 | 15 | 94 | |
Other batters
| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 207 | 51 | .246 | 1 | 10 | |
| 99 | 199 | 46 | .231 | 1 | 12 | |
| 75 | 197 | 57 | .289 | 3 | 23 | |
| 51 | 152 | 42 | .276 | 1 | 12 | |
| 27 | 93 | 26 | .280 | 1 | 6 | |
| 40 | 91 | 18 | .198 | 0 | 11 | |
| 78 | 72 | 19 | .264 | 1 | 18 | |
| 10 | 31 | 2 | .065 | 0 | 1 | |
| 14 | 27 | 11 | .407 | 0 | 5 | |
| 7 | 14 | 3 | .214 | 0 | 1 | |
| 5 | 11 | 3 | .273 | 0 | 3 | |
| 5 | 10 | 1 | .100 | 0 | 0 | |
Starting pitchers
| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 218 | 17 | 9 | 2.60 | 276 | |
| 9 | 37.2 | 1 | 5 | 5.02 | 16 | |
Other pitchers
| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|
Relief pitchers
| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2.97 | 40 | |
Farm system
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Jackson, Lynchburg, Little FallsAwards and honors
- Mike Fitzgerald, Topps All-Star Rookie TeamsTopps All-Star Rookie TeamsThe Topps All-Star Rookie Team, also known as the Topps ASR, is a set of baseball cards issued by Topps Company, Inc., every year to commemorate notable Major League Baseball rookie players.-History:...
- Dwight GoodenDwight GoodenDwight Eugene Gooden , nicknamed "Doc Gooden" or "Dr. K", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was one of the most dominant and feared pitchers in the National League in the middle and late 1980s.-Career:...
, Rookie of the Year & Topps All-Star Rookie Team - Keith HernandezKeith HernandezKeith Barlow Hernandez is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He is currently a baseball analyst working for the New York Mets, for whom he played from –, on SportsNet New York and WPIX television broadcasts...
, Gold Glove & Silver SluggerSilver SluggerThe Silver Slugger Award is awarded annually to the best offensive player at each position in both the American League and the National League, as determined by the coaches and managers of Major League Baseball...
All-Star Game
1984 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1984 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 55th midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was played on July 10, 1984 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, home of the...
- Dwight Gooden, Pitcher
- Jesse OroscoJesse OroscoJesse Russell Orosco is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who holds the major league record for career pitching appearances. He pitched most notably for the New York Mets in the 1980s. He won a World Series in 1986 with the Mets and in 1988 with the Dodgers. He threw left-handed,...
, Pitcher - Darryl StrawberryDarryl StrawberryDarryl Eugene Strawberry is a former American Major League Baseball outfielder who is well-known both for his play on the field and for his controversial behavior off it...
, Outfielder