Good morning, as of today, we’re going to take a closer look at this date in Mets’ history, with help from the Ultimate Mets Database.
Born on this date:
- Danny Napoleon (1942)
- Jim McAndrew (1944)
- Dan Norman (1955)
- Manny Acta (1969)
- Rey Ordóñez (1971)
- Jermaine Allensworth (1972)
Ordonez was an absolute wizard at shortstop. I remember when Sports Illustrated posted the cover asking if the Mets had the best infield ever with Ordonez, Robin Ventura, Edgardo Alfonzo and John Olerud. There were some that believed that Ordonez was the best defensive shortstop since Ozzie Smith. The only trouble? He couldn’t hit his way out of a paper bag. Happy Birthday Rey O!
Transactions:
- New York Mets selected Jeff McKnight in second round of free agent draft on January 11, 1983.
- Texas Rangers signed Pat Mahomes of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 11, 2001.
- New York Mets traded Javier Ochoa to the Cleveland Indians for Tom Martin on January 11, 2001.
- New York Mets signed free agent Joe DePastino on January 11, 2001.
- New York Mets signed free agent Tsuyoshi Shinjo of the San Francisco Giants on January 11, 2003.
- New York Mets signed free agent Carlos Beltran of the Houston Astros on January 11, 2005.
- Houston Astros claimed Fernando Martinez of the New York Mets on waivers on January 11, 2012.
Shinjo was one hell of a fastball hitter, and he was also known for his little hop step before making a catch in the outfield. Unfortunately for him, he never really learned to hit a breaking ball, and the other teams around the league got word of that. A steady diet of curve balls and sliders made him an easy out in the end.
As for Beltran, there’s no doubting what he meant to this franchise. When he and Pedro Martinez were signed prior to the 2005 season, it was a sign of hope for Mets fans. In 2006, he led the team to the playoffs. When you look back, other than Mike Piazza, he may be the best offensive player the Mets have ever had.
For more on Beltran and what his arrival meant to the fan base, click here.
