imageI was AT THE game where Benny HR'd in his 1st MLB at bat! August '74 if memory serves me. (I'll guess 8/8?) He was just recalled form Tidewater and started in LF batted #6. MEts had tried Cleon Jones in CF and Benny at LF in spring training but, Cleaon really didn't have the range/arm and Benny didn't hit as well as METS hoped and Schneck/HAhn got the CF job instead...Benny hit it into the LF lodge seats (I was a field level along 3B side somewhere), a nice shot, after that, it was downhill for BA! '74 METS were the '73 team w/ too much overconfidence, a bad year from Seaver too boot. Staub got fat, Garrett was overrated, no real CF'er, etc., and the bullpen wasn't up to the task! It was a year (for a 14 yo diehard BB fan then) for a forgetful season in METS history....At this point of my life I have the money, time and no nagging from preventing me just taking the "sweet". After all I played '68 and came close, THAT team was MUCH better than the record showed though I don't think a 90 win team. (played w/o splits and Blackbelt didn't have it done when I started it). As much as Hodges is revered and honored, his team from '69 IMHO was the only overperformer of his mgt, though they OVERperformed to the max!

Last Edited By: Jeff in Western WA 12/03/09 01:57 PM. Edited 2 times.