I had a long talk the other day with a someone who works in marketing for MLB, and they asked me which player I most identify with?
He wasn’t talking about my favorite player, necessarily, or who I feel was best performer… instead, he asked, who did I most connect with? Who did I identify with most? Who played the game the way I feel I would have played?
My favorite Mets player of all time is rotates between Keith Hernandez, Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry – but, I identify most with Wally Backman, because he embodied the underdog, he played hard, he hustled, he was not flashy and he did his job.
What player from the Mets, from any era, did you most identify with?
Really tough question, because who I thought I identified with in the 80′s as a kid is different than how I see things today.
For instance, in the 80′s, I thought Backman was a cool guy to have on the team … but I didn’t identify with him. Instead, I identified with Gary Carter, who from a distance and in the eyes of a kid, seemed like the kind of guy I wanted to emulate. He was fiery, hungry, and good. He appeared to work hard, hit in the clutch, and lead by example.
It was only 20 years later that I began hearing he was anal, sometimes annoying in the clubhouse, and selfish and self-promoting in some ways. So I said “Gary Carter” to answer your poll, because for a long time, he was the guy.
I liked things about a lot of players as well. Olerud was a pro, Leiter was a gamer, and believe it or not, I even identify with Murphy to a degree, because he is very competitive and fiery (did you see how fast he ran the bases last night after that homerun?), and part of me identifies with his hard luck.
I think Thole may be my future man-crush, however. Always had a soft spot for catchers, especially the guys with smarts at the plate and good hand-eye coordination. If things continue to go well for the kid next year, I may even buy my first jersey with a name on it.
I agree, i didnt answer the poll question yet, but i too find myself pulling for guys like murphy, cora, francoeur, guys who remind me of old schoolers and who would “eat dirt” just to win…which is prob why i pull so hard for murphy to succeed…
The people getting all over Murphy really does get to me, considering he’s still a baby at this point and that I doubt anyone wants to perform as much as he does. People insinuate that his head isn’t in the game or that he is slacking and correlate it to a lack of desire … but whenever I see that kid I see a kid who went to a mediocre college, and was considered underrated at every level he played. I see a guy worth rooting for.
I see a guy, who ironically, is a lot like Wally Backman. Do you think Murphy would be the last to the pile in a fight? I don’t. Outside of 1986, when Backman had a fantastic year and hit .320 as a part time player (440 ABs), he was never anything more than a middle infielder who could get on base. Statistically, he was a lot like Luis Castillo circa 2008.
I has a 1971 yearbook, a picture of head on view of Tommie Agee running from first base to second base, body low to the ground , body seeming to be exageratedly forward, hips pivoting side to side. It’s how I used to run the bases.
I think I identify with Beltran. He embodies what I wanted to be when I was younger, great speed, power and defense. I admire the way he plays the game, which is why he’s also my favorite player
I loved Lenny and Keith, but I think I identify more with Turk Wendell.
I’m very good at my job and handle pressure pretty well, but some may think I’m a little off!
A little off is a mighty generous way to put it. Turk was flat out bat$#!^ crazy!!
Wally Backman was a guy who did not have the talent or natural ability to be a professional baseball player. He had no business being in the Major Leagues. But he made it anyway, on sheer guts, will, and hard work. You’ve gotta love a guy like that.
See my post below…Someone thought he had natural ability, he was the 16th pick in the country in 1977.
Buddy Harrelson and Tom Seaver
Seaver made it look so easy and was a pro.
Harrelson worked so hard and gave it his all.
I loved Wally Backman, don’t get me wrong…but can you believe he was a first-round draft pick, 16th overall?! It’s amazing anyone could project him as a first round talent, and even given his nice career I would say that was way off.
#1 that year was Harold Baines – a borderline Hall of Fame hitter who gets no consideration because I’m not sure if he even owned a glove. #3 was Paul Molitor…’nuff said.
The Mets took Mookie Wilson in the 2nd round that year (apparently they were on a speed kick). Other notables include Ozzie Smith (4th round), Tim Raines (5th – again I love Mookie, but he was like Raines-light-light in the early 80s), Chili Davis (11), and Danny Ainge (15th).
Found it interesting – thought I’d share.
My Most Identified with Metsie=Tug Mc Graw: a spirit, an energy, not nessecarily the most talented or over-powering, but, made up for it with the “intangibles’, heart & soul of the Team. Ya Gotta Believe? You better believe it!