Our Mets All-Time Uniform Numbers series continues with #2, a number with a mostly disappointing history.
On the Amazin' Avenue Facebook Page over the past few weeks, we've been asking Mets fans which player from Mets history they associate with a certain uniform number. This series proved to be very popular, so we decided the offseason would be a perfect opportunity to ask this same question to the general Amazin' Avenue readership! Each day, we'll post a different number with a few of the longest tenured or most well-known options for each uniform number up until we get to the #50. Be sure to vote in the poll at the bottom of the page!
Number 2 has only been worn by a Mets player or coach 26 times throughout their history, a seemingly small amount for a single digit number. It was never really long associated with a person until Bobby Valentine wore it as the club's manager. Other long tenures include Mackey Sasser, Justin Turner, and former coach Sandy Alomar Sr, who wore the number from 2005-2009. Here's a look at some of the most notable #2's in Mets history:
Mackey Sasser (1988-1992)
Well known for the throwing issues he developed after a collision at home plate, Sasser spent parts of 5 seasons with the Mets as a part-time catcher and hit pretty well, putting up a .283/.309/.403 line in his time with the club. As mentioned, Sasser developed the yips after a collision at home plate with Jim Presley of the Braves. From that point on, Sasser was unable to throw the ball back to the pitcher without hesitating and repeating his throwing motion multiple times.
Bobby Valentine (1985, 1996-2002)
Bobby V's career came through Flushing multiple times, first as a player, then as a coach, and finally as a manager of the Mets in the late 90's and early 2000's. Valentine's first stints with the club as a player saw him wear #1 but he wore #2 as a coach and manager, the number that he is typically associated with. In 7 seasons as Mets skipper, Valentine's teams went 536-467, good for a .534 winning percentage. He made it to the playoffs in 1999 and 2000, the latter culminating in a World Series appearance against the Yankees.
Marv Throneberry (1962-1963)
An original 1962 Met, "Marvelous Marv" Throneberry spent most of 1962 and the first month of 1963 with the Mets at what would be the end of his big league career at the age of 29. Over 130 games, Throneberry would hit .240/.302/.418 with 16 home runs while playing first base for the Amazins'.
Justin Turner (2010-2013)
After getting claimed off waivers from the Orioles, Turner spent a few seasons on the Mets bench as a utility infielder and pinch hitter. Known for his ability to play 2nd and 3rd base, Turner also gained a reputation for picking up key hits from time to time. Overall, he hit .265/.326/.370 in his Mets tenure before they non-tendered him after the 2013 season.
Facebook polling
Our Amazin Avenue Facebook Poll saw Bobby Valentine lead the pack, with Sasser, Throneberry, and Turner getting votes. Others receiving votes included Dilson Herrera, Jim Fregosi, Roy Steiger, Kevin Elster, Jose Oquendo, and Bob Bailor.