Three-time Manager of the Year Buck Showalter was recently named the twenty-fourth skipper in Mets history.
You might be up to date on Showalter’s credentials, but how well do you know the other men who helmed the team? Put your knowledge to the test with a series of trivia questions.
Which former Mets manager was born on D-Day?
June 6, 1944, or “D-Day,” was the day the Allied forces invaded Northern France by storming the beaches of Normandy.
It was also the day that Mets shortstop, coach, and manager Bud Harrelson came into the world. In his book Turning Two, Harrelson wrote:
“Lindsey Nelson, who along with Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy, comprised the Mets’ radio and television broadcasting team for all the years I played for them, loved that I was born on D-Day. Lindsey, who had served in the 9th Infantry Division, never failed to wish me happy birthday on the air and in person when June 6 arrived.”
Which former Mets manager held the single-season record for home runs by a second baseman?
In 2021, Marcus Semien of the Blue Jays clubbed 45 home runs to supplant a former Mets manager in the all-time record books.
Semien’s 45 roundtrippers were the most ever by a second baseman in a single season, breaking a record that had stood for nearly five decades. The previous record holder? None other than Davey Johnson, who hit 43 of his 136 career home runs for the 1973 Atlanta Braves.
Johnson, along with Darrell Evans (41) and Hank Aaron (40), became the first trio of teammates to each hit 40 home runs in the same year. When reflecting on the trade that sent him from Baltimore to Atlanta in the winter of 1972, Johnson said, “It was the greatest thing that ever happened to me in baseball, and the big reason was joining Aaron. He helped make me a better hitter.”
Which former Mets manager was a champion ballroom dancer?
Bobby Valentine can be called many things, but “boring” is not one of them. The former Mets manager is a true Renaissance man with a mindblowing array of talents. He claims to be the inventor of the sandwich wrap, for example (click here for more on that story). Valentine was also a champion ballroom dancer as a teenager, and took part in the opening ceremonies of the 1964 World’s Fair held in Flushing Meadows.
Don’t believe me? Just check out this clip of Bobby V. dancing the cha-cha back when he was manager of Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines in 2006.
Which former Mets manager caught Nolan Ryan’s first no-hitter?
Nolan Ryan tossed a record seven no-hitters in his illustrious career, three more than the next closest pitcher (Sandy Koufax).
The first of those no-nos came on May 15, 1973 in Kansas City, when Ryan walked three batters but was otherwise flawless. His catcher that day was Jeff Torborg, a ten-year veteran in the final season of his career. Despite limited playing time, Torborg caught three historic pitching performances: Sandy Koufax’s 1965 perfect game, Bill Singer’s 1970 no-hitter, and the aforementioned Ryan no-hitter.
Torborg remains one of the few backstops to catch a no-hitter in both leagues, a list that includes Gus Triandos, Darrell Porter, Ron Hassey, and Drew Butera.
Which former Mets manager was on the cover of the very first Sports Illustrated issue?
The first issue of Sports Illustrated, published on August 16, 1954, prominently features Milwaukee Braves star Eddie Mathews on its cover. Mathews is taking one of his mighty hacks, and presumably sending the ball over the fence.
Sitting behind Mathews and ready to receive the pitch is Giants catcher Wes Westrum. As you may know, Westrum became the second manager of the Mets in 1965 when he replaced Casey Stengel – who had fractured his hip while exiting the car. Westrum managed the Mets until 1967, when he was replaced by interim skipper Salty Parker.
Searle’s Final Say
Unlike the aforementioned Mets managers, Buck Showalter did not enjoy an illustrious playing career. In fact, he never even made it to the big leagues as a player. Nevertheless, Showalter’s vast experience and reputation for building a winning culture make him the right choice for the current Mets roster.
