by Chris Messner

Created on: March 14, 2010   Last Updated: June 30, 2010

David Wright.  On and off the field, he's the complete package, easily the Mets' equivalent of Derek Jeter.  And, the best part is, he's still a young player, still developing, so his best years are probably still ahead of him.  Wow.

Tom Seaver?  Without question, the greatest Mets player of all time.  He was also pretty good for several other teams, throwing his only no-hitter for the Reds and recording his 300th victory as a member of the White Sox.  It still bothers me that he was on the Red Sox during the 1986 World Series.  He belonged in the other dugout.

Mike Piazza?  When the Mets acquired Piazza, they got their first real "hitter" with true power.  He wasn't just a great power hitter, he was a great hitter with awesome power, the best-hitting, greatest slugging catcher in major league history.  He was a perfect fit for the Mets, big, strong, outgoing, good-looking, a real fan favorite.  He didn't come cheap, though.  The Mets paid him more than $90 million, and, as we all know, he was no Jerry Grote behind the plate.

Deep into the 2009 season, Wright was beaned by a fastball from Giants' fireballer Matt Cain, and missed at least 2 weeks of action. 

That didn't damage the Mets' season, which was already a lost cause, but it did irreparable damage to Wright's enviable career as the best 3rd baseman and offensive player ever signed, developed and fielded by the New York Mets.

The Mets began play in 1962, so as we examine what the beaning cost Wright from a team history perspective, keep these facts in mind: 

- The first Met to have 40+ doubles in a season was Howard Johnson,1989.  

- The first Met to have 40+ doubles in 2 consecutive seasons was Edgardo Alfonzo, 1999 and 2000. 

- The first Met to hit 30+ home runs in consecutive seasons was Dave Kingman, 1975 and 1976.  That did not happen again until Darryl Strawberry did it in 1987 and 1988.  The complete list is those two, plus Todd Hundley, Piazza, Wright, and Carlos Beltran.  

 - The first Met to drive in 100+ runs in a season was Rusty Staub, 1975. 

 - No Met drove in 100+ again until Gary Carter became the first Met to drive in 100+ runs in consecutive seasons, 1985 and 1986.

Here's what the beaning cost Wright: 

- It ended his streak of consecutive years scoring 90 or more runs, at 4, more than any Met ever. Edgardo Alfonzo is second on that list, with

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