Since entering the Major Leagues in 1962, the New York Mets quickly built a significant and unique fan base.
Loyalty would be a perfect way to describe it: Mets fans are grateful and passionate.
And those two traits make them very appreciative of the stars who have worn their uniform.
Mets fans, in short, love their idols: they have Tom Seaver up there with the best, they love David Wright, Mike Piazza is a god in New York, and those who watched ball in the seventies and eighties absolutely adore Keith Hernandez.
A contact-first first baseman with elegance and charisma, Hernandez was the idol of many young kids in New York around those days.
He won two World Series in his playing days: one with the St. Louis Cardinals, and one with the Mets in 1986.
Mets Fans Loved Hernandez Back In The Day
Today is Hernandez’s 69th birthday, and the whole Mets community is wishing him a happy birthday.
Happy birthday to the one and only…He’s @keithhernandez! 🥳🎂 pic.twitter.com/sxgR0Ee80k
— New York Mets (@Mets) October 20, 2022
A member of the Mets’ Hall of Fame who had his number 17 retired by the organization, Hernandez was also a slick defender at first base, winning 11 Gold Gloves.
He was also named to five All-Star teams (1979, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1987), won the 1979 NL MVP n a year in which he also won the batting crown, and took home two Silver Slugger awards (1980, 1984).
Besides being a Mets legend on the field, Hernandez has been a color commentator on Mets games for a while now.
He works for SportsNet New York (SNY) but is currently recovering from a health-related issue.
Fans all over social media are wishing him a happy birthday and a speedy recovery, and hope to see him in the booth soon.
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