40 years ago on this date, the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals completed a blockbuster trade which turned out to be one of the most lopsided deals in Major League history.
The centerpiece of that deal was first baseman Keith Hernandez, who had won the National League MVP Award with the Cardinals in 1979.
He also was a key piece of the Cardinals’ run to their ninth World Series title in 1982.
But on June 15, 1983, the Mets acquired the legendary first baseman for pitchers Rick Ownbey and Neil Allen.
On Twitter, SNY, the TV home of the Mets, recalled this legendary trade that shaped the future of the Mets and set the Cardinals back.
40 years ago today, the Mets traded Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey to the Cardinals for Keith Hernandez. pic.twitter.com/ICx2r5rUEm
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) June 15, 2023
During his career, Hernandez won an MVP, 11 Gold Gloves, two Silver Slugger Awards, two World Series rings, and a batting title.
He also was an All-Star five times.
Hernandez was a key piece in the Mets’ run to their second World Series title in 1986.
That year, they rallied from behind in Game 6 to stun the Boston Red Sox, which ended with the infamous Bill Buckner play.
They then pulled away with Game 7 to capture yet another World Series title.
For his career, Hernandez hit .296 with 162 home runs, 2,182 total hits, an on-base percentage of .384, a slugging percentage of .486, and an .821 OPS.
Hernandez also posted a career WAR of 60.3.
Meanwhile in St. Louis, Allen and Ownbey never quite panned out.
This was one of the most lopsided trades in the history of baseball that ultimately worked out in the Mets’ favor.
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