25 Year Anniversary: New York Mets Trade For Mike Piazza
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On this day 25 years ago, the New York Mets made one of the biggest moves in franchise history, acquiring eventual Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza in a trade with the Florida Marlins.
The Baseball Hall of Fame tweeted about the anniversary, which will make Mets fans smile:
On this date in 1998, the @Mets changed the direction of their franchise when they traded for All-Star catcher Mike Piazza. The next season, New York would return to the postseason for the first time in more than a decade.
In addition to making the playoffs in 1999, the Mets made the World Series in 2000, losing to the cross-town Yankees.
The Marlins received prospects Preston Wilson, Ed Yarnall and Geoff Goetz in return for Piazza, who signed a seven-year, $91 million deal with the Mets shortly after the 1998 season ended.
He spent 16 years in the majors with the Dodgers, Marlins, Mets, Padres and A's. He hit 427 home runs and drove in 1335 runs.
The Hall of Fame has more on his tenure with the Mets:
Injuries began to take their toll on Piazza during his final few years with the Mets, but over the course of eight seasons in New York he hit .296 with 220 home runs and 655 RBI, earning seven of his 12 career All-Star Game selections.
He also managed Team Italy to a quarterfinal round appearance in this year's World Baseball Classic. He's been instrumental in growing the game in Italy.
The Mets are off on Monday before taking on the Cubs on Tuesday, so more time to celebrate this joyous anniversary.
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