Countdown: Top 10 Mets of all-time
First, the ground rules: In choosing the 10 greatest Mets, it is a matter of the 10 who did the most as Mets, not the 10 greatest players who ever wore Mets uniforms. Thus, Willie Mays and Nolan Ryan are not on this list. After that, it's wide open and totally subjective. Does longevity matter? How about sentimentality? Yes, and no, as Newsday's Mark Herrmann writes.
Credit: AP
5. GARY CARTER
Catcher, 1985-89
When Carter was acquired from the Expos (whose cap adorns his plaque in the Hall of Fame), the Mets had the final piece that turned them from a very good team into a champion. His game-winning home run in his first Mets game in 1985 was a portent of the 24 homers and 105 RBIs he would have in 1986. His hit in the 10th inning of Game 6 of the World Series began a comeback from a two-run deficit, a rally that ended with Mookie Wilson's ground ball.
