Carlos Baerga - His Met Career 1996-1998

On July 29, 1996 the Mets acquired All-Star second baseman Carlos Baerga from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Jose Vizcaino and Jeff Kent. Though Baerga was having an off year he was still considered by many to be one of the top hitters in baseball with a penchant for hitting frozen ropes. But it was obvious from the start that Baerga was not the same hitter. Injuries did play a factor but he still only hit .193 the rest of the season.

Looking for a fresh start Carlos Baerga improved slightly in 1997 but he was still not the player the Mets thought they were getting when they traded for him. In 1997 the career .300 hitter hit a respectable .281 but his power numbers were down as he only hit 9 home runs while driving in 52. Baerga produced more of the same in 1999 hitting .266 with just 7 home runs and 54 RBI’s.

Though his career numbers with the Mets were a respectable .267 average with 18 home runs and 166 RBI’s in 306 games, they were not the numbers the Mets expected and he was not brought back for the 1999 season. But to his credit Baerga always gave his all and played hard and always showed a great deal of enthusiasm when he played. He truly cared and it was never more evident than in his last game as a Met. With the Mets needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive they lost to the Atlanta Braves 7 -2. After the game Carlos Baerga could be seen in the dugout practically in tears as the Mets postseason hopes were dashed.


Search Amazon.com for Carlos Baerga