and would go on to play 8 seasons with the team becoming one of the most popular players in team history. He was voted the greatest 2nd baseman in Mets history by the fans as part of the Mets 40th Anniversary Celebration.
After two good seasons in 1995 and 1996 Alfonzo broke out in 1997 hitting a team best .315. But his best season with the Mets came in 1999 when he established himself as one of the top hitters in the game. He hit 27 home runs and drove in 108 in helping the Mets reach the postseason for the first time since 1988. He also set the Mets single season record for runs scored with 123. On August 30th against the Houston Astros Alfonzo had a career day by becoming the first player and to date the only player in franchise history to go 6 for 6 in a game. He hit 3 home runs and drove in 5 in the game also becoming the first player since the legendary Ty Cobb to go 6 for 6 with 3 home runs in a game.
In 1999 Edgardo Alfonzo also established himself as one of the games best defensive players. After playing most of his career at 3rd base Alfonzo moved to 2nd base and committed just five errors for a .993 fielding percentage. Many believe he should have won the gold glove but he was beaten out by Pokey Reese of the Reds.
In his first postseason game against the Arizona Diamondback he hit two home runs including a grand slam while driving in 5 runs. In all he hit 3 home runs and drove in 6 in helping the Mets defeat the Diamondbacks in the NLDS. He continued his great hitting in the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves with another home run and 5 RBI’s but the Mets lost to the Braves in 6 games.
In 2000 he continued his stellar play and earned his first All-Star selection. He hit a career best .324 with 25 home runs and 94 RBI’s in helping the Mets reach the World Series for the first time since 1986.
Alfonzo’s production started to suffer in 2001 and 2002, due in part to back problems and the Mets let him walk as a free agent following the 2002 season much to the chagrin of many Mets fans including this one. But it turned out to be the right move as the his production continued to decline as a player for the San Francisco Giants, Anaheim Angels and Toronto Blue Jays.
Edgardo Alfonzo did try to make a comeback with the Mets in 2006 signing with their Triple A affiliate the Norfolk Tides but the bid fell short and Alfonzo never made it back to the big leagues.
In his 8 seasons with the Mets Alfonzo hit .292 with 120 home runs and 538 RBI’s in 1086 games.
In 24 postseason games Alfonzo hit .240 with 4 home runs and 17 RBI’s.
While with the Mets Edgardo Alfonzo wore number 13 in tribute to his fellow countryman Dave Concepcion from Valenzuela.
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