786) LUIS AYALA

Luis Ayala was traded from the Washington Nationals to the New York Mets in exchange for Anderson Hernandez on August 17, 2008. The Mets lost their closer, Billy Wagner to an elbow injury just days before. So when the Nationals placed Ayala on waivers New York claimed him. The two clubs were able to later work out the deal. "I'm surprised. It's a little bit late for a trade, but for me, I passed my best times in this organization." Luis said in Washington following the announcement. "They're fighting for first place, so I'm going to try and clear my mind and try to help the bullpen."

The right-hander made his Mets debut on August 19th. Pitching the last two outs of the seventh-inning at Shea Stadium during a 7-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves. On September 8th Ayala had picked up his sixth save in seven chances in a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. When it was determined that Wagner needed season ending surgery the Mets established Luis as the new closer. "I feel bad for Billy, but I'm here for whatever the team needs," explained Ayala. "and, I know I can do the job."

New York would fade down the stretch and lose their chance at the National League Wild Card entry on the last day of the season. Ayala was one of the Mets pitchers to take the mound during the final game ever played at Shea Stadium. He surrendered the final run scored by the Florida Marlins in their 4-2 victory on September 28th.

Luis finished with a 1-2 record, nine saves, and a 5.50 ERA in his 19 appearances for New York. He left the Mets when he signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Twins on February 19, 2009.

Luis Ayala signed his card in the set for my friend, Sam before the Atlanta Braves played the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizen's Bank Park on July 6, 2013.

#161) HANK WEBB

Hank Webb came to the New York Mets when he was selected in the 10th round of the free agent draft on June 7, 1968. The hard throwing prospect worked his way through the minor-leagues and made his New York debut on September 5, 1972. Entering the game against the Chicago Cubs at Shea Stadium and surrendering two runs in the ninth inning. His late season audition did not continue much better and had Webb returning to the minors after posting a 4.42 ERA in six appearances.

The Copiague, New York native looked good during the 1973 season at Triple-A Tidewater. Hank pitched nine complete games for the Tides, including a shutout, and even picked up two more relief appearances for the New York Mets in early May.

Webb threw the majority of the season for Tidewater again in 1974, and showed promise in a starting role. Hank continued to toss complete games and struck out 130 minor-league batters over his 152 innings of work. The Mets gave him another September call-up and during that opportunity came his most memorable moment at Shea Stadium.

The St. Louis Cardinals faced the Mets on September 11, 1974, in what would be the longest game ever played to a decision. Hank Webb took the mound for New York at the start of the 25th inning. He allowed an infield hit to the speedster, Bake McBride. Then while trying to hold him close uncorked an errant pick-off throw past the first baseman. Coupled with an error by catcher, Ron Hodges it allowed McBride to score, all he way from first base, what proved to be the winning run of a St. Louis 4-3 victory. The game ended at 3:13 A.M. (September 12th.) Taking seven hours and four minutes to play. Hank was credited with the loss for his first major-league decision.

Webb pitched in the most games of his big-league career the following season. Appearing in a total of 29 games. He was the starting pitcher in 15 of those. Hank would post a 7-6 record and 4.07 ERA during 1975. He was given a spot in the bullpen for the start of 1976, but found himself back in Tidewater after pitching his last game for the Mets on May 24th.

Hank was traded by New York along with Richard Sadler to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Rich Auerbach on February 7, 1977.

His son, Ryan Webb followed in his footsteps and became a major-league pitcher too. Making his debut with the San Diego Padres in 2009.

Hank became the Executive Director of Clearwater for Youth in Florida. The organization works with sports programs that serve the area's children.

Hank Webb signed his card in the set for me from an autograph request sent to his home on December 17, 2008.

#561) RICKEY HENDERSON

Rickey Henderson signed with the New York Mets as a free agent on December 16, 1998. "It's always a thrill to go play in New York," Henderson said. "People in baseball know that. That's where you want to be to have fun. If we want to have fun and get some attention, we have to win. I think we can do that." Although it had been semi-retired in honor of Willie Mays the club gave the speedster his accustomed uniform number "24".

The greatest lead-off man in baseball history struggled during his first spring training with the Mets hitting for a lowly .130 batting average. All of which changed when the regular season began. "I don't even worry about me," Rickey said following the second game of 1999. "I have 162 games, brother. One game ain't going to make me. One game ain't going to break me. I'll be there at the end." Over the season Henderson led the Mets team with a .315 batting average while collecting 12 home runs and 37 stolen bases for the National League Wild Card winner. That Wild Card entry earned after a 5-0 victory in Cincinnati facing the Reds in a one-game playoff game. "I never thought there was pressure in the postseason," remembers Rickey, who played left field that day and homered in the fifth inning. "The pressure was you had to get there. Then it was fun." Manager Bobby Valentine removed the veteran for defensive purposes late in the game that night. Henderson was dressed by the end of that game and waiting in the clubhouse for his victorious teammates.

After handling the Arizona Diamondbacks the Mets advanced to the National League Playoffs facing the Atlanta Braves. Rickey was removed in the eighth inning of Game 4 once again for defensive purposes. This time the removal occurred after Henderson had already taken his position in left field. Bobby Valentine called him back and inserted Melvin Mora as his replacement. A frustrated Rickey showered and left the stadium minutes after the game ended. "The timing of that was very bad, and in particular for a player of Rickey's stature," Valentine said before the start of Game 5. "I expressed the concerns to him yesterday."

New York would fall to the evil Braves in the decisive Game 6 at Atlanta. Outfielders Bobby Bonilla and Henderson spent the last three innings of the game in the clubhouse playing cards. "Guys who saw (the card game) wanted to take a bat to their heads after the game," one person affiliated with the Mets said. "There were players crying and screaming in the dugout (after the Mets lost the game in 11 innings). Then they walk in the clubhouse and see that?"

The incident would linger and lead to the club releasing Rickey on May 13, 2000. He was picked up by the Seattle Mariners two weeks later with the Mets paying the majority of his $1.9 million dollar contract that season.

Henderson, baseball's career stolen base leader, returned to the New York Mets as a guest spring training coach in 2006. He was brought in by General Manager Omar Minaya primarily to work with Jose Reyes. Rickey was still hoping to continue playing at age 47, and was quoted, "I thought maybe I'd come out here and trick'em. They'd look at me, give me a glove and say, Go play."

Following the mid-season dismissal of Rick Down, the Mets made Rickey the team's first base coach on July 12, 2007. The moves shifted Howard Johnson to hitting coach. "If it was a situation where we were going to win the World Series and I was the only player that they had left, I would put on the shoes," Henderson said with a smile. "I haven't submitted retirement papers to MLB, but I think MLB already had their papers that I was retired." He was not retained by the club for the 2008 season.

Rickey was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. He received 94.8 percent of the vote during his first inclusion on the ballot. "I feel great about it. It's been a long time coming," Henderson said. "I was nervous waiting."

Rickey Henderson signed his card in the set for my friend Jessie through a Jack Berke Event held Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown, New York on July 23, 2010.

#81) DON BOSCH

Don Bosch came to the New York Mets when he was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates along with Don Cardwell in exchange for Dennis Ribant and Gary Kolb on December 6, 1966. The young switch-hitter was touted by his Pirates Triple-A Manager, Larry Shepard as a centerfielder worthy of comparison to Willie Mays. His arrival in New York was highly anticipated by the media and fans.

Bosch made his debut with the team on April 11, 1967 at Shea Stadium. Don was the Mets' Opening Day leadoff hitter and centerfielder. He collected a base hit off Pittsburgh starter, Don Veale in his first at-bat that game. However, his hitting would not continue long after that, and by mid-May he was being used exclusively as a slick-fielding defensive replacement and pinch-runner. The Mets optioned Bosch to Triple-A Jacksonville with a .148 batting average on June 5th. In 90 minor-league games Don was able to hit .263 with five home runs. Earning him a September call-up and an opportunity to finish the 1967 season as a bench player in New York.

During spring training the next year Don beat out fellow outfielder Amos Otis for the final roster spot and started the 1968 campaign with the Mets. Bosch would again split time between New York and Jacksonville. Spending the majority of the season in the majors as a reserve batting .171 in 50 games. The highlight of which was stroking his first major-league home run on June 14th facing the San Francisco Giants. The solo-blast came off pitcher Mike McCormick in the third inning of the Mets 7-3 victory at Shea Stadium.

"I don't think I compared him with Mays," Larry Shepard hedged to Baseball Digest in March 1968. "He didn't have Willie's quickness or arm, but he could go as far to catch a ball. Maybe the jump from Triple-A to the major leagues was too much for him." Perhaps if his minor-league manager had not generated such lofty expectations Bosch might have been given more realistic goals and time to develop in New York.

The Mets sold Don's contract to the newly formed Montreal Expos on October 16, 1968.

Don Bosch signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to his home on November 8, 2008.

#540) AL LEITER

Al Leiter was traded along with Ralph Milliard by the Florida Marlins to the New York Mets in exchange for A.J. Burnett, Jesus Sanchez, and Robert Stratton on February 6, 1998. Coming to the team that he had rooted for as a boy in Toms River, New Jersey. "This is really exciting for me," Leiter said after the trade. "I feel like a little kid." During the 1998 season he pitched like the ace the Mets thought he would be. Winning 17 games, striking out 174 batters and registering a 2.47 ERA. All marks that led the team's pitching staff that year.

Leiter avoided becoming a free agent that winter and signed a four-year contract to remain with the Mets. "Four years out of high school, I started my first game at Yankee Stadium," Al said. "After all the ups and downs that I have been through, to finish up my career not only in the same city but with the team I rooted for growing up, it's almost perfect." The left-hander's biggest game of that 1999 season came as game number 163 on the schedule. Leiter was given the ball to pitch a tie-breaker game to determine the National League Wild Card representative. The Cincinnati Reds had ended the year with the exact same 96-66 record as New York. Behind Al's complete-game 5-0 shutout at Cinergy Field the Mets earned their 97th victory and a trip to the postseason. "It felt pretty good out their celebrating," said Leiter, "although I think I'm deaf in my left ear from John Franco screaming so loud. Then, I had to watch out for Robin Ventura coming over pretty hard from third base. But it was a great feeling and hopefully we'll get to experience it two or three more times." After defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks the club would fall to the Atlanta Braves and miss a World Series berth.

Al was selected to represent the Mets in the 2000 Major League Baseball All-Star game. A year made special for New York baseball when both teams advanced to the World Series in October. "Historically, with the fact that the Yankees have been around a long time and certainly are the premier organization of all sports, you've got to figure they deserve that," Leiter said. "That doesn't take away from me as a Mets fan and all the other Mets fans. This organization has done pretty well, too." The first "Subway Series" in 44 years would be won by the rival Yankees. Al was on the mound for the Mets in the final Game Five at Shea Stadium. After throwing over 140 pitches he would allow Luis Sojo to break a 2-2 tie in the ninth-inning. "He pitched his heart out," said Mets catcher, Mike Piazza. "It was an honor to catch that ballgame." A visibly stunned Leiter said, "Deep in my heart I know I pitched well, but it's disheartening I couldn't get that third out. I've never been so emotional after a performance in my career. I was upset."

Al Leiter became the first pitcher to beat all 30 major-league teams a result of the 10-1 Mets victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 30, 2002. "I believe that this is the only stadium where I have not won in the major leagues," he said after that game. 'I was joking with the guys and said "I've never lost with 10. Get me 10 and I think that I can win this one', and they did."

His Mets' career ended on December 8, 2004 when he signed a free agent contract with the Florida Marlins.

Both during and after his active playing days, the pitcher has been very involved in lending resources to charitable causes. Al and his wife, Lori founded Leiter's Landing Foundation in 1999 as a means of raising funds for the awareness of children's education, health, social, and community service issues. He was Major League Baseball's 2000 Roberto Clemente Award winner in recognition of his dedication to others.

Leiter found a second career as a sports broadcaster. First working on FOX Sports postseason baseball coverage before joining the YES Network in 2006. Al joined the newly formed MLB Network in 2009 as a studio analyst.

Al Leiter signed his card in the set for my friend Lou, outside of Yankee Stadium following the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners game on June 30, 2010.

#384) TOM HERR

Tom Herr was traded by the Philadelphia Phillies to the New York Mets in exchange for Nicko Riesgo and Rocky Elli on August 30, 1990. It was a strange destination for the player that had been so important to the St. Louis Cardinals teams in the past. Ones that had shared some bitter pennant battles with the Mets. "There is a brotherhood among ballplayers that transcends old rivalries," Herr explained.

Herr was inserted as the leadoff hitter in his Mets debut at Shea Stadium on September 1st. He was a big factor in the 5-4 New York victory over the San Francisco Giants. Slugging a home run and coming up with a defensive play to cut down the potential game-tying run at home plate in the eighth inning. "I was nervous," Tom said. "I didn't get much sleep last night. I was tired, but emotionally, I was at a high pitch." The win temporarily moved the Mets into first place in the National League Eastern Division. They would finish in second place behind the Pittsburgh Pirates at season's end. The second baseman ended 1990 with the one home run and a .250 batting average.

During the winter Herr and the Mets avoided arbitration when he signed a one-year contract. "We're happy to have Tommy back for next year," Mets' senior vice president Al Harazin commented. "He's a veteran leader who will provide our young infield with the type of leadership it needs." Youngster Gregg Jefferies was given the majority of the playing time at second base before shifting to third base. On May 19, 1991, a slumping Herr was told he would be resuming a reserve role upon the return of shortstop, Kevin Elster from shoulder surgery. The team was moving Jefferies back to second. A closed door meeting with General Manager Frank Cashen followed in an effort to clarify Tom's future with the team. Cashen came out of the meeting saying only that he felt Herr was having difficulty adjusting to the prospect of life as a bench player.

With Herr's batting average dipping to a lowly .194 the Mets made a move. Tom was released by the club on August 5, 1991.

The Lancaster, Pennsylvania native served as an assistant coach for 12 seasons at his high school alma mater Hempfield High in Landisville. During that time he coached his two sons, Jordan and Aaron Herr in both baseball and football. Tom was named the first-ever manager of the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League when the team was formed in 2004. "This is almost too good to be true, being able to manage in my hometown," Herr said upon the announcement. "I have been looking forward to the return of baseball to Lancaster for quite some time and this will be an extension of my involvement and love for this community. I know it will be a great experience for me and my family."

Tom Herr signed his card in the set for me from an autograph request sent to his home on February 2, 2009.

#684) KRIS BENSON

Kris Benson was traded along with Jeff Keppinger to the New York Mets from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Ty Wigginton, Jose Bautista, and Matt Peterson on July 30, 2004. Also included in the three team trade was Justin Huber leaving New York to the Kansas City Royals. "It's kind of a relief to just to get it over with. "The way things worked out couldn't be any better," said Benson. "I think my transition is easier because this is a team that I wanted to be on. The Mets were the most interested in getting me, and that meant a lot." The club sent a private plane to Milwaukee (where the Pirates were playing) to bring Kris to Atlanta and join the team there.

He made his Mets debut the very next day on July 31, 2004. A rocky start facing the Eastern Division leading Braves that resulted in a 8-0 loss. The loss moved New York back to eight games behind in the standings. "They definitely had my number," Benson said. "I didn't pitch my game. It was awkward out there. That's the first time that's happened to me this season, where I didn't feel all that comfortable." Kris later threw one of only two complete game shutouts the Mets would have during the 2004 season. Benson's gem coming against that same Atlanta team at Shea Stadium on September 14th. He struck out seven Braves and gave up only four hits during the 7-0 win. New York finished the year in fourth place a full 25 games behind Atlanta. Kris ended with a record of 4-4 and a 4.50 ERA.

The team signed the free agent right-hander to a three-year contract in November of 2004. Both he and his outspoken wife, Anna Benson had expressed a desire to remain in New York during the season. "I believe that I have a lot to offer in terms of altering people's views on how to treat other people," Anna was quoted. "I figured if I gain some type of celebrity status, people might listen to me more." She did get noticed as FHM Magazine proclaimed her "Baseball's Hottest Wife" in 2004, and an appearance on the Howard Stern Show generated even more interest.

The newly signed pitcher was mentioned in trade rumors during the Winter Meetings as New York was looking for payroll flexibility. When Kris Benson was asked to play the role of Santa Claus during the Mets Annual Christmas Party for local school children it was Anna who stole the show with her Mrs. Claus outfit. "I've always said I wanted to be here," Kris said through his fake beard. "I signed here because I want to be here. We said all along we want to be here."

A strained pectoral muscle landed Benson on the disabled list for the first month of the 2005 season. He would return to the rotation and make 28 starts for New York. Posting a 10-8 record and 4.13 ERA, while leading the team in home runs allowed with 24.

Kris was traded from the New York Mets to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for John Maine and Jorge Julio on January 21, 2006. General manager, Omar Minaya contended that Anna and her comments about the team were not a factor in the decision. The Bensons did not agree. "New York is just a world of it's own. I knew that coming in, but you learn that a little more when you get put in the spotlight like that in a negative way," Kris said. "It was a little frustrating at the time because people kind of believe what they read. For her it's been a little tough, because they kind of portray her in a negative light." Insisting that through it all she had a great relationship with the Mets' front office and PR department, Anna said, "In New York I manipulated the media, and I had my fun. They were very irritating at times, and I irritated them back."

Kris and Anna formed "Benson's Batallion" in October 2001. A nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to fighting terror and supporting city and state police and fire departments.

Kris Benson signed his card in the set for my friend, Greg when the Reno Aces visited the Tacoma Rainiers at Cheney Stadium on August 2, 2010.