The New York Mets are trying to get back to the promised land. After the Wilpon family owned the Mets for decades — much to fans’ dismay — billionaire Steve Cohen has come onboard in an attempt to right the ship. They last made the playoffs in 2022 and haven’t been to the World Series since 2015.
When it comes to collecting, the franchise is filled with legends and Hall of Famers. From Tom Seaver, to Darryl Strawberry to Pete Alonso, there are several players for fans to add to their collection. HobbyListings has put together a list of the must-have cards for every Mets fan. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best New York Mets Baseball Cards Every Mets Fan Needs
1. 1967 Topps Tom Seaver Rookie Card (#581)
Tom Seaver’s rookie card is a must-have, capturing the beginning of a Hall of Fame career. Known as “Tom Terrific,” Seaver was the cornerstone of the Mets’ pitching staff for over a decade, leading them to a World Series victory in 1969 and winning three Cy Young Awards during his time with the team.
2. 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (#177)
While Nolan Ryan is often associated with other teams, his time with the Mets was significant, including being part of the 1969 World Series team. This card represents his early career, where he showed glimpses of the dominant pitcher he would become.
3. 1983 Topps Traded Darryl Strawberry Rookie Card (#108T)
Darryl Strawberry was one of baseball’s most talented and dynamic outfielders in the 1980s. Strawberry was a key part of the Mets’ 1986 World Series-winning team and won the NL Rookie of the Year in 1983.
4. 1984 Fleer Update Dwight Gooden Rookie Card (#U43)
Dwight Gooden’s rookie card is special for Mets fans, representing a pitcher who burst onto the scene with one of the most dominant debut seasons in history. Gooden, known for his blazing fastball and sharp curveball, won the Rookie of the Year in 1984 and the Cy Young Award in 1985. The Mets retired Gooden’s No. 16 in 2024.
5. 1992 Fleer Update Mike Piazza Rookie Card (#92)
One of the best hitting catchers of all time, Mike Piazza was a central figure in the Mets’ playoff runs in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including a World Series appearance in 2000. Piazza was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.
6. 2014 Topps Chrome Update Jacob deGrom Rookie Card (#MB19)
Jacob deGrom would become one of the best pitchers in baseball during his time with the Mets. A multiple Cy Young Award winner, deGrom is known for his incredible pitching skill and dominance on the mound.
7. 1975 Topps Keith Hernandez Rookie Card (#623)
Keith Hernandez was integral to the team’s success in the 1980s, including the 1986 World Series championship. Known for his defensive prowess at first base and clutch hitting, Hernandez was a leader on and off the field. He also had a memorable appearance on “Seinfeld.”
8. 1975 Topps Gary Carter Rookie Card (#620)
Acquired before the 1985 season, Gary Carter was known for his leadership, defensive skill as a catcher, and timely hitting. He was a key part of the Mets’ 1986 World Series championship team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
9. 2016 Bowman Chrome Draft Pete Alonso Autograph (#CDAPA)
Pete Alonso has become one of the most feared sluggers in the game since his debut in 2019. His rookie year, he hit an NL-leading 53 home runs as he captured the Rookie of the Year Award. Entering his sixth season, he’s already a three-time All-Star and the centerpiece of the Mets’ lineup.
10. 2002 Bowman Chrome David Wright Autograph (#385)
David Wright was the heart and soul of the Mets. Over his 14 years, Wright was one of the best third basemen in the league when he was healthy and was named to seven All-Star teams.
History of the New York Mets
The New York Mets, since their inception in the early 1960s, have carved out a unique place in Major League Baseball history with their memorable moments, iconic players, and a passionate fan base. Let’s explore the journey of this franchise.
The Birth of the Mets
- Founded in 1962: The Mets were introduced as an expansion team to replace the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants, who both moved to California. The team’s early years were characterized by lovable futility, endearing them to New Yorkers.
The Miracle Mets
- 1969 World Series Champions: Defying all odds, the 1969 “Miracle Mets,” managed by Gil Hodges and led by players like Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, won the World Series, completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in sports history.
The 1980s: A Decade of Stars
- Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden: In the mid-1980s, Strawberry and Gooden emerged as two of baseball’s brightest stars. Strawberry’s power at the plate and Gooden’s dominance on the mound electrified the fan base.
- 1986 World Series Win: The Mets won their second World Series in 1986, marked by an unforgettable comeback in Game 6 against the Boston Red Sox. The team, featuring Strawberry, Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and Mookie Wilson, is remembered as one of the most talented and colorful squads in baseball history.
Key Players Through the Decades
- Tom Seaver: Known as “Tom Terrific,” Seaver is arguably the greatest Met ever, a dominant pitcher who led the team to their 1969 World Series win and won three Cy Young Awards.
- Mike Piazza: Acquired in 1998, Piazza became the face of the Mets in the late 1990s and early 2000s. One of the greatest hitting catchers in baseball history, he was instrumental in leading the Mets to the 2000 Subway Series against the Yankees.
- Jacob deGrom: Emerging as one of the top pitchers in baseball, deGrom has won multiple Cy Young Awards with the Mets, known for his overpowering fastball and precision pitching.
- Pete Alonso: One of the most feared sluggers in baseball, Alonso has become an offensive force for the Mets.
- David Wright: Wright, one of the best third basemen in the game when he was healthy, spent his entire 14-year career with the Mets, making seven All-Star teams.
Challenges and Resilience
- Post-2000 Era: The Mets have experienced ups and downs since their 2000 World Series appearance, including heartbreaking losses in the 2006 NLCS and periods of rebuilding.
- The New Era: Recent years have seen the Mets focusing on building a strong core, led by Alonso, Francisco Lindor and a mix of young talent and veteran presence, aiming to recapture their former glory.