1976 Timeline

Mets Rewind Timeline

1976

Despite a number of changes on and off the field, the 1976 New York Mets fall short of a postseason bid, finishing 86-76 under new manager Joe Frazier.

April 5

Mets sign Seaver to three-year deal

In a deal negotiated in the groundskeeper's office under the third base stands at Fort Lauderdale Stadium, Tom Seaver agrees to a three-year contract with the Mets. The pact makes 'Tom Terrific', who posted a 25-9 last season while leading the league in strikeouts with 243, the first hurler in baseball history to earn $200,000.

June 4

Kingman hits three HRs vs. Dodgers

Dave Kingman hits three home runs, including a two-run HR and two three-run homers and drives in eight runs, a new franchise record in a 11-0 win. Kingman, who struck out to end the game the night before against the Cubs, destroyed his locker and its contents. All three HRs came on the first pitch of each at-bat, two against Burt Hooten and one against Al Downing.

June 13

Mets record first DH sweep in franchise history

The Mets sweep the Giants in a doubleheader at Candlestick Park, 4-2 and 4-1. The pair of wins mark the first time in 17 tries that the Mets won two games on the same day.