1979 Timeline

Mets Rewind Timeline

1979

1962 went down in Major League Baseball history as the first (and most infamous) year as the New York Mets set the record for the worst regular season mark (40-120). The record still stands as the worst single-season mark.

January 1

deRoulet replaces Grant

Lorinda de Roulet replaces M. Donald Grant as the Mets' Chairman of the Board.

January 22

Nelson leaves Mets broadcast booth

Lindsey Nelson announces he will not be returning to the Mets broadcast booth, ending a 17-year partnership with Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy. Nelson was with the Mets from 1962-1979.

January 23

Mays elected to Hall of Fame

Willie Mays receives 409 of 432 votes in the BBWAA election to earn enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. Mays, a one-of-a-kind mix of speed, power, and glove wizardry, is the first player to finish his career with 300 home runs and 300 steals. His running catch in Game One of the 1954 World Series is still considered one of the greatest defensive plays of all time.

February 7

Orosco named PTBNL in Koosman deal

Jesse Orosco is 'the player to be named later' in the Mets' trade of Jerry Koosman to the Minnesota Twins. Orosco goes on to spend 24 seasons in the major leagues, setting the all-time record for appearances with 1,252.

March 13

Mets, Tigers swap relievers

The Tigers and Mets swap relievers with Detroit sending Ed Glynn to the Big Apple in exchange for Mardie Cornejo, who after posting a 4-2 record as a rookie last season will never play in another MLB game. In contrast, the latest addition to the New York bullpen will make 84 appearances compiling an ERA of 3.53 during the two years with his new club.

April 19

Mets deal Foli to Pirates

The Mets trade Tim Foli, along with minor league prospect Greg Field, to the Pirates in exchange for second baseman Frank Taveras. Foli, appearing in 133 games, will play a major role in the club’s world championship this season, batting .291 and providing solid defense at shortstop for the Bucs.

May 2

Oquendo makes MLB debut at age 19

Jose Oquendo makes his major league debut grounding into a force out as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning of a 3-2 loss to Houston. The 19-year old rookie shortstop, born on July 4, 1963, is the first person to play for the Mets who is younger than the franchise, which started in 1962.

May 12

Chico Escuela comes to life on SNL

Bill Murray, anchorman on Saturday Night Live Weekend Update reports 42-year old Chico Escuela (a fictional baseball player portrayed by Garrett Morris) has informed the Mets that he is quitting baseball.

June 12

Flynn hits inside-the-park home run

The Mets enjoy the most productive inning in franchise history, scoring 10 runs in the 6th inning, led by Doug Flynn's three-run inside-the-park home run. The Mets throttle the Reds at Shea Stadium, 12-6, at Shea Stadium.

July 12

Mazzilli stars in All Star Game

Lee Mazzilli starts in the 1979 All Star Game at the Kingdome in Seattle, cracking an opposite field home run off Jim Kern to tie the game at six. The National league would go on to win the midsummer classic, 7-6.

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19 June