Mike Piazza retired today. Starting out as a 62nd round draft choice, Piazza through hard work (and a secret pact with the devil – ok so I’m conjecturing…) turned himself into one of the greatest catchers to ever play the game.
While never known for his throwing arm, Piazza was at points in his career praised for his ability to call games to get the best results out of his team’s pitchers. So, he wasn’t a complete wash out on the defensive end of things. But, clearly it was his hitting that made him a serious candidate for Cooperstown. Piazza retired with a .308 batting average, over 400 home runs and as the all time leader by far in home runs hit by a backstop.
What Piazza didn’t retire as was as a Met. You wouldn’t know that from his retirement statement in which he thanked all the fans and organizations he was part of. A classy move to be sure, but he took special pains to highlight his time with the Mets. He praised the Metropolitan fans and called his time with the Mets the happiest of his career. Guess he’s fitting himself for a Mets cap when the Hall of Fame inevitably comes calling in a few years.
There’s just one problem. Piazza isn’t a Met. Mike Piazza is a Dodger. And I should know. I’m a Mets fan after all. Sure, Piazza spent a few more years in Flushing than in LA, but he made himself into an all star in La La Land.
When you look back at his career stats, you may be surprised by just how good Piazza was for his first four years in NY. That great start gets lost a little bit by the three mediocre and injury plagued seasons that followed. I distinctly remember being very supportive of cutting ties with Piazza when the Mets decided to go with another Italian-American catcher in Paul Lo Duca. Piazza’s final two years in San Diego and Oakland were solid for a guy at his age, but nothing near his prime. And so, you’re left with a guy who’s last true great season came at the turn of the Millennium.
Contrast that with his time as a Dodger. Five full years in Dodger Blue. Five great years.
It’s no contest. Mike Piazza is a Dodger.
Despite Piazza’s happy memories of NY, the Hall of Fame better get it right. When it comes to deciding on his cap, the Hall needs to base its decision on the fans’ memories not Piazza’s. His cap has to be Dodger Blue.
