Former Met of the Day: Mike Fitzgerald (1983-1984)

Mike Fitzgerald was born July 13, 1960 in Long Beach, California. Fitzgerald was a September call up in 1983 and hit a HR in his first MLB at bat; a solo shot off Tony Ghelfi of the Phillies. The next season he was slated in as the Mets regular catcher, playing 107 games behind the plate. He was defensively sound, handling a good young staff. He had the thrill of catching Dwight Gooden in some of his biggest rookie moments, including his one hitter & his 16 strikeout performance. In that game Gooden set a rookie K mark, Fitzgerald contributed with his bat as well with two hits.

He only made 4 errors with over 700 put outs, a .995 fielding percentage and was involved in six double plays. He only hit .242 with no power (2 HRs & 33 RBIs) and led the team grounding into double plays. Fitzgerald was looked at as having a bright future, making the Topps All Star Rookie team, then used as a trade chip.

On December 14, 1984 the Mets made a blockbuster traded sending Fitzgerald, Hubbie Brooks, Herm Winningham & Floyd Youmans to Montreal for All Star catcher Gary Carter. Fitz went on to catch for Montreal for the next seven years, hitting .280 & .270 as career highs in 1986 & 1988.