Remembering Mets History (2000) Benny Agbayani Has a Momentary Lapse of Reason
On this night, the Mets hosted Dusty Baker's San Francisco Giants (64-50) who were atop the NL West. The Giants featured sluggers Barry Bonds & Jeff Kent. This was to be a preview of that years NLDS in which the Mets would win in five games.
The Mets sent Mike Hampton (11-7) to the mound against Sean Estes (10-3). This game was famous for a mental mistake by Mets popular outfielder, Benny Agbayani.
In the bottom of the 3rd inning the Mets scored on a solo HR by newcomer Mike Bordick. Bordick a veteran short stop, was brought over from Baltimore in a trade for Melvin Mora to replace the injured Rey Ordonez down the stretch. In the top of the 4th inning, the Mets held a one run lead as the Giants Jeff Kent led off with a double. Ellis Burks reached on an error, then Rich Aurilla grounded out. Mets pitcher Mike Hampton hit J.T. Snow with a pitch to load the bases for Catcher; Bobby Estalella.
Estalella hit a fly ball to Benny Agbayani down the left field line. Agbayani made the catch recording the out. Being the nice guy Benny always was, he handed the ball to a seven-year-old boy sitting in the stands.
The only problem was, there were only two outs in the inning & two runners were on base. During the hand off, Jeff Kent & Ellis Burks both came around to score putting the Giants ahead 2-1.
Benny realized his mental mistake, got the ball back from the kid then threw it back in play again. Mets manager In the Mets dugout, manager Bobby Valentine grinded his teeth as the game continued. When Benny returned to the dugout after the inning ended, Mets coach Mookie Wilson consoled Agbayani telling him "You can't take that back, you just have to out & play the game".
Unfortunately, it was an embarrassing moment for a good Mets player who always gave it his all & was a real nice guy as well.
In the bottom of the 7th, Sean Estes walked pinch hitter Bubba Trammell. Then manager Dusty Baker relieved Sean Estes with Frankie Rodriquez. After recording the next two outs, Edgardo Alfonzo drew a walk & advanced on Rodriquez's wild pitch. Todd Zeile then hit a two-run double scoring Bubba Trammell & Edgardo Alfonzo with what was the games winning run as the Mets took the 3-2 lead.
Mike Hampton earned his 12th win (12-7) as he pitched seven innings giving up two unearned runs & five hits, striking out three & walking four. In the 8th, Turk Wendell held it down with a one two three inning & Armando Benitez earned his 29th to close it out.
Mike Hampton earned his 12th win (12-7) as he pitched seven innings giving up two unearned runs & five hits, striking out three & walking four. In the 8th, Turk Wendell held it down with a one two three inning & Armando Benitez earned his 29th to close it out.
For Benny Agbayani, he was off the hook after the Mets win. His momentary lapse of reason made all the highlight reels, as everyone got a laugh in the wake of Mets victory.
In the Mets 2000 Pennant season Benny was the Mets main left fielder, batting .289 with career highs in HRs (15) doubles (19) RBIs (60) on base % (.391) & games played (119).