Remembering Mets History (2000) Benny Agbayani Has a Momentary Lapse of Reason

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Saturday August 12th, 2000: As Bobby Valentine's New York Mets were chasing the Atlanta Braves for the NL East title, on this day the Mets were just 2.5 games out of first place at 68-47. They were in a good position for that year's wild card spot.

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 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 had the one run lead as the Giants Jeff Kent led off with a double. Ellis Burks reached on an error, but then Rich Aurilla grounded out.

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, he made the grab & records the out. Being the nice guy Benny is, he gives the ball to a seven-year-old boy in the stands. 

The only problem was, there were only two outs and two runners on base. Jeff Kent & Ellis Burks both came around to score putting the Giants ahead 2-1.

Benny realizes the mistake, gets the ball back & tosses it in play again. Mets manager Bobby Valentine grinded his teeth in the Mets dugout & the game continued. 

In the dugout after the inning, Mets coach Mookie Wilson consoled Agbayani telling him "You cant take that back, you just have to out & play the game". 

It was an embarrassing moment for a good Mets player that always gave it his all & was a hell of a nice guy as well. 


In the Mets 7th, Sean Estes walked pinch hitter Bubba Trammell, manager Dusty Baker relieved Estes with Frankie Rodriquez. After recording the next two outs, Edgardo Alfonzo drew a walk. He advanced on a wild pitch from Rodriquez. Todd Zeile then came up & doubled scoring Bubba Trammell & Alfonzo with what was the games winning runs 3-2. 

Mike Hampton pitched seven innings giving up two unearned runs & five hits, Turk Wendell held it down with a one two three, 8th inning. Armando Benitez saved it in the 9th. 

Benny Agbayani was off the hook after the Mets win. Agbayani was saved, but his antics made all the highlight reels, as we all laughed in the wake of victory & good times at Shea Stadium in the 2000 pennant season. 

That season Benny batted .289 with 15 HRs 60 RBIs & a .391 on base %.

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