Remembering Mets History (1984): Keith Hernandez's Walk Off Hit Against His Old Team

Tuesday July 24th 1984: There was so much excitement around the Shea Stadium in 1984 it was truly magical. Davey Johnson's Mets were twenty games over .500 (57-37) riding high in first place with a 3 1/2 game lead over the Chicago Cubs.

On this night they took on Whitey Herzog's St. Louis Cardinals (47-52) as the rivalry between the two teams was just starting up. It was tonight the Keith Hernandez one of the Mets stars & most popular players would get some revenge on his old team.

Starting Lineups

Cardinals

1	Lonnie Smith	LF
2	Andy Van Slyke	CF
3	Terry Pendleton	3B
4	George Hendrick	RF
5	Darrell Porter	C
6	Tom Herr	2B
7	David Green	1B
8	Chris Speier	SS
9	Dave LaPoint	P

Mets

1	Mookie Wilson	CF
2	Kelvin Chapman	2B
3	Keith Hernandez	1B
4	George Foster	LF
5	Darryl Strawberry	RF
6	Hubie Brooks	3B
7	Junior Ortiz	C
8	Rafael Santana	SS
9	Bruce Berenyi	P

In the 3rd Rafael Santana singled & pitcher Bruce Berenyi reached on an error. Kelvin Chapman then doubled, Kieth Hernandez hit a sac fly scoring Berenyi & George Foster singled in the third run.

The Cards came back as George Hendrick doubled in a run & David Green homered putting them up 4-3.

In the Mets 4th, Santana doubled & the pitcher, Berenyi having a great day at the plate, singled him in. Mookie Wilson reached on an error. RBI singles followed by Kelvin Chapman, Kieth Hernandez & George Foster.

The Mets had a 7-4 lead but the Cards came back again. Andy Van Slyke tripled home Bill Lyons & then Doug Sisk walked in a run with the bases loaded.

Tito Landrum hit a two run HR in the 8th off reliever Tom Gorman, putting the Cards ahead 8-7.

In the 8th Keith Hernandez continued his big day, reliever Dave Von Ohen gave up a single to short time Met Jerry Martin. A wild pitch moved him over & Keith's single tied up the game at eight. The Shea fans went wild.

The game went to the 10th inning with the man who was traded for Keith Hernandez on the mound for St. Louis, Neil Allen. He got the first two outs, then Mookie Wilson singled & stole second. Wally Backman drew a walk setting the stage for Keith.

Hernandez who led the team & the league in game winning RBIs that year, singled off Allen to the delight of the Shea crowd, bringing in the walk off run. The Mets won it 9-8 extending their lead & giving Whitey Herzog some heart burn.