centerfield maz

John David Milner was born December 28, 1949, in Atlanta Georgia. He & his two siblings were raised by their mother Addie Milner. The Milner's lived in the Atlanta suburb of East Point in the segregated East Washington section. The all-around athletic Milner was an All-State halfback in football, a guard in basketball & of course a star baseball player.  In 1966 The Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta & Milner's baseball idol Hank Aaron was now playing in his hometown.  Eventually Milner was nicknamed "The Hammer" or "baby Hammer" after his idol Henry Aaron.  The six-foot left hand hitting outfielder / first baseman, was drafted by the New York Mets in the 14th round of the 1968 draft. Milner showed power & soon became a highly touted power hitting prospect in the Mets organization.  The Hammer had a unique batting stance, standing on top of the plate with his legs close together & straight. He waved his bat very slowly & l...

Rickey Henderson signed with Mets in December 1998 just one week before his 40th his birthday on Christmas Day.  #24: The controversy started right away when he was issued uniform #24. Although it was never officially retired, it was last used by the legendary Hall of Famer, Willie Mays during the 1973 Mets NL Pennant season. There was one exception with the number 24, when it was accidentally given to Kelvin Torve in 1990.  But after public outrage it was quickly taken away & Torve was reissued a new number.  Many longtime  fans did not think Henderson, although a future Hall of Famer himself, was worthy of wearing the great Mays' number 24. Mays' uniform #24 would finally be retired by the Mets in 2022. Mets Career-1999: Henderson was never a great fit with the Mets,  but he did have a real good year in 1999.  Henderson took over the leadoff   spot-on  Opening Day, playing  left field & collecting his first...