The Mets announced Tuesday that they will induct Edgardo Alfonzo, Jon Matlack, and Ron Darling into the team’s Hall of Fame this season, before their May 17 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In the prominent Mets rotations of the early 1970s that included Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, Matlack was a viable No. 3 arm within the team’s starting staff. In seven seasons, he accrued an 82-81 record with a 3.03 ERA.
He won the 1972 NL Rookie of the Year after a 15-10 campaign and 2.32 ERA, won two games in the NL Pennant-winning 1973 postseason, and ranks in the top 10 in franchise history in wins, complete games, ERA, strikeouts, shutouts, and innings.
“I was honored when I got the call from Jeff [Wilpon],” Matlack said. “I was astounded when he called and I am so grateful for the honor. My time in New York was special to me and I am thrilled to be remembered with all of the great players, especially the pitchers, this organization has been blessed to have.”
Darling spent parts of nine seasons with the Mets from 1983-1991 while playing an integral part during the team’s championship run in 1986.
The Hawaii native went 15-6 with a 2.81 ERA that season, finishing fifth in the NL Cy Young Award voting before winning Game 4 of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox.
He ranks fourth in team history with 99 wins.
“This year will be my 25th year, in some capacity, as part of the Mets family,” Darling, an SNY broadcaster, said. “I want to thank all of my teammates, managers, and coaches, but most importantly the diehard Mets fans who have made a Hawaiian-born, Massachusetts-raised ballplayer and broadcaster, feel like a true New Yorker.”
Alfonzo is one of the Mets’ fan favorites during one of the organization’s golden eras.
The second and third baseman spent eight years with the franchise, slashing .292/.367/.445 with 120 home runs and 538 RBI.
He reached his peak over two years in 1999-2000, providing important offensive support in a lineup that was headlined by Mike Piazza. Alfonzo batted .313 and averaged 26 home runs and 101 RBI in those two seasons.
The one-time All-Star also ranks first in franchise history in postseason hits, runs, and RBI.
“Getting into the Mets Hall of Fame is a dream come true for me. The Mets have had so many great players in their history and I’m so proud to receive this honor,” Alfonzo said. “This is something I never thought would be possible when I started out. I was never much for individual goals, I just wanted to help us win. For me to get inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame on the 20th anniversary of our NL championship is a special thrill.”
Al Jackson — an original Met who spent 50 years with the organization — will receive a Mets Hall of Fame Achievement Award on May 17, too.
