It’s time for another one of our annual traditions – the All-Irish Mets Team.
The rules? Be Irish….or “close enough” that we can include you (you’ll see what I mean soon enough).
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from William A. Shea Stadium (and a big thanks to Bill Shea for giving us the gift of baseball) – lets welcome Bob Murphy to the microphone (Tim McCarver is up in the TV booth) to introduce the Irish Mets – a list of Mets who have at-least Irish-sounding names, or have some Irish in their heritage.
Introducing the pitchers:
Our starters: Nolan Ryan, Tim Leary, Terry Leach, Jim McAndrew, and David Cone
The bullpen: Colin McHugh, Tim Burke, Greg McMichael, Chuck McElroy, Tug McGraw & Roger McDowell
Behind the plate: we’ll be carrying 3 catchers, Mike Fitzgerald, Duffy Dyer and of course Charlie O’Brien
Third base: Mr super sub himself, Joe McEwing
Shortstop: Roy McMillan
Second base: Doug Flynn
First base: he is part-Irish on his mother’s side, The Captain, Keith Hernandez
In left: Kevin McReynolds
In Center: Brian McRae
And the Right Fielder: Dave Gallagher
We have room for four players in the bench: Of course Daniel Murphy (who doesn’t have enough games at any single position to get a start), Justin Turner (with that hair I am assuming he is Irish), Jeff McKnight, andTom O’Malley
Pete Flynn will take care of the grounds, and to manage this not-so-impressive lineup, I have no idea what his ethnicity is but both Terry and Collins are names found in Irish households, so please welcome number 10 – Terry “Colactus” Collins!
There were several others who didn’t have enough games to make the cut (O’Malley has the fewest total at 91).
Who did we miss?
How about Dennis Cook in the bullpen?
Cook is an English surname so he was bounced. If he has Irish heritage though he is more than welcome to try for the 2014 team
Brian McRae is black.
Yes he is – but McRae is an Irish surname so by our rules he qualifies
McCrae is actually a surname of Scottish origin. And Brian McCrae is black. So you’re wrong twice.
OK, I will stipulate to the Scottish heritage – my bad on that one.
BUT, just because someone is black does not mean they aren’t Irish
MACrae is scottish McRae is Irish.
Hey,
My recollection is that Hundley was Irish. Could be the Guiness talking though! Happy St. Paddy’s Day!
Jessie James Burke
Hmm…lot of catchers on this team. Will check for 2014
McRae? Irish? Did u bother to even verify backgrounds? Someipone can be named Bill Jones and be Jewish, Catholic, Chinese, French, Irish or Portuguese. This whole post of yours is a waste of time.
Izzy – Dan tipped his hand in the opening premise. It’s a fun list. Enjoy life.
This is a great response to a negative comment.
Brian, Shannon: My life is fine, thanks. I’ll look forward to the Mets’ all-Catholic team on Easter with Shawn Green, Ike Davis, Scott Schoenweiss, Mike Jacobs, David Newhan, and, oh, what the hell, John Francoberg and Ed Kranepoolman… I mean, really, “premise” is a nice way to justify inane concepts, precepts and follow-through, right??
Rusty Staub is Irish. He obviously belongs in the outfield. A sport illustrated article refers to his Irish mother.
Wayne Garrett is Irish – Third Base.
Jerry Grote – Catcher Likely Irish – It is an Irish name.
Jeff Reardon for the Bullpen. Along with Neil Allen
One last one – Danny Frisella – Mother was Irish – probably more Irish than Tug McGraw, who was more Scots-Irish.
All great suggestions, thanks! Looks like the 2014 team will be a lot better. May even need a AAA team
Yeah what Dan said – lots of great suggestions. If we were smart we’d write the 2014 post now.