Which Mets season was the best? Part VII – John Olerud vs. Dwight Gooden

Six weeks ago, the “Which Mets Season Was the Best” bracket began, and John Olerud’s 1998 season came out victorious over Jose Reyes’ 2011 season. The very next week, Dwight Gooden’s 1985 season beat out Jesse Orosco’s 1983 season. Last week, Gooden beat out Tom Seaver’s 1969 season by 21 votes. That being said, it is time for these two to go head to head in the final installment of the bracket to see who will be the winner and be awarded the title of the player with the “Best season by a Met so far.” So, without any further ado, it is time for Gooden and Olerud to face off!

Dwight Gooden, 1985: With a 24-4 record and a 1.53 ERA in just his second season in the majors, there is no wonder why Gooden has made it this far in the bracket. Little did he know at the time, but Gooden finished the season with what would end up being the most complete games in his career…16 (half of which were shutouts). Gooden pitched 276.2 innings in 1985. He had 268 strikeouts that season, and had a 2.13 FIP. Also, for anyone who is big on Sabermetrics, Gooden had a 12.1 WAR and a 97.7 PPFp. And, if these numbers weren’t good enough, Gooden finished fourth in the National League’s Most Valuable Player voting, made an All Star appearance, and won the National League Cy Young Award.

John Olerud, 1998: In 1998, Olerud began his second season with the New York Mets, and had a season that would put a large stamp on his career. Olerud had 22 home runs, four triples, 36 doubles, and 135 singles in 557 at bats and 665 plate appearances. Olerud would finish the season with a slash line of .354/.447/.551 and a .998 OPS. He also had 307 total bases, 96 walks, two stolen bases, and played in 157 games at first base (starting a total of 149 of them). Olerud made 5 errors, turned 119 double plays, had a .996 Fld%, and finished twelfth in the National Leagues’ Most Valuable Player Award voting. Finally, Olerud hit into just four double plays, had one sacrifice hit, and seven sacrifice fly balls while being intentionally walked 11 times.

Just like the rest of the competition, this decision will be far from easy. Both of these players played amazing in their respective seasons, and they both helped the Mets in a huge way. Although arguments could have been made, neither of these players made it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but they will live on in the minds of Mets fans as two of the greatest Mets to ever wear a uniform. As has been the rule for the rest of the competition, please only vote once in order to make this competition fair. The winner will be revealed sometime next week, so keep your eye out for the announcement!

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