John Franco reached Flushing in December 1989 via a blockbuster trade with the Cincinnati Reds, which exchanged top bullpen pitchers and brought the Brooklyn native back home in exchange for Randy Myers. A proud Brooklynite who excelled at St. John's University in Queens, Franco took on a significant high-pressure role as the team's closer and worked out of the pen for 14 years.

Franco quickly gained the loyalty of local fans by delivering an impressive debut in the 1990 season, during which he led the National League with 33 saves and was awarded the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. His performance peaked even further during the strike-shortened 1994 season, where he again led the junior circuit with 30 saves and posted a remarkable 2.70 ERA, finishing seventh in the NL Cy Young Award voting. As a consistent professional, he kept fans engaged with his signature circle changeup and strong determination to eliminate scoring threats.

Beyond just the baseline save numbers, Franco achieved a historic leadership milestone within the organization. On May 4, 2001, he received the uncommon honor of becoming the third official team captain in Mets history, highlighting his significant clubhouse presence and deep community ties. He played a key role during the 2000 Subway Series, notably earning the win out of the bullpen in Game 3 to secure the Mets' only victory in that memorable Fall Classic. Although he later stepped down from the primary closer role to Armando Benítez, he seamlessly transitioned into a top-tier high-leverage setup man, finishing his Queens career as the franchise’s all-time leader in both saves (276) and games pitched (695).

After the 2004 season, Franco departed for the Houston Astros as a free agent for one final season.

Franco was inducted into their franchise Hall of Fame in 2012.

Cleon Jones entered Shea Stadium's grass in 1963 as a talented, multi-sport athlete from Alabama, who would become the key offensive force during the franchise’s initial golden era. Although history often remembers his famous kneeling catch on the outfield dirt, Jones was the driving competitive spirit of the team well before their success was celebrated.

Jones’ New York highlight peaked in 1969 when he made contact hitting, earning his first All-Star and battling for the National League batting crown. He hit .340 with a .422 on-base percentage, setting a franchise record for nearly 30 years. He was a key player with 164 hits and 75 RBI, propelling the team to 100 wins. Jones cemented his status as a New York icon through October highlights beyond his regular-season brilliance. He hit .429 in the NLCS against Atlanta and created a famous World Series moment in Game 5 when manager Gil Hodges proved Jones was hit in the foot by showing shoe polish on the baseball. Moments later, Jones scored the tying run and later made the final out in left field, sliding to his knees in ecstasy as Shea Stadium erupted.

Jones was a steady contributor who maintained high production into the next decade, batting .319 in 1971 and helping guide the Mets to the 1973 Fall Classic during the "Ya Gotta Believe" pennant run. His career in Flushing ended in July 1975 after an injury-plagued stretch and a dispute with management. Time healed wounds, and in 1991, the Mets inducted him into their Hall of Fame.

Overall, Jones compiled 1,188 hits, 93 home runs, and a .281 batting average.

Bud Harrelson made his debut with the New York major league team in 1965. He was a small, wiry shortstop who became the key defensive player for over a decade. Though he often joked about his limited hitting ability, Harrelson was a hardworking and reliable presence for the franchise during its most celebrated victories.

Harrelson had his peak seasons in 1970 and 1971, earning consecutive All-Star titles primarily for his exceptional defense. In 1971, he demonstrated remarkable efficiency, leading Major League fielders in Defensive bWAR and winning the National League Gold Glove Award. As a consistent professional, he often made challenging plays look effortless, notably setting a franchise record by playing 54 straight error-free games at shortstop.

Harrelson, with a .234 batting average as a Met, was a high-energy spark plug at the bottom of the order. He was vital to the 1969 "Miracle Mets," helping ignite their summer run and anchoring the infield during their World Series victory over Baltimore. He demonstrated grit again in the 1973 pennant race, famously engaging in a bench-clearing NLCS brawl with Pete Rose for refusing to back down. His presence drove wins; in 1973, the Mets went 59-43 with him on the field, showing his high-leverage impact.

His run with the Mets closed just before the 1978 season when he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.  In New York, Harrelson had 1,029 hits and was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1986.  Notably, he was New York’s third-base coach that year, when they won their third World Series Championship.

How can you not love a guy named Mookie?

You have to love him, and even if Mookie Wilson was actually named “Sour Bastard”, you would still love the guy because he had one of the most positive and infectious attitudes in Baseball and is easily one of the most popular players in Mets history.

Debuting in 1980, Wilson established himself as a key player by consistently leading the team with his speed, recording at least 20 stolen bases for seven straight seasons. His most exceptional period was between 1982 and 1984, when he became one of the top baserunners, surpassing 45 stolen bases each year and setting a franchise record with 58 in 1982. Known for his speed, he often turned singles into doubles and challenged outfielders' arms, ultimately retiring as the franchise's all-time leader in stolen bases (281) and triples (62).

While Wilson’s speed was his defining trait, he was also a highly effective hitter, with 1,112 hits and 592 runs scored for the Mets. His most significant contribution came on October 25, 1986, in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 6 of the World Series. After a tough, ten-pitch duel with Bob Stanley, Wilson demonstrated remarkable composure by fouling off difficult pitches and working the count. Moments later, he made the famous, slow ground ball that slipped through the legs of Boston first baseman Bill Buckner—an unforgettable play that completed a dramatic three-run rally and sparked one of the most memorable moments in New York sports history.

In August 1989, the Mets shifted their outfield configuration after acquiring Juan Samuel, and the front office traded the veteran icon to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitcher Jeff Musselman. Wilson was added to the Mets Hall of Fame in 1996.