The New York Mets announced the Hall of Fame induction dates for two significant figures in franchise history. Lee Mazzilli, a matinee idol who played for the Mets across two stints (1976-1981 and 1986-1989), will be inducted on May 30 alongside manager Bobby Valentine. Mazzilli compiled a .264/.357/.396 slash line, was named to the 1979 All-Star team, and contributed to the 1986 World Series championship. Valentine managed the Mets from 1996-2002, compiling 536 wins and leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances and the 2000 World Series. A separate celebration for the 1986 World Series championship team is scheduled for August 1.
"Mazzilli was a matinee idol for the Mets in the late 70s. He had two stints with the Mets (1976-1981 and 1986-1989) and combined to slash .264/.357/.396 during his 10 years in Queens. Mazzilli twice finished in the top 10 in the NL in OBP and walks. The Brooklyn native was named to the 1979 All-Star team and hit the first home run by a Met during the Midsummer Classic in Seattle."
"Valentine ranks third in Mets history with 536 wins, guiding the Mets from 1996-2002. He took the Mets to the World Series in 2000, becoming the first manager in Mets history to lead the team to back-to-back playoff appearances."
"I'm so thankful for the way that fans treated me, and they always had my back and were so supportive. I'm just glad I got to make it back in 1986 and play a part in that championship."
Read at Newsday
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