2) Carlos Beltran
Never has a player been crucified for one single at bat more harshly than Carlos Ivan Beltran.
Everyone knows about the bases loaded, NLCS ending strikeout at old Shea Stadium in 2006. Before the angry fan proclaims “that was his defining moment and he blew it,” take a few steps back. Remember how the series got to that at bat?
No one seems to remember that in game one, Beltran launched a two run homer in the sixth inning of a scoreless game that equaled the only runs of the ballgame–for either team. No one seems to remember that Beltran homered twice in a must win game four on the road in St. Louis. So stop and think about it–does the series even reach a seventh game without Beltran’s contributions? It’s very unlikely.
Beyond that one fateful postseason, Beltran was one of the best all around players in the game during his time with the Mets. In six and half seasons, he made five all star teams, won three gold gloves, and notched two silver sluggers.
Beltran, usually quiet and well mannered, was involved in several charitable events off the field too. He remained involved with his own foundation and with Harlem RBI in an effort to bring baseball to inner city children.
Beltran was an elite player (despite some injury riddled seasons) who remained a class act off the field. It’s a shame he still gets victimized for one single at bat.
It’s the Mets who owed Beltran another shot at getting it done in the postseason, one they were ultimately unable to provide him with.
