There’s a special kind of awe reserved for players who leave an indelible mark on baseball, even if it sometimes comes at your team’s expense. For Mets fans, Rico Carty is one of those players. The “Beeg Boy” (as he was affectionately nicknamed) may not have worn a Mets uniform, but his presence loomed large every time he stepped into the batter’s box against them. And boy, did he rake. With a jaw-dropping .380 batting average over 300 at-bats versus the Mets, Carty holds the title of their all-time nemesis.
But before we dive into his unparalleled mastery of Mets pitching, let’s take a moment to remember the man beyond the numbers. Carty passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most charismatic and impactful players of his era. His journey from a small-town hero in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, to becoming a batting champion and Braves Hall of Famer is the stuff of legend.
A Career That Was as Big as His Personality
Carty debuted with the Milwaukee Braves in 1963, quickly showing he wasn’t just another rookie. By 1964, he was hitting .330 with 22 homers, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. A few years later, when the team moved to Atlanta, Carty delivered the first hit in the Braves’ Atlanta debut—a harbinger of his knack for rising to the occasion.
In 1970, Carty reached his pinnacle, leading the majors with a .366 batting average to claim the National League batting title. That season wasn’t just memorable on the field; it also made his 1970 Strat-O-Matic card one of the most coveted in leagues everywhere. Few players in Strat-O-Matic history could rival the combination of consistency and power his card offered, making him a must-have for anyone chasing glory on the tabletop.
But his career wasn’t just about accolades. Known for his infectious smile and outgoing personality, Carty connected with fans on a level that transcended the game. He was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2023, a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The Mets’ Kryptonite
Mets fans who lived through the Rico Carty era likely still wake up in cold sweats thinking about his line drives. Among players with 100+ at-bats against the Mets, his .380 average stands alone at the top. The numbers are staggering: 114 hits, including 21 doubles, 15 home runs, and 67 RBIs in just 89 games. Carty’s career OPS against the Mets? A jaw-dropping 1.066.
For context, that’s a higher OPS than Barry Bonds' 2001 MVP season. It’s the kind of dominance that makes you double-check the record books, wondering if the official scorer at Shea Stadium was secretly on Carty’s payroll, generously awarding him hits even on off days!
Sure, Mets fans could take solace in the fact that even the best hitters have off days. But with Carty, those days felt few and far between. Every time he dug into the batter’s box, you braced for the inevitable—a rocket to the gap, a towering homer, or a clutch hit to ruin your day.
Beyond the Mets
Carty’s brilliance wasn’t confined to tormenting Mets pitchers. Over his 15-year career, he played for Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas, and the Chicago Cubs, retiring in 1979. He compiled a .299 lifetime batting average and built a reputation as one of the most consistent and feared hitters of his generation.
But his impact went beyond the field. As one of the early trailblazing Latino stars, Carty became a hero to millions in the Dominican Republic and a beloved figure in Atlanta, where he was a fan favorite long after his playing days.
A Final Tribute
Rico Carty was a lot of things—a batting champion, a fan favorite, a Mets slayer, and, above all, a man who brought joy to the game of baseball. His career numbers against the Mets may sting, but his larger-than-life presence and contributions to the sport command respect.
As Mets we might be cursing the .380 average he carried against our team. But deep down, we know baseball is better because of players like Rico Carty—players who make you hold your breath every time they step up to the plate.
Rest in peace, Rico. You were truly “Beeg” in every sense of the word.
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