Time Traveler Tuesdays: Mets 3rd basemen in the '60s: Growing Pains to Glory Days

1962 was a year of tweaks, trials, tribulations, and tomfoolery for the inaugural Metropolitans. So the hot corner wasn't going to be an exception to the chaos; it was just going to add fuel to the dumpster fire. In the 60s, third base became a revolving door of veterans, stopgaps, and late bloomers, mirroring the club’s journey from lovable losers to world champions.

Don Zimmer did the honors of being the first third baseman in franchise history. He started opening day in 1962, but he didn't keep the job for very long. Hey was traded away in early May for another 3rd baseman, Cliff Cook, and for pitcher Bob Miller.

The full-time job went to Charlie Neal, a former Brooklyn Dodger and one of the few players on the early Mets with a championship pedigree. Neal manned third base in 1962 and a good part of 1963, providing veteran steadiness for a team that struggled mightily to find its footing. Neal batted .260 with 11 HR and 58 RBI in 1962.

As the decade progressed, Ron Hunt emerged as a key figure in the Mets’ infield. Best known as a second baseman—and for his uncanny ability to be hit by pitches—Hunt also spent significant time at third base from 1963 to 1966. His grit and durability made him a fan favorite during seasons when victories were scarce. From '63-'66, he batted .282, with 27 HR and 127 RBI. He finished 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting in 1963 and was voted to two All-Star teams in '64 and in '66.

The Mets then traded for a solid 3B, looking for someone who could reliably play the position long-term. Ed Charles, who arrived in 1967. Nicknamed “The Glider” for his smooth defense, Charles became the primary third baseman and a clubhouse leader.

Charles had his best statistical season with the Mets in 1968. He batted .276 with 15 HR and 53 RBI that year. His OPS was a solid .761; not bad for a 35-year-old.

His steady presence proved vital as the Mets rapidly improved, culminating in the unforgettable 1969 season.

He platooned with the left-handed hitting rookie Wayne Garrett in 1969, but he came up clutch in the postseason when they needed him most. Charles hit his last home run during the Mets' NL East division clinching game.

In the World Series, he scored the winning run in Game 2. After the Mets won the World Series, Charles decided to go out on top and retire.