2001 New York Mets season



The 2001 New York Mets season was the 40th regular season for the Mets. The 2001 Mets entered the season as defending National League champions, aiming to win the National League East from the Braves and return to a second consecutive World Series and win it. They went 82–80 and finished third in the National League East. They were managed by Bobby Valentine. They played home games at Shea Stadium.

Offseason

 * December 6, 2000: Turk Wendell was signed as a free agent with the New York Mets.
 * December 11, 2000: Tsuyoshi Shinjo was purchased by the New York Mets from the Hanshin Tigers (Japan Central).
 * January 5, 2001: Jorge Velandia was signed as a free agent with the New York Mets.

Regular season
The Mets played the first game in New York after the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11. The game was played on September 21 and it was a 3–2 victory over the Atlanta Braves, thanks to a go-ahead two-run home run from Mike Piazza in the eighth inning which is still largely relevant.

Opening Day starters

 * Edgardo Alfonzo
 * Kevin Appier
 * Darryl Hamilton
 * Rey Ordóñez
 * Jay Payton
 * Mike Piazza
 * Tsuyoshi Shinjo
 * Robin Ventura
 * Todd Zeile

Notable transactions

 * May 9, 2001: Doug Linton was signed as a free agent with the New York Mets.
 * June 5, 2001: David Wright was drafted by the New York Mets in the 1st round (38th pick) of the 2001 amateur draft. Player signed July 12, 2001.
 * July 23, 2001: Todd Pratt was traded by the New York Mets to the Philadelphia Phillies for Gary Bennett.
 * July 25, 2001: Doug Linton was purchased by the LG Twins of Korea from the New York Mets.
 * July 27, 2001: Turk Wendell was traded by the New York Mets with Dennis Cook to the Philadelphia Phillies for Bruce Chen and Adam Walker (minors).
 * July 30, 2001: Rick Reed was traded by the New York Mets to the Minnesota Twins for Matt Lawton.

Starters by position
''Note: Pos = Position;G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in''

Other batters
''Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in''

Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Awards and honors

 * John Franco, Lou Gehrig Award

2001 MLB All Star Game
 * Mike Piazza, catcher
 * Rick Reed, reserve pitcher

Farm system
LEAGUE CO-CHAMPIONS: Brooklyn