BASEBALL TRIVIA

- Name the last Mets' hitter to lead the league in home runs.

A. Darryl Strawberry
B. Howard Johnson
C. Dave Kingman
D. Mike Piazza

Answer: B.

In their 57-year history, the Mets have had only three players lead the league in home runs. Kingman was the first in 1982 with 37, and Strawberry was second in 1988 with 39. Johnson hit 38 in 1991, making him the most recent to wear the homer crown.

Name the first player to collect 5oo home runs and 3,000 hits.

A. Ted Williams
B. Stan Musial
C. Willie Mays
D. Hank Aaron

Answer: D.

Aaron got his 3,000th hit on May 17, 1970, less than two years after getting his 500th homer on July 14, 1968. Mays got his 3,000th on July 18, 1970, less than five years after collecting his 500th homer on September 13, 1965.

Name the first player to reach 500 home runs without hitting 40 in a season.

A. Mel Ott
B. Eddie Murray
C. Willie McCovey
D. Eddie Mathews

Answer: B.

The Orioles' first baseman, "Steady Eddie" peaked with 33 home runs in 1983, as the Orioles won their third World Series. In 10 or more seasons, he drove in 95 or more run. He finished with 504 homers and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

Match the following A's with their retired uniform numbers:

!. Reggie Jackson    A. 34
2. Rollie Finers        B. 9
3. Rickey Henderson  C. 24
4. Dennis Eckersley   D/. 43
5. Catfish Hunter       E. 27

Answer:

1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E

Name the only hitter who didn't win seven or more batting titles.

A. Stan Musial
B. Honus Wagner
C. Wade Boggs
D. Rogers Hornsby
E. Tony Gwynn

Answer:
C.

Boggs won five batting titles in six years, peaking with a .368 mark in 1985. Wagner and Gwynn won eight titles each. Hornsby and Musial won seven each.