A look back at the Mets 50th anniversary season

The 2012 season marked the 50th anniversary of the New York Mets franchise. While the Mets season commenced with the trade of Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey to the Toronto Blue Jays in December, the past 12 months provided many opportunities to catch up with former Mets as they talked about their experiences in Flushing in celebration of the team's 50 years in baseball. Below are links to exclusive interviews with players, some more familiar than others that might have went under your radar in 2012.

For Choo Choo Coleman, It's a Homecoming Long Delayed - Jan 21, 2012

Mets and Yankees Legends Uphold the Spirit of Joe DiMaggio at Legends Game  Feb 4, 2012

Gooden Deeply Saddened by the Loss of Batterymate Carter Feb 25, 2012

Killeen Was a Cut Away From Making the Mets in 1962 Feb 28, 2012

Former Met Alfonzo Open to a Return to Professional Baseball Apr 12, 2012

Catalanotto Reveals the Other Side of the Game in New Book Heart and Hustle May 5, 2012

R.A. Dickey Chronicles a Capricious Journey in Wherever I Wind Up May 17, 2012

Torres Continues to Battle His Demons in New Documentary Gigante May 31, 2012

Shamsky Shares the Spirit of 69 in Queens with Mets Fans June 20, 2012

Ed Kranepool Disappointed with David Wright's All-Star Starting Snub, July 4, 2012

Mets Heroes Millan and Staub Looking for the Team to Return to its Winning Ways Jul 25, 2012

Harrelson Preaches the Values of the Long Island Ducks at Hofstra University, 2012

Franco Continues to Carry the Torch for New York Baseball August 7, 2012

Dickey Teaches the Life Lessons of the Knuckleball at Citi Field Kids Program August 8, 2012

Former New York Mets Pitcher Myrick Passes Away at 59 August 25, 2012

Harry Parker, Member of 1973 New York Mets Dies at 64 August 31, 2012

Shea Stadium Will Always be Home for Mookie Wilson September, 18, 2012

Howard Johnson Leads the Swing at the Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Golf Classic October 10, 2012

Darryl Strawberry's Restaurant in Queens to Unexpectedly Close October 14, 2012

Former Met Steve Springer Now Preaches Quality At-Bats in His Teachings October 14, 2012

Hicks' Heroics Helped the Mets to Slay the Giants at the Polo Grounds in 1963 October 30, 2012

Joe Ginsberg, 86, Catcher for the 1962 New York Mets November 5, 2012

 

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1986 World Series hero Howard Johnson brings excitement to the 2012 Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Golf Classic

Howard Johnson’s sweet swing was on display once again Monday afternoon, but it was not the one that often filled outfield seats at Shea Stadium, but a smooth touch that lit up Mohansic Golf Course at the 2012 Harrison Apar Columbus Day Golf Classic.

Howard Johnson (c.) led a group of ex-MLB players at the Harrison Apar Golf Classic

Johnson was part of a handful of retired major leaguers that also included New York Yankees All-Star pitcher Tommy John, George Alusik, Dave Lemanczyk, Don DeMola, Matt Merullo, and Rick Surhoff, all who played in support of the Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation.

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Winning Beyond Winning's 2009 Gil Hodges Legacy Dinner Recap

Winning Beyond Winning held their annual Gil Hodges Legacy Dinner this past week at the Chateau Briand in Long Island. Winning Beyond Winning is an charity organization headed by former New York Yankee Rusty Torres and Tom Sabellico that prepares athletes for their careers after their sports participation and provides outreach to school-aged children on the benefits of healthy living that can be achieved through participation in sports. Over 200 supporters turned out for the evening's festivities.

1969 Mets Reunion Photo / N. Diunte

This year's Gil Hodges Dinner was a tribute to the 1969 New York Mets, and featured appearances by Bud Harrelson, Ed Charles, Cleon Jones, Joe Pignatano, Ron Swoboda, Mrs. Maxcine Agee, Gil Hodges Jr. and Joan Hodges. Mrs. Hodges received a standing round of applause for her riveting speech in delivering the Gil Hodges Lifetime Achievement Award.

Roland Hemond was given the Great American's Awards for his nearly 50 years as an executive in Major League Baseball. Hemond has served as the General Manager for the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles. Current New York Mets coach Howard Johnson was honored with the 2009 Winner's Circle Award. Johnson stated,"I feel proud to carry on the traditions of the Mets that came before him, and to pass what I have learned on to the new generation of Mets players."

The 2009 Gil Hodges Legacy Dinner proved to be a successful event to further Winning Beyond Winning's outreach in the community to encourage clean youth participation in athletics and assist athletes transitioning from the field into the next phase of their careers.

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