Queens Celebrates 5 Legendary Mets Shortstops

The New York borough has been home to some of baseball's all-time great defensive wizards.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:33pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic movements and plays of legendary Mets shortstops, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the team's iconic blue and orange colors.The Mets' storied history of defensive wizardry at shortstop is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Queens Today

The New York Mets have been blessed with a long line of talented shortstops over the decades, from the slick-fielding Bud Harrelson in the 1960s and 70s to the power-hitting Jose Reyes in the 2000s. As the team celebrates its 65th anniversary, we take a look back at the five greatest Mets shortstops of all time.

Why it matters

Shortstop is considered one of the most demanding and important positions in baseball, requiring a combination of athleticism, instincts, and leadership. The Mets' history of elite shortstops has been a key part of the team's success and identity in Queens over the decades.

The details

From Bud Harrelson's steady glove and leadership in the 1960s and 70s to Jose Reyes' electrifying speed and power in the 2000s, the Mets have been blessed with a long line of shortstop stars. Other all-time greats include Rey Ordonez, who won three Gold Gloves for his defensive wizardry in the 1990s, and the switch-hitting switch-hitter Edgardo Alfonzo, who combined power, speed, and a strong arm.

  • The Mets are celebrating their 65th anniversary as a franchise in 2026.

The players

Bud Harrelson

A slick-fielding shortstop who played for the Mets from 1965 to 1980, helping the team win the 1969 World Series.

Jose Reyes

An electrifying shortstop who played for the Mets from 2003 to 2011, making four All-Star teams and leading the league in triples three times.

Rey Ordonez

A defensive wizard at shortstop who won three Gold Glove awards for the Mets in the 1990s.

Edgardo Alfonzo

A switch-hitting shortstop who combined power, speed, and a strong arm for the Mets in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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What they’re saying

“Bud Harrelson was the heart and soul of those Mets teams in the 1960s and 70s. His defense was just unreal.”

— Keith Hernandez, Former Mets first baseman

“When Jose Reyes was on base, you just knew something exciting was about to happen. He brought an energy and electricity to Shea Stadium that was unmatched.”

— David Wright, Former Mets third baseman

What’s next

The Mets will honor their all-time great shortstops with a special pregame ceremony on June 15th, 2026, prior to their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The takeaway

The Mets' history of elite shortstops has been a key part of the team's success and identity in Queens over the decades, with players like Bud Harrelson, Jose Reyes, Rey Ordonez, and Edgardo Alfonzo leaving an indelible mark on the franchise.