Sad Stache: Dave Kingman
by Hairy Backman | April 10th, 2009
This is the one and only time Dave was ever seen smiling.
Ahoy! Hairy B, here, checking in from USVI. The post you are about to read originally began as a fine edition to the Better Know a Metstache series. However, after making it through several paragraphs, I realized there weren’t many positive things to say about the fine stached stallion on the right. So, I decided it best to turn TS’s Sad Stache post about Bobby Bonilla into a series: The Sad Stache series, where we highlight low-points in Metstache history. So here goes.
Ever hear Tommy Lasorda’s expletive-filled rant that goes on and on and on about his “opinion” of a certain player’s performance? The certain player that he discusses, in response to a quickly-humbled reporter’s question had crushed three home run’s in that night’s game, sending the Dodgers to a 10-7 loss. That certain player was none other than the former Met lunatic, Dave Kingman. Famously waspish, but more importantly whiskered, Dave was a towering slugger who spent two separate stints with the Mets: one from 1975 to 1977, and the other from 1981 to 1983.
As an extreme-power hitter, Dave was always a threat at the plate. In the 6 seasons he spent with the Mets, he crushed 154 bombs. On five separate occasions, he crushed 3 long balls in a single game. With 442 career home runs, Dave ranks 35th on the list of top home run hitters in Baseball History. But like other sluggers, his power came at a price.
In four separate seasons, he lead the Mets in strikeouts: 153 in 1975, 135 in 1976, 105 in 1981 and 156 in 1982. In 1975, Dave hit 35 home runs, but only racked up a measly 65 runs. His lifetime walk-to-strikeout ration? 608-1816. And in 1982, he hit 37 home runs, but with a batting average of .206, which at the time was lower than the season’s Cy-Young award winner, Steve Carlton. This average is actually the lowest ever recorded for a first baseman with enough plate appearances to qualify for a batting title. Because of these staggering numbers, Dave was the first player ever to hit 400 home runs and not eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
But above all else, Dave is probably most famous for his piss-poor attitude, which lead to him being traded many, many times. He was an extremely difficult teammate to get along with, and because of this, once played with four different teams in a 3-month stretch. Fun fact: Dave once sent a live rat to a reporter.
So here’s to you Dave Kingman. We really appreciate all the homers and the fine whiskers above your lip. And we love the fact that you looked like Adam Sandler’s sloth-esque boss from Happy Gilmore (you know, the guy that kills people). But the strikeouts, man. We really don’t need the K’s. And the ‘tude, dude! So rude. If we want a self-centered outfielder that constantly complains and alienates teammates, we’ll go sign someone like Gary Sheffield, m’kay?
Tags: dave kingman, Sad Stache
Sad Stache | Hairy Backman | 
April 10, 2009
