Better Know a Metstache: Frank Viola

"Yeaaahhhh baby."

Frank Viola’s mustache was like his pitching style; subtle and full of finesse. A native Long Islander, Viola was welcomed with arms wide open by Mets fans anxious to recapture the glory of the ‘86 and ‘88 seasons.

Viola came to the Mets at the 1989 trading deadline after the Minnesota Twins, his long-time team which he’d led to a World Series Championship just two years earlier, soured on his request for more money. The Mets gave up fan-favorite Rick Aguilera as well as David West and Kevin Tapani, a trade that made sense at the time to acquire a front-line starter like Viola but ended up backfiring in the longterm. Viola’s first full season with the Mets ended up being his only good one; Viola was 20-12 that year with a 2.67 ERA in 35 starts, including 3 shutouts and a league-leading 249.2 innings. Frankie V started out strong in ‘91, but nagging injuries contributed to a 2-11 record down the stretch.

The Mets let Viola go to free agency after the 1991 season. He’d play two full seasons in Boston before undergoing Tommy John surgery and finishing his career with the Reds and the Blue Jays. Lifetime he went 176-150 with a 3.73 ERA, compiling 2836 innings, 1844 strikeouts, 16 shut outs and 74 complete games. His son is currently in the White Sox organization.

And now you better know a Metstache.