Ultimate Mets Database: Game of August 16, 1996

Bob P
March 4, 2004
In this game played in Monterrey, Mexico, Padres CF Steve Finley homers off Robert Person in the bottom of the first, making him the first player in history to hit home runs in three different countries.

The Mets rallied late to make the score look respectable, but they were down 15-0 to Fernando Valenzuela and the Padres after six innings.

This was the start of Dallas Green's final road trip as Mets manager.

Dave VW
August 21, 2023
Building off of what Bob wrote, the Mets completely embarrass themselves in the first regular season game played outside of US or Canada. Only a 7-run 9th inning during garbage time made the score look somewhat respectable. The 15 runs allowed were the most the Mets gave up since a 19-2 loss to the Pirates in September of 1992.

The Padres hit 4 home runs in the game, one by Ken Caminiti that left the stadium, as well as a grand slam by Greg Vaughn. It was the 5th of 6 grand slams the Mets allowed in 1996, while they didn't hit any for the first time since 1979.

This was also one of 3 times the Mets lost a game despite scoring a least 10 runs in 1996, which still stands as a team record.

It was quite apropos for Fernando Valenzuela to start and win for San Diego, hailing from Mexico and all. He threw out the first pitch and was cheered loudly every time he came to bat. Looking back, the stadium in Monterrey was pretty bland and dated, but the backdrop of the city and mountains beyond the outfield wall was gorgeous. They talked about MLB perhaps expanding into Monterrey for the future, but here we are 25 years later and nothing has come of it.

Not to be outdone, Ralph Kiner embarrassed himself several times during the telecast as well. With the Padres coming to bat in the bottom of the 1st, Kiner kept jumping his cue to announce their lineup, saying over and over again "The Padres lineup is brought to you by..." Then finally when the graphic for the lineup appeared on the screen, a clearly flustered Kiner said, "The Padres lineup is brought to you by Tony Gwynn ... and also by Honda." He also pronounced ever name that had at least 3 syllables as if it he was asking a question, and didn't get any right the first time. At this point, what WWOR was thinking allowing him to call games is beyond me. He was clearly no longer able to keep up with the action, and was really only good for a funny anecdote or two during the entire broadcast.

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