This Date In Mets History: April 19 - Seven Homers And Frank Viola's Birthday

Birthdays

• Brent Mayne (1996) turns 44. Mayne hit .263/.342/.354 in 113 plate appearances with the Mets in 1996.
• Ambiorix Burgos (2007) turns 28. The Mets acquired Burgos from the Royals in 2006 in exchange for TrueSABR Brian Bannister. Burgos struck out nineteen and walked nine in 23 innings in 2007 but is best known for being a sociopath who hit two women with his car and kidnapped his wife, forcing her to eat rat poison.
• Frank Viola (1989-1991) turns 52. Viola cost the Mets Rick Aguilera and Kevin Tapani but was actually quite good in New York, pitching to a 3.31 ERA, striking out around six batters and walking around two per nine innings. These days he can be found coaching the pitching staff for the Mets' A-ball affiliate Savannah Sand Gnats

Game Of Note

On April 19, 2005, the Mets set a franchise record by hitting seven home runs in a game against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Jose Reyes and Victor Diaz (!) hit two apiece while David Wright, Mike Piazza, and Doug Mientkiewicz each hit one. Wright's homer was a grand slam.