During the 2020/2021 offseason, the Mets made an unprecedented move: they signed two players whose last name ends with -illar, Jonathan Villar and Kevin Pillar. While the names are pronounced differently (Vi-yar versus Pill-ar), the two bench pieces starters sometimes starters for the Mets have contributed a fair amount to their early success already.
Inspired by our own Maggie Wiggin on Twitter, we will declare an “-illar of the Day,” celebrating which player had a more productive (or less destructive) day for the Mets.
After a fun All-Star break, the Mets kicked off their second half with a pair of series in the NL Central. Did either -illar distinguish himself? Let’s find out!
Game 88: Mets at Pirates
This is a victory of minor proportions, as Jonathan Villar hit a weak ground out that drove in a run, but not every RBI can be an exciting one.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
Game 89: Mets at Pirates
Neither -illar started, neither -illar collected a hit in their sole plate appearance, and so this one has to be outsourced.
-illar of the Day: A man who gets jiggy with it, but rarely uses his full Christian name, Willard “Will” Smith
Game 90: Mets at Pirates
Despite an eventful game that ended in triumph, neither -illar did much of note today. Therefore, for the second day in a row, we must look elsewhere.
-illar of the Day: The fact that fish breathe underwater is incredible and due, in part, to their gill arches.
Game 91: Mets at Reds
One of the more bonkers games in recent memory, the Mets pulled off a back and forth win with an eleventh inning, three run jack from Kevin Pillar, making this the first decisive win of the week.
-illar of the Day: Kevin Pillar
Game 92: Mets at Reds
While not as impactful as Pillar’s home run the day before, Villar hit a well struck double in the Mets’ losing effort.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
Game 93: Mets at Reds
Kevin Pillar rode the pine, while Jonathan hit a dinger.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
The Tally So Far:
Jonathan Villar: 30 wins, 5 ties
Kevin Pillar: 21 wins, 5 ties
Other -illars: 13
While Jonathan is starting to pull away with the victories, due in part to his more regular playing time, Kevin delivered the keynote hit of the week for the Mets. When the -illars play, we all win.