It is widely accepted that the most important position on a baseball diamond is the catcher. This player is the infield general and is responsible for calling pitches, throwing out baserunners, calming the pitcher down, and blocking and framing balls. The New York Mets know this well.
Due to the physical toll this defensive position puts on a human body, most catchers are below average with a bat in their hands. This makes solid hitting catchers all the more valuable.
In Mets history, success at the catcher position has directly correlated to team success.
In 1986, the year in which the Mets won their last World Series title, the team was led by All-Star Gary Carter behind the plate.