Dave Kingman

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kingman's time in New York began when the Mets purchased his contract on February 28, 1975. Manager Yogi Berra compared the incoming slugger to Mickey Mantle, though Kingman's profile was distinctively that of a pure power hitter who struck out frequently. He played twelve games at third base before the team moved him primarily to the outfield. In 1975, he set a club record with 36 home runs and scored 65 runs, achieving the highest percentage of runs scored on homers for any player hitting more than 30 in a season. The following year, he broke his own record with 37 homers and was elected to start at right field in the 1976 All-Star game. His single-season home run record stood until 1987 when Darryl Strawberry surpassed it. Kingman's tenure ended abruptly during the "Midnight Massacre" trade on June 15, 1977, when he was sent to the San Diego Padres.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at Shea Stadium changed in February 1975 when the Mets acquired Kingman from the Giants. He quickly adapted to the city, emerging as a slugger who could clear the fences with remarkable frequency. In his debut season of 1975, he hit 36 home runs, a record that defined his early years with the team. By 1976, he had improved that total to 37, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier power hitters and earning him an All-Star selection. However, his career in New York was cut short by franchise-altering trades. On June 15, 1977, Kingman became one of three players involved in the "Midnight Massacre" deals orchestrated by the Mets' front office. He was traded to the San Diego Padres for minor league pitcher Paul Siebert and Bobby Valentine, marking a chaotic end to his time as a Met.

Reader's Guide

Dave Kingman played for the New York Mets from 1975 through June 15, 1977. During this period, he transitioned from playing some games at third base to becoming a full-time outfielder. His primary contribution was power hitting; he set franchise records with 36 home runs in 1975 and 37 in 1976. He also posted a unique statistic where the highest percentage of his runs came directly from home runs among players with over 30 in a season. Despite these offensive feats, he struggled with batting average and struck out frequently. His time with the team concluded when he was traded to the San Diego Padres as part of the "Midnight Massacre" on June 15, 1977. Fans remember him for his long home runs and his role in setting records that stood for over a decade.

Did You Know?

• Kingman was acquired by the Mets from the Giants for $150,000 on February 28, 1975.
• Mets manager Yogi Berra compared Kingman to Mickey Mantle upon his arrival.
• His single-season home run record of 37 (set in 1976) stood until Darryl Strawberry broke it in 1987.
• Kingman played twelve games at third base for the Mets before being moved primarily to the outfield.
• He was traded to the San Diego Padres on June 15, 1977, as part of the famous "Midnight Massacre" deals.