Delgado's Bat, Former Standout, Dies at 16

April 23, 2008

New York Mets Baseball Club
Shea Stadium
Flushing, NY 11358

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with our deepest sympathy that we regret to inform you of the death of an important member of your organization. Late yesterday afternoon, after a long and arduous battle against its illness, Carlos Delgado's bat died at a hospital on Chicago's North Side.

As many of you know, Carlos's bat health has slowly declined since his arrival in Queens two years ago. Previously, it had led a long and largely healthy life, producing over 30 home runs and at least 97 RBI every season from 1997-2006.

But early last season things took a turn for the worse. Delgado's bat, usually energetic, vivacious and quick-hitted, seemed lethargic. It lacked that effervescent spirit its teammates and fellow wooden friends in the dugout cubbyholes had come to expect -- and almost rely upon. Quiet and reserved, Delgado's bat no longer was able to keep up with the fast pace and energy of a high fastball. He shied away from any balls that tried to get close to him or "get inside." Carlos's bat was, to use a cliche, a shell of its former self.

Carlos's bat finished 2007 sapped of most of its energy, producing only 24 home runs and 87 RBI, while it limped along to its lowest batting average (.258) in a decade. Despite new medications and a revised winter regimen and treatment schedule, Carlos's bat continued to deteriorate in early 2008.

Perhaps exacerbated by his refusal to try a new experimental form of therapy called "going the other way," the bat's health spiraled perilously out of control over the last few weeks of April manifesting itself in weakness, shortness of breath and only one hit in its last 27 plate appearances.

Hope for Delgado's bat was expressed by Dr. Howard Johnson as late as yesterday morning, but by the afternoon it was clear to even the most casual of observers that it was simply too weak to continue on. Finally, in the top of the eighth inning at Wrigley Field, Carlos Delgado's bat passed away quietly, striking out swinging against third-year Cub Carlos Marmol.

Delgado's bat was sixteen years old. A memorial service will be held on April 24 in Puerto Rico. At time of death, Carlos's bat weighed only 34 ounces and appeared even thinner from the stresses and fatigue of the previous two seasons.

We realize the problems that the bat's passing brings to you and your organization. Please realize that the much broader Mets "family" empathizes with you. It is our collective mission to honor the memory of Carlos's bat. That said, we must, as difficult as it may seem, move on. Time will heal all wounds.

With Our Deepest Sympathy,
The Society for the Preservation of the Mets Season