Part 7/10:
By 1997, Piazza achieved one of the greatest offensive seasons for a catcher, hitting .362 and joining an elite group of catchers to achieve 200+ hits in a season. His explosive performances, however, did not culminate in playoff success for the Dodgers.
Transition to the New York Mets
After mixed negotiations with the Dodgers, Piazza found himself traded to the Florida Marlins in 1998 and then immediately sent to the New York Mets—a move that would define a new chapter in his career. His debut on May 23, 1998, electrified fans at Shea Stadium as he contributed to a newfound excitement. With an average of .328, 32 homers, and 111 RBIs, Piazza quickly became the face of the Mets franchise.