Benny Agbayani
A fan-favorite Mets outfielder whose clutch hits and unforgettable grand slam defined a magical 2000 postseason run.
Born 1971 (age 55)·American baseball player·Birthday: December 28·Generation X
Biography
Benny Agbayani's path to Shea Stadium was anything but straight, a journey through Hawaii Pacific University and years in the minors that forged a resilient, powerful hitter. When he finally stuck with the New York Mets in 1999, he brought an everyman quality that resonated instantly in Flushing. Stocky and strong, Agbayani possessed surprising pop and a knack for dramatic moments. His legend was cemented during the Mets' 2000 National League pennant chase. He delivered a walk-off single in the 13th inning of a critical Division Series game and, most iconically, hit a grand slam in his first postseason at-bat during the NL Championship Series. While his MLB career was relatively brief, spanning parts of five seasons, Agbayani remains a cherished figure from a beloved Mets era, a reminder that heroes can arrive from unexpected places.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Benny was born in 1971, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Benny Was Born
The biggest hits of 1971
#1 Movie
Fiddler on the Roof
Best Picture
The French Connection
#1 TV Show
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Benny's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1971Born
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1976Started school
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1984Became a teenager
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Could drive
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1989Could vote
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Turned 21
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Turned 30
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2011Turned 40
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 50
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 55 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Hit a walk-off single in the 13th inning of Game 3 of the 2000 NLDS against the San Francisco Giants.
- Hit a grand slam in his first-ever postseason at-bat during the 2000 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Played a key role for the 2000 New York Mets team that won the NL pennant and reached the World Series.
- Had a career-best season in 2000, batting .289 with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs in 119 games.
- Played professionally in Japan for the Chiba Lotte Marines after his MLB career.
Did You Know?
He is of Filipino descent, making him one of the few players of Filipino heritage to reach MLB.
Agbayani wore uniform number 50 with the Mets, which he chose because he was a fan of NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham.
He hit a home run in his first major league at-bat on September 4, 1998.
After baseball, he worked as a recreation aide for the City and County of Honolulu.
“I just wanted to hit the ball hard and help the Mets win.”
