New York Mets first baseman, and National co-chair of the PCF Home Run Challenge, Carlos Delgado, currently holds the all-time home run record, with 469, among players born in Puerto Rico. Delgado is also a two time All-Star selection (2000 and 2003), three time Silver Slugger Award Winner (1999, 2000, 2003), Roberto Clemente Award (2006) and American League Hank Aaron Award recipient (2000). In 2008, Delgado went 5 for 5 against the Atlanta Braves, with 3 singles, 3 RBI, a double, and a walk-off RBI, which was the first time Delgado went 5 for 5 in 10 years. Then against the Houston Astros, Delgado fired two 3-run homers, to bring the Mets to a 9-1 victory in the series finale.

In September 2008, he became the third Mets player in history to have at least 65 RBI in a 65 game stretch during a season. On September 21, Delgado had his 2,000th career hit against the Braves. Delgado was ninth in the voting for the 2008 National League MVP Award.

Jerry Manuel was hired as the interim manager for the New York Mets on June 17, 2008. Under Jerry Manuel’s leadership, the Mets came in second in the 2008 National League Eastern Division. Prior to working with the Mets, Manuel was the manager of the Chicago White Sox from 1998 to 2003. While managing the White Sox, he led the team to a first-place finish in the American League’s Central Division with a 95-67 record. After the 2000 season, Manuel was named Major League Baseball’s Manager of the Year. 

On October 3, 2008, Manuel agreed to a two-year deal, with a third year option, to remain as manager of the Mets.