Triplett Inks Free Agent Contract With the Mets

June 16, 2004

Four-time letterman and starting shortstop Russell Triplett (West Columbia, SC) signed a free agent contract with the New York Mets Tuesday. Triplett will report to the Mets’ rookie-league team in Kingsport, TN. Triplett was a career .312 hitter in 222 games and 178 starts.

The two-time All-ACC performer also had 218 hits, 43 doubles, 11 homers, and 98 RBIs in four seasons. In 2004, he hit .304 with 17 doubles, four home runs, and 41 RBIs in starting all 65 games. He was the only Tiger to play in every game this past season, as he missed just one inning all year. The two-time captain had four final-inning, game-winning hits in his career, including one in the ACC Tournament to give the Tigers a 7-6 victory over #20 North Carolina on May 26, 2004. Triplett graduated in May with a degree in elementary education. He became the 10th member of the 2004 team to either be drafted or sign a professional contract. Clemson’s nine draft picks last week were tied for the third-most in the nation.