Collins cements place in Mets' history

NEW YORK -- Nights like Tuesday are what Terry Collins cherishes as a manager. Prior to the Mets' 3-2 win over the Blue Jays, he had a chance to reconnect with two of his former players, Jose Reyes and R.A. Dickey, then he watched one of his current players, reliever Bobby Parnell, earn a five-out save in his third outing since Tommy John surgery.

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That the Mets secured the victory over the Blue Jays made it even better, as Collins surpassed Gil Hodges (339-309) for sole possession of third place on the Mets' all-time managerial wins list, with 340.

"It means I've been lucky to stay here long enough to get that," Collins said. "I love what I do, but I'm all about the players. I'm not about what I accomplish or anything else."

Toronto came to Citi Field as the hottest team in the Majors, riding an 11-game winning streak. But New York pulled off back-to-back victories and has now won five of its last six games. That the Mets have a 1 1/2-game lead over the Nationals in the National League East and keep finding ways to win despite myriad injuries has made this season even more fun for Collins.

Although his career record with New York is below .500, at 340-374, only four managers in club history own a winning record.

Now only Davey Johnson (595-417) and Bobby Valentine (536-467) have more victories as a manager here than Collins. Willie Randolph (302-253) and Bud Harrelson (145-129) are the others above .500.

"It's certainly an honor to be in that class," he said.