Ed Bauta - The 23rd Met Pitcher

     Ed Bauta was acquired from the Cardinals in exchange for Ken MacKenzie on August 5th, 1963.  Ed's Met career consisted of 17 games during the '63 and '64 seasons.  He compiled a 5.28 ERA in the majors, but spent most of his time with the Mets in the minor leagues.  

     The first ball was purchased off of eBay.  The second ball was was signed by Mr. Bauta with two different pens, after being sent to his home.  When asked the question "What was your favorite memory as a Met?"   He replied .. "When I left"   This was definitely one on my most memorable signatures through the mail.

Carlton Willey - The 20th Met Pitcher

     Carlton Willey joined the Mets on March 23rd, 1963, after his contract was purchased from the Braves.  Willey flourished with the Mets, posting a 3.10 ERA in 1963.  His 4.3 WAR lead the '63 Mets and was also one of the best seasons of the '60's timeline.  Carlton's Met career hit an unexpected bump, when he was hit in the jaw by a line drive in April of 1964.  Afterwards, he was never the same.  He averaged 29 innings pitched over the next two seasons and hung it up in '65.  Who know what could have been, but his 1963 season was one for the ages, especially considering how terrible the defense was in the early Met years.  Mr. Willey passed away at the age of 78, on July 21st, 2009.

     Both balls were purchased off of eBay.   His signed baseballs aren't particularly hard to find.

Tracy Stallard - The 19th Met Pitcher

     Tracey Stallard was acquired on December 11th, 1962 from the Boston Red Sox, along with Pumpsie Green and Al Moran in exchange for Felix Mantilla.  Tracy had a rough 1963 season, posting a 4.71 ERA over 154 innings, which included 23 starts.  His 1964 season was much better posting a 3.79 ERA over 225.2 innings pitched.   Unfortunately, run support was nowhere to be found.  Stallard lead the league with 20 losses that season.  After the '64 season, the Mets cashed in on Stallard's 2.0 WAR season.  On December 7th, they dealt him to St. Louis along with Elio Chacon for Johnny Lewis and Gordie Richardson.  Stallard pitched the '65 and '66 season for the Cardinals, before finally hanging it up in 1969.

Larry Foss - The 17th Met Pitcher

    Larry Foss was claimed off waivers from the Pirates on September 6th, 1962.  He appeared in five games, posting a 4.63 ERA in 11.2 innings pitched.  Larry would never pitch in the majors again.   He was dealt to Milwaukee in May of 1963, and soon retired after toiling a few innings at AAA Denver of the PCL.   

"Vinegar Bend" Mizell - The 13th Met Pitcher

     Wilmer "Vinegar Bend" Mizell was received from Pittsburgh on May 7th, 1962 in exchange for Jim Marshall.   After posting a 7.34 ERA over 38 IP, Vinegar Bend was released three months later on August 4th.  Overall, Wilmer had a solid major league career, consistently posting sub four ERAs throughout his twenties.  He took two years off from baseball in 1954 and 1955 to serve in the U.S. Army.  

      After retirement from baseball, Mizell began a political career.  He served 6 years in the U.S. House of representatives.  Wilmer was also appointed Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Economic Development and Executive Director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.  "Vinegar Bend" passed away on February 21st, 1999 from complications of a heart attack. 

Galen Cisco - The 16th Met Pitcher

     Galen Cisco was claimed off of waivers from the Boston Red Sox on September 7th, 1962.   Galen turned out to be a great pick up, posting a 3.26 ERA to finish the 1962 season.  His best season by far, was 1964.  Cisco turned in a 2.8 WAR, despite a 6-19 record.  His 3.62 ERA was second on the team, barely beat out by Bill Wakefield at 3.63.  A little run support would have gone a long way in the early Met days.  The Mets released Cisco on Jun 4th, 1966, ending his Met career with an amazing 4.04 ERA.  Galen currently live in Ohio, where he was a star linebacker for Ohio State during his college years.  

    The 1st ball was bought off of eBay.  The 3rd ball was obtained in a random lot of balls that included a 1963 team ball.   The middle Memorial day ball was signed through the mail by Mr. Cisco.      At some point I may try to obtain a ball with a "'62 Mets" inscription of somer sort.  I think he signs "Original Met" a lot.   I guess I have a couple extra balls to trade away if it ever comes up.

Bob G. Miller - The 15th Met Pitcher

     Robert Gerald Miller was dealt to the Mets along with Cliff Cook on May 7th, 1962 in exchange for Don Zimmer.  In his two month stay, Miller posted a 7.08 ERA over 20.1 innings pitched.  Bob walked away from the game after the 1962 season.

The first ball was purchased off of eBay, the second ball was signed personally by Mr. Miller after being mailed to his home.   Bob customized the ball, Bob "Lefty" Miller at my request.

Willard Hunter - The 13th Mets pitcher

     Willard "Hawk" Hunter was acquired from the Dodger along with Charlie Neal in exchange for Lee Walls and cash on May 25th, 1962.  Willard tossed 63 innings in '62, posting a 5.57 ERA.   Hunter found himself banished to AAA in 1963, but pitched 41 relief innings in '64, to a tune of a respectable 4.41 ERA.  

     The first ball was purchased off of eBay, the second ball was signed via mail sent to to Mr. Hunter's house.  He signed his "Hawk" nickname as I requested

Craig Anderson - The 8th Met Pitcher

     Craig Anderson was selected from the St. Louis Cardinals with the 16th pick in the 1961 Expansion draft.   Craig pitched in parts of three seasons for the Mets, compiling a 5.56 ERA along the way.  He also set many firsts, including the first Met save, starting the final game at the Polo Grounds, and winning both sides of a double header on 5/12/1962.  After picking up the two wins, Anderson would move to 3-1 on the season.  Unfortunately for Craig and Mets fans, he would drop the next 19 decisions and never win another big league game.  He finished his Mets career with a 3-18 mark.

     The first ball was acquired on the cheap off of eBay, the second ball was signed through the mail in May of 2018.  Since Mr. Anderson had several firsts during his career, I asked if he would inscribe his favorite moment on the ball.  I was rewarded with the best inscription yet!   Happy Thanksgiving!  I'm so thankful that Craig still puts in so much effort for his fans.

Dave Hillman - The 12th Met Pitcher

     Darius Dutton "Dave" Hillman began the 1962 season on the Cincinnati roster.  After two appearances, the Reds, as part of a previous deal, returned Hillman to the Red Sox.   Desperate for pitching the Mets jumped in and acquired Dave from the Red Sox for cash on April 26th.   Dave made twelve relief appearances and one start during the spring of '62, to a tune of a 6.32 ERA.   On June 27, 1962, Hillman was optioned to Syracuse, effectively ending his baseball career.  He chose to walk away from the game rather than pitch in the minors.

Dave is currently the oldest living Met at 91 years old.  The top ball was acquired via eBay.  The second Memorial day ball was signed through the mail in March of 2018.  I hope to some point find a ball with the signature more centered.  

Jay Hook - The 10th Met Pitcher

                               

    

     Jay Hook was acquired from Cincinnati in the premium portion of the '61 expansion draft.  Jay went 12-34 with a 5.34 ERA during his Met tenure.   Hook was dealt to Milwaukee on May 8th of 1964, in exchange for defensive shortstop Roy McMillan.   Jay walked away from the game at age 27, using his degree from Northwestern to pursue a job in Engineering.  

     Jay Hook was my favorite of the original Mets.   I remember trading for his '62 Topps card.  It seemed so old, even in 1986.  I don't remember what I traded, but I treasured that card for years.   The   bottom ball was purchased off of eBay.   The top Memorial day ball was acquired via mail from Mr. Hook himself in June of 2018.   He even wrote me a long letter. 

Al Jackson - The 7th Met Pitcher

     Al was selected by the Mets from Pittsburgh with the 62nd pick in the 1961 expansion draft.   What a great pick it turned out to be.  Al turned in 138 starts over 6 seasons for the Metropolitans, posting a 4.26 ERA despite his 43-80 record.  10 of Jackson's 43 wins were shutout victories.  Despite his small frame, "Little Al" was the definition of a work horse.   Al was dealt the St. Louis in '65 for Ken Boyer, but was then reacquired in '67 for Jack Lamabe.  Al's contract was later sold to Cincinnati during the stretch run in 1969 after logging 11 innings for the Miracle Mets.

     I picked up both of these balls rather cheaply on eBay.  Mr. Jackson doesn't sign through the mailanymore.  I read that he had a stroke a few years back and has been in poor health.  

Bob L. Miller - The 11th Met pitcher

Robert Lane Miller, or "Nelson" as Casey called him, joined the Mets in the 1961 expansion draft.  Baseball Reference lists Bob as our first pick in the "Premium Phase" of the draft.  Wikipedia states that Jay Hook was the first pick of that phase with Miller following up as our 2nd pick.  Bob had a tough luck season in 1962, setting a franchise record of twelve straight losses.  This streak lasted for over 30 years until broken by Anthony Young in in 1993 with 27 losses.  Bob was dealt to the Dodgers for Larry Burright and Tim Harkness in November of '62.  Miller went on to pitch very well after his trade from the Mets, enjoying a 17 year career.   Bob returned to the Mets in 1973, when he was purchased from the Tigers on September 23rd.  He pitched only one inning and unfortunately was ineligible for the '73 postseason roster.  Miller did follow up with a strong season in '74.  In his age 35 and final season, Bob posted a 3.58 ERA in 58 relief appearances.   Sadly Mr. Miller was killed in an automobile accident on August 6th, 1993.  

Ken MacKenzie - The 9th Met Pitcher

     Kenneth Purvis MacKenzie was acquired from the Brewers along with Johnny Antonelli for cash on October 11th, 1961.  Ken beat out Antonelli and earned the lone lefty reliever spot on the '62 Mets opening day roster.  Ken had a somewhat rocky season, but still finished with a 5-4 record.  He was the only pitcher to finish with a winning record during the Mets inaugural season.   Mac stuck around for the beginning of the '63 season, but was dealt to the Cardinals for Ed Bauta in August.  Ken was an Ivy Leaguer and was quoted to have joked with Casey how he was the lowest paid Member from his Yale class.  Casey was quick to respond " and the highest ERA too!"  

     I mailed a Memorial Day baseball to Ken and asked him if he would sign my ball with his middle name Purvis.  Mac wrote several paragraphs on the back of my letter.   One was about how Purvis was his maternal grandfather's last name.  Mr. Purvis captained boats on the Great Lakes years ago.  He also wrote about how Bob Uecker always called him Purvis.   "Never Mac, Ken, or even Lefty ... Always Purvis" he quoted.  Of the 50+ returns, Ken MacKenzie was definitely one of my favorites.  He put in a lot of effort to personalize my return.  

Sherman Jones - The 5th Met Pitcher

Sherman "Roadblock" Jones was drafted from Cincinnati with the 34th pick of the 1961 NL expansion draft.  "Roadblock" entered the 1962 season with arguably the best nickname on the Mets roster, but struggled mightily with a 7.71 ERA.  Jones made eight appearances during the '62 season, including the home opener at the Polo Grounds, even recording the first Mets hit in their retrofitted ballpark.  After losing three April starts, Sherman spent a majority of the remaining season toiling in the minors.   It is said that Jones was in consideration for the opening day start, but injured his eye with a stray match tip while lighting a cigarette.   After his retirement from the minor leagues in 1965,  Mr. Jones was a much more successful politician.  He spent time in both the Missouri senate and House of Representatives.   Sherman Jones left our world on February 21st, 2007. 

Clem Labine - The 4th Met Pitcher

     Clem Labine was the second of the World Champion "Boys of Summer" to join the Mets from the Dodgers.  Labine inked as a free agent on February 16th of 1962.   A two time all star, hoping to resurrect his career, Clem was unable to survive the month of April.  In his first Met appearance Labine allowed one run in the 8th mopping up after Craig and Moorhead melted down on opening day.  A week later he was given the ball a second time, only to allow five runs to the Cardinals in two innings.   On April 24th, his final appearance in the big leagues, Clem threw a scoreless 8th, striking out Moe Drabowski and Eddie Kasko.    On May 1st, Mr. Labine was given his release from the Mets organization.  He hung up his spikes as the NL all time save leader with 94.  Clem passed away on March 2nd, 2007 at the age of 80.

Herb Moford - The 3rd Met Pitcher

      Herb Moford's contract was purchased by the Mets from the Orioles in December of 1961.   After joining the Mets he was called on to pitch the 7th inning on that fateful opening day in 1962.  Herb retired three of the four hitters he faced, only allowing a double to Gene Oliver.  Yes, the same Gene Oliver that just a few innings earlier, became the first strike out victim in Mets history.

       Mr. Moford went on to allow twelve earned runs in his next five relief appearances.   After finally hurling two scoreless innings vs the Phillies on April 29th, Herb was returned to the Orioles.   He would never pitch another inning in the big leagues.   A tobacco farmer after retirement, Moford passed away on December 3rd, 2005.

Roger Craig - The 1st Met Pitcher

Roger Craig .... Drafted from the Dodgers and the "Boys of Summer" with the 6th pick in the '61 expansion draft, all Mets fans know who threw out the first pitch in Mets history.  On 4/11/62, Craig and the Mets traveled to Sportsman Park in St. Louis to face Stan Musial and his gang of redbirds.   Roger promptly allowed five runs in three innings to record the first Mets start and loss ever.  He also recorded the first strikeout by fanning Gene Oliver in the 2nd inning.   Anchoring a terrible team, Craig recorded 469.1 innings pitched over the '62 + '63 seasons.  He also recorded 46 losses during that span, despite a decent 4.14 ERA.   On November 4th, 1963, Roger was dealt to the Cardinals for Bill Wakefield and George Altman.  In many ways, Roger Craig was the Mets first "Ace."

The top baseball was obtained via eBay, several months ago.  The second baseball was signed through the mail, via a package sent to Mr. Craig's home in March 2018.  

This blog was created to display my collection of signed Mets baseballs.

    I first began collecting signed baseballs a year or so ago.  I quickly realized I was all over the place.  I needed a focus, so I began targeting 60's Mets pitchers.  According to my records 78 pitchers toed the rubber in a Mets uniform.  My challenge is to collect a signed baseball from all 78!   My collection has since expanded beyond the 60's, and I'm exited to share my adventure!  Over the next month or so, I hope to post photos and comment on each pitcher from this era!