Jerry Koosman - The 58th Met Pitcher

     Jerry Koosman was signed by the Mets on August 27th, 1964.  He didn't disappoint, becoming the winningest lefty in team history.   During an eleven year Met career, Koosman went 140-137 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.219 WHIP over 2544.2 innings pitched.  He made 346 career starts and his 39.6 career WAR as a pitcher is 3rd all time, behind only Tom Seaver and Dwight Gooden.  On December 8th, 1978 Koosman was dealt to the Minnesota Twins for Greg Field and a player to be named later.  Field never made it to the Majors, but the PTBNL turned out to be Jesse Orosco.  It's always sad to see such a great pitcher leave the organization. At least we received another piece so important to our future in return.  

     This baseball was purchased off of Ebay as an auction.  There are lots of Koosman balls out there and he signs thought the mail for a price.

Ron Taylor - The 57th Met Pitcher

     Ron Taylor was purchased by the Mets from the Houston Astros on February 10th, 1967.  Taylor quickly settled in and became a force to be reckoned with in the back of the Mets bullpen.  Over five seasons, he averaged a 3.05 ERA, amassed a 5.7 WAR, and was a vital part of the 1969 Miracle Mets.  On October 20th, 1970, Taylor was sold to the Expos, ending his Met career.  Ron retired in 1972 and currently lives in his home country of Canada.  

     Both of these balls were purchased off of eBay.  I had hoped to send a ball through the mail, but Canadian postage is so expensive that it made more sense to just but one.  He seems to have signed a lot over the years.  

Chuck Estrada - The 56th Met Pitcher

     Chuck Estrada was signed by the Mets as a free agent on November 30th, 1966.  Appearing in 9 games and pitching in only 22 innings, Chuck allowed 23 earned runs in 1967!  Needless to say, his Met career was short one.  Estrada pitched the next three seasons in the minor leagues, before retiring after the 1969 season at the age of 31.  

     Mr. Estrada signed my baseball after it was mailed to his home.

Tom Seaver - The 55th Met Pitcher

     Tom Seaver was signed by the Mets as an amateur free agent on April 3rd, 1966.  He had previously been drafted by the Braves in the 10th round, but the contract was determined invalid by the commissioner's office.  A special drawing was held between the Mets, Phillies and Indians, the winner won Seaver's contract.  Miraculously the Mets came out on top, acquiring their ace and best pitcher ever.  Over his 12 season Met career, Seaver pitched to a 198-124 record with a 2.57 ERA with 2,541 strikeouts in 3045.2 innings pitched.  Tom, also known as "The Franchise" won the 1967 Rookie of the Year Award, three ERA titles, three Cy Young Awards, was voted to 12 all star games and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992.  I could go on about the "Midnight Massacre" or other details, but I will leave it here for now.  

     These baseballs were either purchased from collectors or off eBay.  Tom hasn't signed for years, since being afflicted with Lyme Disease.  I hope to expand my Seaver collection and add different varieties over the coming months.  

Don Shaw - The 54th Met Pitcher

     Don Shaw was drafted by the Mets in 35th round of the 1965 amateur draft.  He spent the 1967 season and parts of the 1968 season with the major league club.  Shaw took full advantage of his time in the big leagues, by posting a 2.56 ERA over 63.1 innings pitched.  This youngster was a true bright spot out of the pen for the young Mets.  His Met career would come to an in end in October of 1968, when the Expos selected him from the Met in the expansion draft.  

     The first baseball was signed by Mr. Shaw after being mailed to his home.  He even inscribed it with my request of  "MLB debut 4/11/67".   My birthday is 4/11 so it's a fun date for me.  The second ball was purchased from a collector before I realized TTM was an option for autographs.