Bob Friend - The 49th Met pitcher

     Bob Friend was purchased by the Mets from the New York Yankees on June 15th, 1966.  Friend, nicknamed "Warrior", appeared in 22 games for the Mets, starting 12.  The '66 season was his 16th in the big leagues and unfortunately, Bob didn't have much left by the time he reached Shea.   With a 5-8 record to go along with a 4.40 ERA, Bob was released on October 17th, 1966.  

     The "Warrior" ball was purchased off of eBay, the second '65 Mets baseball was signed by Mr. Friend after being mailed to his home.

Bob Shaw - The 48th Met Pitcher

     Bob Shaw joined the Mets on June 10, 1966.  His contract was purchased from the San Francisco Giants.  Shaw pitched parts of two seasons for the Mets.  Shaw certainly didn't embarrass himself during his Mets tenure, but was pretty average.  His 14-19 record was solid for a team that lost 95 and then 103 games.  His 4.06 ERA was likely influenced by poor defense.  He compiled a solid 1.29 WHIP and a 3.28 FIP (Fielding Independent ERA).  On July 24, 1967, Shaw's contract was suddenly sold to the Cubs.  Maybe injury was a factor?  Shaw struggled in Chicago and was released in September.  He retired after that season.  Mr. Shaw passed away on September 11th, 1967.

     This baseball was purchased from a collector.  It's showing it's age, but looks better in person than in this photo.  I hope to upgrade it someday of possible.  

Dick Rusteck - The 47th Met Pitcher

     Dick Rusteck was signed by the Mets as an amateur free agent before the 1963 season.  On June 10th, 1966, Rusteck made his major league debut at home vs the Reds, and boy was it special.  Dick tossed a four hit complete game shutout, winning by a score of 5-0.  There was hope in Flushing!  His  second start didn't go so well, giving up five runs to the Cardinals in only one inning.  Rusteck made six more appearances in '66, finishing with a respectable 3.00 ERA and a reasonable 1.33 WHIP.   He never hit a batter that season, but also never pitched another big league inning.  His arm was never the same ofter offseason elbow surgery.  The amazing part is that Rusteck pitched in the minors for 11 more seasons.  He didn't retire till the age of 35 in 1977, a truly unique path from a guy with a true love for the game. 

     This ball was signed through the mail after being mailed to Mr. Rusteck's home.  

Gerry Arrigo - The 46th Met Pitcher

     Gerry Arrigo was acquired in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds on May 20. 1966.  Ron Locke was sent to Cincinnati three days later as a player to be named later.  Arrigo's Met career was relatively short, lasting only three months.  On August 16th, he was sent back to the Reds for cash.  During his short stay in New York, Arrigo pitched pretty well, posting a 3.74 ERA over 43.1 innings.  He spent four more seasons in the majors before retiring in 1971 after three games in the minors.  

     This 4th of July ball was signed through the mail after being mailed to Arrigo's home.

BIll Hepler - The 45th Met Pitcher

     Bill Hepler was drafted from the Senators on November 29th in the 1965 Rule V draft.  In 1966, at the age of 20, Hepler made his major league debut.  He went 3-3 that season with a 3.52 ERA.  The problem was that he walked 51 batters in 61 innings.  Hepler began the '67 season in the minors and never made it back to the big leagues.  He retired in 1970 after 4 seasons in the minors.  

     This ball was signed through the mail after being sent to Mr. Hepler's home.  He said the highlight of his career was striking out Hank Aaron two times in one game.