Posts

Ron Hunt: The First Mets Player To Start An All Star Game (1963 - 1966)

Image
Ronald Kenneth Hunt was born on February 23, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri. The infielder was signed by the Milwaukee Braves in 1959, spending time in the low minors for three seasons.  In 1962 he batted .309 at AA ball when he was purchased by the New York Mets that October.  At first The Mets were using him as a bullpen catcher during spring training 1963. Quotes- Ron Hunt: “ Larry Burright wasn't doing too well at second base. I went up to Casey after a game in the Polo Grounds & said I’m Ron Hunt #33. I'm not a bullpen catcher; I can play second base. If you want me to go to the minors every day until you need me, I'll do it.  I guess Casey took a liking to me, he asked `Do you want to play that badly, son? You're in the lineup tomorrow."  1963:  Hunt soon became the Mets main second baseman for the next four seasons. As the 1963 season went on, he was one of their most steady players during his rookie year.  Walk Off Hit: On April 19th, in ju...

Ken Boswell: Second Baseman On Two Mets World Series Teams (1967 - 1974)

Image
Kenneth George Boswell was born on February 23, 1946, at Austin, Texas. The six foot, left hand hitting infielder attended his hometown Sam Houston College on a baseball scholarship.  At first, Ken went to school after being urged to do so by his parents, but he quickly realized he was tired of school & just wanted to play baseball. At the time, MLB rules required a player who started school, must graduate before signing a pro contract. But legendary Mets scout Red Murf found a way around those rules & signed Boswell in fourth round of the 1965 draft.  In that same draft the Mets picked up Les Rohr (first round), Jim McAndrew (11th round) & Nolan Ryan (12th round).  Quotes- Ken Boswell: “I signed for $8,000, which was a lot less than I would have gotten before the draft, but I guess it was more than my dad ever made. Actually, I was awfully lucky to be drafted by the Mets, because they needed ballplayers, and I didn’t have to wait ve...