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