Former Met of the Day: Somerville New Jersey's Own- John Sullivan (1967)

John Peter Sullivan was born January 3, 1941, in Somerville, New Jersey. The six foot tall catcher graduated from Bernardsville, High School, threw right handed but hit left handed. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1959 and debuted four years later playing in only five games in 1963 & 1964. In 1965 he got his first big league hit which was a HR. He hit two that season, with a career high 11 RBIs, and .267 average, as the backup catcher to Bill Freehan. After spending the next year in the minors, he was drafted away by the Mets in the 1966 Rule 5 draft.

Sullivan served as the primary backup to Jerry Grote in 1967, appearing in 65 games, batting only .218 with no HRs, 5 doubles and six RBIs in 147 at bats. In a late July West Coast road trip, he got five of his six RBIs, enjoying two different two hit games. In 1968 the Mets brought up Duffy Dyer & acquired J.C. Martin ending Sullivans brief stint in New York. He was purchased by the Phillies, playing in only 12 games for 1968. He never made the big leagues again, going to the Orioles & Royals organizations.


Retirement: After his playing days, he managed in the Royals farm system from 1973-1979. He then coached in the big leagues with the Royals, Braves & Blue Jays, winning two World Series in Toronto (1992 & 1993).