Remembering Mets History (1970) Tom Seaver Throws His Second Career One Hitter

Friday May 15th, 1970: A small crowd of just over 6,000 gathered at the old ballpark in Philadelphia, for a meeting between Gil Hodges second place New York Mets (17-16) and Frank Lucchesi's fifth place Phillies (13-20).

Veterans Stadium Trivia: The Phillies were playing their last season in Shibe Park which was also known as Connie Mack Stadium. The old ballpark had been their home since leaving the Baker Bowl in 1938. From 1909-1954 Shibe Park was also the home to the Philadelphia Athletics before they moved to Kansas City.

The Phillies were scheduled to start the 1970 season at the new Veterans Stadium but the stadium's opening would be delayed a full year. 

The Vet was to be one of that era's "cookie cutter" stadiums much like Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh & Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati.

Tonight, the Phillies sent Woodie Fryman (2-0) to the mound against the NL reigning Cy Young Award winner; Tom Seaver (6-1). 

In the bottom of the 1st, Seaver struck out Oscar Gamble & Denny Doyle. Johnny Briggs reached on an Al Weis error but was thrown out trying to steal second. 

In the bottom of the 2nd, Don Money grounded out to start the inning. Seaver struck out Deron Johnson & Larry Hisel for his third & fourth K's of the game.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Seaver got Larry Bowa to pop up to lead off the inning. Then the Phillies reserve catcher Mike Compton singled to right field. This was to be the only hit Tom Seaver would allow the rest of the game.

Seaver's One Hit Spoiler Trivia: Mike Compton was another obscure player that ruined a no-hit bid for Tom Seaver. Mike Compton, played just the one season playing in 47 games batting just .164. In July 1969 the Cubs Jimmy Qualls spoiled Seaver's perfect game with two outs in the 9th inning with a single to left field. Qualls played three seasons batting .223.

Tom Seaver then struck out Woody Fryman. Oscar Gamble then reached on Joe Foys error at third base. It was the only time on the night the Phillies would have two base runners. Seaver then struck out Denny Doyle to end the inning.

In the top of the 4th inning, Don Clendenon singled to center field then Ron Swoboda doubled to right field. 

With Joe Foy at bat, Phillie pitcher Woodie Fryman then threw a wild pitch allowing Donn Clendenon to score the Mets first run. But as Ron Swoboda advance to third, catcher Mike Compton threw wild allowing Swoboda to score making it a 2-0 Mets lead. 

In the bottom of the 4th, Seaver walked Johnny Briggs then got Don Money to line out for the first out. Seaver struck out the next batters, Deron Johnson & Larry Hisel to total eight strike outs on the evening. 

In the top of the 5th inning, Cleon Jones & Donn Clendenon both reached base on walks. Then two out singles by Joe Foy & Jerry Grote scored both Cleon & Donn to made it a 4-0 Mets lead. 

In the bottom of the 5th inning Seaver got Larry Bowa looking at a third strike, then got Mike Compton to ground out to third base. Seaver then reached double digits in strike outs as Bill Wilson went down swinging.

In the bottom of the 6th Seaver retired the first two batters then struck out Don Money for his 11th strike out. In the 7th, Deron Johnson went down swinging for the third time giving him 12 strike outs on the night. Next Larry Hisel popped out & Larry Bowa hit a line drive that was snagged by Cleon Jones in left field.

In the bottom of the 8th inning, pinch hitter Ron Stone struck out looking. Seaver then fanned Oscar Gamble for the second time, giving him 14 strike outs on the night. 

In the bottom of the 9th inning, holding the 4-0 lead & a one hitter, Seaver got lead off man Johnny Briggs to line out to Ron Swoboda in right field. Don Money then flew out to Agee in center for the second out.

Tom Terrific ended the game getting Deron Johnson to strike out for the fourth time on the night, earning "the golden sombrero".

Seaver bested his record to 7-1, lowering his ERA to 1.96. He struck out 15 batters on the night which would be his second highest total of the year.  

On April 22nd he had tied an MLB record with 19 K's in a game. Seaver would have 12 games that year where he struck out ten or more batters. 

On the night Seaver walked three while two other Phillies reached base on the two Mets errors.

In 1970 Seaver led the NL in both strike outs (283) & ERA (2.82) going 18-12 on the season. 

Mets One Hitters Trivia: This was the sixth one hitter thrown in Mets history, the previous game Gary Gentry had thrown a one hitter against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Seaver & Gentry would both throw one hitters the next season as well.