Known for his 1969 World Series performance…specifically game 3… Hit a
towering home run to lead off the Met’s half of the first….then more
importantly later in the game catches Elrod Hendrick’s and Paul Blair’s blast
with 2 on and bases loaded respectively….a legend is born out of the 5-0
win….Solid career but subject to highs and lows….An Indian prospect had three
call ups….got traded to the hitting weak White Sox.....instant offense, in a
mid sixties sort of way....hit 22 home runs 86 RBIs and .273 BA far and away
the best figure on the team...steals 44 bases....takes ROY and Gold Glove makes
All Star....next year not as strong but still was the ChiSox leading hitter....things
get more dismal in 1968 with a .217 BA after trade to Mets...Phoenix like
resurgence in 1969 as Mets contend after an existence of incompetence...found
his home run stroke hitting 26 and lead the team in hitting stats....Retakes the Gold Grove a
year similar to his rookie season....Season heroics plant him as NY Met
royality....hits .285 next two years although injuries took their toll
particularly in 1971....production take a big hit in 1972 BA drops by 50
point...jettison by Mets in trade to Houston...no second rebound languished at
.220...released prior to 74 season.....Died young in 2001
This post is early from my 3 day cycle. Links on other sited show Steve Braun which was briefly posted as a mistake. Steve will show in full on the 5th
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