Saturday, October 10, 2009

#20) BILL WAKEFIELD

Bill Wakefield joined the New York Mets when he was traded with George Altman from the St. Louis Cardinals for Roger Craig on November 4, 1963. Bill set a then team record for game appearances by a pitcher in 1964 with 62. He was also the starting pitcher facing the Cincinnati Reds in the first ever night game played at Shea Stadium on May 6, 1964.

Wakefield was honored by the Mets in 2009. He was asked to join Steve Dillon (who pitched the final two innings in 1964) to throw out simultaneous ceremonial first pitches at new Citi Field to commemorate the historical Shea Stadium game. Wise Snacks sponsored the event on July 10, 2009 during the first appearance of the Cincinnati Reds to the new park.

He became a sporting goods distributor after retiring from baseball in 1964.

Bill Wakefield signed his card in the set from an autograph request mailed to his home on November 8, 2008.

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