#531) TODD PRATT

Todd Pratt was signed by the New York Mets as a free agent on December 23, 1996. The veteran back-up catcher had been released by the Seattle Mariners team after spring training in 1996 and was working as a manager of a Domino's franchise. "If I had to go back to it, I could." Pratt told The New York Times, "There is nothing wrong with managing a pizza parlor." After working his way up from Triple-A Norfolk, Todd made his Met's debut on July 4, 1997. Manager Bobby Valentine explained, "Todd Pratt is a credible major league catcher who could be a no. 1 with a lot of teams." He certainly showed capability of delivering in the big moment during Game 4 of the 1999 National League Division Series. Pratt slugged a tenth-inning walk-off home run off Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher, Matt Mantei to win the Mets the series three games to one. He was also a member of the 2000 National League Championship team. Serving as the back-up to future Hall of Famer, Mike Piazza. On July 23, 2001 the Mets traded Todd to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Gary Bennett.

Todd Pratt signed his card in the set for my friend, Sam at the Philly Baseball Card Show in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania on December 4, 2009.