#564) ALLEN WATSON

Allen Watson joined the New York Mets when he signed as a free agent on January 19, 1999. He was brought on to bolster the starting pitching staff for the 1999 season. The left-hander from Queens, New York was also being pursued by the Cleveland Indians, but opted to pitch at home. Allen made 14 appearances for the Mets, but only four were as a starter. Without a definite role established he was deemed expendable. Watson was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Mac Suzuki, and minor leaguer, Justin Dunning on June 18, 1999. "I do not know why they went after me in the winter," Allen said, "when they didn't want me to start."

Ironically Watson grew up a Yankees fan and ended up in the Bronx after being released by Seattle. "Everywhere you go, there's a Mets and Yankees fan arguing who's better, it seems." Watson was quoted, "We had fist fights over it when I was a kid. I hated the Mets." When he pitched the ninth inning for the Yankees on June 9, 2000, (after having thrown for the Mets on June 5, 1999) Allen became the first man to pitch for each New York team during the Subway Series. He suffered a year ending injury during the 2000 season and was unable to contribute to the World Series victory that year. However Watson had been a part of the 1999 World Championship team the previous season.

Allen Watson added a beautiful signature to his card in the set for my good friend, Jessie in New York City on November 25, 2009.