Gordie Richardson became a New York Met when he was traded by the St. Louis Cardinals with Johnny Lewis in exchange for Elio Chacon and Tracy Stallard on December 8, 1964. "Stunned" is how Richardson would describe his reaction to the trade from the World Champion Cards. After a fine rookie season, Gordon had not been effective from the bullpen during that fall's World Series, and the Red Birds chose to go in another direction.
During spring training of that year he, along with Gary Kroll completed something that has eluded all Mets pitchers during the regular season. They combined for a nine-inning no-hitter during a 6-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 21, 1965.
His first season in the Mets bullpen was strong with a 2-2 record, and 3.78 ERA in 35 appearances. The 1966 campaign was not near as effective. Seeing Richardson's ERA rise to 9.16 before his demotion to the minor leagues in early June.
The left hander retired from the game of baseball, at the age of 27, after spending the last of the 1966 season at Triple-A Jacksonville. Gordon was the last Mets player to wear uniform #41 before future Hall of Famer, Tom Seaver made it legendary.
"Home on the range, my farm in Southwest Georgia. Been here since 1967." Richardson reported in 2012. "Raised four kids, and helping to raise 12 grandkids." Gordie shared his retirement with Patsy, his wife of 50 years until her passing in May of 2010.
Gordon Richardson signed his card in the set for me from an autograph request sent to his home on January 5, 2009. When asked how he was doing at the time he responded, "I am fine. Just getting older."
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