#489) REID CORNELIUS

Reid Cornelius was traded by the Montreal Expos to the New York Mets in exchange for David Segui on June 8, 1995. The young pitcher was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk upon joining the Mets. Reid was simply dominating there with a 7-0 record and miniscule 0.90 ERA in ten starts. The Mets chose to trade Bret Saberhagen to the Colorado Rockies and Cornelius was given that vacant roster spot. He was recalled to New York and made his debut with the team on August 3, 1995. Reid suffered a 3-2 loss in Cincinnati after going six innings and yielding three runs on four hits that day.

During the 1995 season he was given a total of ten starts and posted a 3-7 record and 5.15 ERA. "I wish I could have helped the team more as far as my record goes," Reid said. "But it was a good experience." Cornelius was traded to the Cleveland Indians along with Ryan Thompson in exchange for Mark Clark on March 31, 1996. Thus ending his time in the Mets system.

Arm problems developed for him following the 2000 season. Reid required surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. When arthritis followed, Cornelius was forced to retire. He had started to pursue a degree in business at Palm Beach Community College before an unexpected offer came. "It really sort of came out of nowhere." Reid explained. He was offered an opportunity to become a pitching coach for the Jamestown Jammers. Cornelius would continue to coach in the minor leagues until he returned to the Major Leagues as the Florida Marlins bullpen coach in 2010.

Reid Cornelius signed his card in the set for me before a game when the New York Mets faced the Florida Marlins in Jupiter, Florida on March 14, 2010.