#714) MIKE JACOBS

Mike Jacobs was selected by the New York Mets in the 38th round of the free agent draft on June 2, 1999. He was drafted as a catcher, and did play 309 minor league games at the position. In May of 2004, an injury would require season-ending surgery, and on his return it was determined that Mike would begin the conversion to a first baseman.

Mets' slugger, Mike Piazza fractured a bone in his left wrist, and in response the club called up Jacob's from Double-A Binghamton as a roster replacement. On August 21, 2005, the 24-year-old would make his major league debut. In his first at-bat while facing Nationals pitcher, Estaban Loiaza the rookie pinch-hitter would drive a 0-1 pitch into the right-field bullpen of Shea Stadium. Jacobs became the fourth Mets player to blast a home run in his first major league at-bat. "Obviously you dream like that and hope something like that could happen," said Mike. "Even getting here and getting a base hit would be awesome. To be able to do that was amazing, you know. I can't even put it into words." The home crowd asked for a curtain call. "That was just another first," Jacobs said. "I don't know who it was, but they said, 'They want you out there kid,' so I went up and took my hat off. It was cool."

The power display continued as Jacobs would hit three more home runs in his next three games. Establishing a major league record for most home runs hit by a player in his first four games of his big-league career. Mike would remain with New York for 30 games until he was returned to Binghamton to finish the season. He ended with a .310 batting average and 11 home runs.

Mike was traded by the Mets along with Yusmiero Petit and Grant Psomas to the Florida Marlins in exchange for Carlos Delgado on November 24, 2005.

Mike Jacobs signed his card in the set for me before the Buffalo Bisons and Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field on May 8, 2010. Adding the awesome first home run inscription.