#78) RALPH TERRY

Ralph Terry joined the New York Mets when his contract was purchased from the Kansas City Athletics on August 6, 1966. The former Yankee pitcher came over to the Mets at the end of his career. In the past he had been a starting pitcher, but was used almost exclusively from the bullpen in 1966. He ended with a 0-1 record and a 4.74 ERA.

Terry's greatest contribution to the Mets came in the Florida Instructional League following the 1966 season. It was there that he suggested the addition of a screwball pitch into the repertoire of a young Tug McGraw. "With the natural tail you have on your fastball," Ralph suggested, "you should try it." It would become McGraw's "out pitch".

Ralph was released in November 30, 1966, but resigned as a free agent only four and a half months later. He would appear in two games for the Mets in 1967. Not allowing a run in either outing, but retiring from baseball after his release on May 16th.

After baseball Terry became a professional golfer on the Senior Tour. He had played recreationally throughout his pitching career, but obtained his card by earning a spot through Q-school. "I remember Bob Charles saying, 'You're playing good, but you're 40 years behind us,'" Ralph said. "I was fairly long, a little wild off the tee, a good putter and I could have a hot streak once in awhile. But I didn't know how bad I was, and those guys don't know how good they are."

Ralph Terry signed his card in the set for me from a private signing held by Bob Crabill on February 7, 2009.