Friday, March 20, 2015

#402) TERRY McDANIEL

Terry McDaniel joined the New York Mets when he was selected in the sixth round of the free agent draft on January 14, 1886. The outfielder was drafted out of the University of Houston following a phenomenal career at Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Terry was a dominant pitcher and quarterback who led his varsity football team to their first playoffs in sixty years. His baseball ability was so great that in 1985 the high school created a varsity baseball program just so McDaniel could play. "Terrence made other football/baseball players around him better and always gave the team credit when literally he would win the game by himself." recalls local fan Eric.

A 19-year-old McDaniel began his professional baseball career with the Kingsport Mets in 1986. The fleet-footed outfielder stole 43 bases during the 1989 season for Single-A St. Lucie.

McDaniel was recalled from Triple-A Tidewater and made his major-league debut as a New York Met on August 30, 1991 in Cincinnati. He entered as a pinch-hitter and remained to finish the game in centerfield. Terry became the first player in club history to wear the uniform number zero. It was the next day facing the Reds' pitcher Ted Power that he would hit a double for his first big-league hit.

Terry would play in a total of 23 games for the Mets to close the 1991 campaign. Finishing with six hits in 29 at-bats, two RBIs and two stolen bases. McDaniel recalls his favorite memory of Shea Stadium as simply, "The fans." He joined the Pittsburgh Pirates organization when they claimed him off waivers on November 19, 1991.

After his baseball career Terry returned to his hometown Kansas City and has been working with the govenrment there.

Terry McDaniel signed his card from the set through an autograph request sent to his home on March 19, 2015.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Lee!!

    Great to see another card added to the project. Creeping closer to 90%.

    Hope all is well with you.

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks!

    If Eric (aka Smurf D!) ever reads this post I hope he might leave his last name so I can properly credit his quote.

    ReplyDelete