#84) DON CARDWELL

Don Cardwell came to the New York Mets when he was traded along with Don Bosch from the

Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Dennis Ribant and Gary Kolb on December 6, 1966.

He made his Mets debut on April 11, 1967, but his greatest contribution to the club came during the magical 1969 season. Don was a member of the regular season starting rotation and excelled during the final months of the year. The Mets overcame a 10-game deficit to win the division from the Chicago Cubs. During that time, Cardwell won four games in which he started, and yet another in a relief role. Highlighted with a 28 consecutive scoreless innings streak during that span.

"He was a tremendous mentor to the young guys on our staff," teammate Tom Seaver said. "When he said something you listened. He was the ultimate professional."

Ron Swoboda remembers Don sticking up for his fellow Mets during a fight with Houston in 1969, and dropping Astros third baseman, Doug Rader with one punch. "I think it helps calm you down when you've got a guy like that who's ready to do what it takes," Swoboda said. "When you got to fist city you needed some guys that were ready to go."

The Mets sold Don's contract to the Atlanta Braves on July 12, 1970. After his baseball career, the man who had thrown a no-hitter with the Chicago Cubs in 1960, became an executive for auto dealerships in his hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Cardwell was also an excellent golfer who played on the celebrity tour during the 1980s.

Don Cardwell passed away on January 14, 2008 at the age of 72. He had been suffering from Pick's disease, a form on dementia.

I created his card in the set from an autographed index card given to me by my friend, Jessie on June 24, 2010.

#482) PETE WALKER

Pete Walker was selected by the New York Mets in the seventh round of the free agent draft on June 4, 1990. After pitching in the Mets minor league system, he made his major-league debut on June 7, 1995. Pete came from the bullpen in relief of starter, Bret Saberhagen facing the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park. It was one of the 13 big-league appearances Walker had for the Mets during the 1995 season. Pete ended with a 1-0 record, and 4.58 ERA.

New York traded Walker, along with Luis Arroyo in exchange for Roberto Petagine and Scott Adair on March 17, 1996. After leaving the Mets organization he would have shoulder surgery in 1996 and later knee surgery in 1998. During those injuries the right-hander would fall back upon a conversation that he had with his then minor-league manager, Bobby Valentine. He had suggested that Pete learn to throw a split-fingered fastball. "I knew that my career was over. I decided to realize who I am as a pitcher'" Walker remembers.

Pete would return to the Mets organization when he was signed as a free agent on December 26, 2000. Walker spent most of 2001 at Triple-A Norfolk working with pitching coach, Rick Waits. A season that had ended with Pete being named the team's most valuable player and leading the league in victories with a 2.99 ERA. "I just pitch differently," Walker said at the time. "I'm more into sinking the ball and getting movement on the ball. It's probably a few miles an hour slower on the radar gun, but it's more effective. If I need to reach back I can." He received a September call-up and pitched in two games to close the year with the Mets.

Walker was invited to major-league camp with the Mets in 2002. Despite a very strong showing during spring training he was sent back to the Norfolk Tides to begin the season. The Mets found themselves in a situation with too many other pitchers requiring roster spots. Pete understanding his chance would soon come accepted the demotion. "I plan on staying," he said. "I feel I'm in a good situation whether I start here or not." Walker was correct because the Mets had to place pitcher, Satoru Komiyama on the disabled list when he injured his hand in a garage door accident. Pete was recalled and pitched for New York on April 20, 2002. The Mets unsuccessfully attempted to pass Walker through waivers upon Komiyama's return. He was claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays on May 4th. "I'm upset," manager Bobby Valentine shared. "As I said to Pete, it would be a good thing for him, but a bad thing for us."

At the start of the 2010 season, Walker became the roving minor-league pitching coach for the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

I created Pete Walker's card in the set from an autographed blank signed for my friend Patrick. He obtained it when the Toronto Blue Jays faced the Cincinnati Reds for a preseason exhibition game at Louisville Slugger Field in Kentucky on April 2, 2005.

#197) MIKE PHILLIPS

Mike Phillips joined the New York Mets when they purchased his contract from the San Francisco Giants on May 3, 1975. He made his debut with the team five days later at Shea Stadium facing the Pittsburgh Pirates. Phillips was the starting shortstop filling in for an injured Buddy Harrelson.

Mike became only the third Mets player in franchise history to hit for the cycle when he accomplished the statistical feat on July 25, 1976. He collected the four hits as the leadoff hitter facing the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. His home run was one of only six that he would hit in his three years with the Mets. In recognition, Phillips was given the National League Player of the Week Award on July 27th.

The New York Mets traded Mike Phillips to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Joel Youngblood on June 15, 1977.

After his playing career, he joined the Kansas City Royals and served as their Vice President of Corporate and Group Ticket Sales.

I created Mike Phillips card in the set from an autographed index card given to me by my friend, Jessie on June 24, 2010.

#175) GREG HARTS

Greg Harts was signed by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent before the 1970 season. He made the California League All-Star team in 1972 with the Single-A Visalia Mets. Hitting for a .286 batting average, clubbing 18 home runs, and stealing 22 bases. The next year found the young man from Atlanta, Georgia joining the Double-A club in Memphis. Harts led all outfielders in the Texas League with 302 putouts, and earned another All-Star team nod.

The Mets rewarded Greg with a late season call-up. Harts made his major-league debut facing Chicago at Shea Stadium on September 15, 1973. He entered the game in the fifth inning as a pinch-hitter for Buzz Capra. Greg responded with a single off Cubs' pitcher, Rick Reuschel. As the Mets climbed back into the pennant race the rookie would not see much more action. Harts played in only two more games to close the season. Another as a pinch-hitter and the last as a pinch-runner. He spent the rest of his brief time in the major leagues watching the team fight it's way to the World Series from the New York dugout.

Harts suffered a knee injury during spring training of 1974. He lost speed and mobility in the outfield after his recovery. Greg ended the year in Triple-A Tidewater, but could not return to his previous form. During the winter the decision was made to attempt a conversion of the athletic Harts to a pitcher. His baseball career ended in Visalia after he threw in 19 games and posted a 0-2 record and 5.90 ERA.

I converted an autograph book page from Marie of Des Plaines, Illinois into Greg Harts' card in the set on March 24, 2010. She had gotten it signed along with several other Mets during the 1973 season.

#243) WAYNE TWITCHELL

Wayne Twitchell first signed with the New York Mets as a free agent on April 4, 1979. He was primarily used from the bullpen, but did make two starts during his one season in New York. Twitchell finished with a 5-3 record in 33 appearances while compiling a 5.23 ERA. Wayne was one of only four pitchers on the Mets' staff to have a winning record in 1979.

Before the season was complete New York sold his contract to the new expansion team, the Seattle Mariners on August 19, 1979. Twitchell had thrown for the Mets that very same day in Cincinnati. Wayne entered in relief and struck out the opposing pitcher, Bill Bonham to close the fifth inning. It would be the only hitter he would face in his final game for the club.

After his baseball career, Twitchell returned to his hometown of Portland, Oregon and became the pitching coach of Wilson High School. The same school he attended, before being drafted by the Houston Astros, and who retired his uniform number at their baseball field beside fellow major-leaguer Dale Murphy. "He was a great story teller," remembered Wilson coach Mike Clopton. "Very quiet and unassuming for a guy that had achieved what most kids wanted to. Giving instead of taking. He made the game real simple so the kids would understand it. He was very calming for the pitchers." During that same time Wayne became a successful commercial real estate broker.

Twitchell was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Wayne passed away from cancer on September 16, 2010. He was survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Twitchell, and his two sons, Matthew and Patrick.

Wayne Twitchell signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to his home on January 8, 2009.

#163) JOE NOLAN

Joe Nolan was selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the 1969 amateur draft. A fine athlete from St. Louis, who turned down a football scholarship from the University of Missouri to begin his professional baseball career. After playing the season with Double-A Memphis the Mets granted Nolan a late-season call-up in 1972. Joe made his major-league debut on September 21st. He was inserted as the starting catcher facing the Pittsburgh Pirates in New York. Although he would play in a total of four games before season's end, it was his only appearance at Shea Stadium.

On April 4, 1975, the Mets traded Nolan to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Leo Foster.

Joe Nolan signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to his home on December 3, 2008.

#576) SHAWON DUNSTON

Shawon Dunston joined the New York Mets when he was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Craig Paquette on July 31, 1999. The veteran was brought over in one of several trading deadline deals to shore up the roster for making a post season run. Surprisingly Dunston, who had grown up in Brooklyn, New York, initially informed Mets' general manager Steve Phillips that he had chosen to retire upon learning of the trade. He reconsidered and made his debut with the club on August 2nd.

Dunston, who had been a very successful shortstop during his career, was asked to fill-in as the center fielder when regular Darryl Hamilton was injured. He responded well in his 42 game appearances to end the season. "He's risen to the occasion ever since we got him," Manager Bobby Valentine said, "He's been one of the unsung heroes over the last month and a half." Shawon hit for a .344 batting average and drove in 16 runs during the close of the 1999 regular season. Helping the Mets capture the Wild Card and defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division series. When New York fell to the Atlanta Braves in the NL Championship series, Dunston only managed one hit in his seven at-bats. A memorable base hit to center field after six full-count foul balls.

"I got the opportunity to experience baseball here, in one of the best towns in the country," Shawon said with gratitude at the close of the NLCS. "I'm here and I was on a winner. We won the last game of the 1900s at Shea Stadium."

Dunston left the Mets when he returned as a free agent to the Cardinals on February 3, 2000.

Shawon Dunston signed his card in the set for me from an autograph request sent to his home on February 21, 2009.