#48) CLEON JONES

Cleon Jones was signed as a free agent by the New York Mets on July 5, 1962. He made his major league debut with the Mets on September 14, 1963 at the Polo Grounds. His Shea Stadium years would not begin until 1965. Cleon had his greatest professional season for the 1969 World Champion Miracle Mets. Leading the team in hitting with a .340 batting average (third best in the National League) he represented the Mets in that year's MLB All-Star game. Then paired with his childhood friend, Tommie Agee was a major part of the 1969 World Series success. Jones will always be remembered as fielding the final out of the series. Cleon recalls saying to himself at that moment, "Come on down baby. Come on down."

Jones returned to the World Series with the 1973 National Champion Mets. A team that fell just short of defeating the heavily favored Oakland A's. In 1975 he was released by New York and finished his rich career playing a few games for the Chicago White Sox.

Cleon grew up in Mobile County, Alabama. A predominantly African-American area which also featured Hank Aaron and Willie McCovey at that same time. During the 1964 season while Jones was playing for the Mets' minor league team in Buffalo, he had the task of first integrating the team hotel in Atlanta. His courage and determination paved the way for future Mets. "I don't consider myself a pioneer," Cleon graciously said, "I consider Jackie Robinson the pioneer. He was my favorite player of all time. What I went through all day, and then having to go on the field and concentrate, I know how tough it was for me. But I had the confidence and support of my teammates, even white players. When you look back at it, you think of what a great person he was and the sacrifice he made because he did it alone. That's what made him so much better than all of us."

Cleon Jones signed his card in the set for my friend Sam at the B.A.T. Fundraising Dinner on January 27, 2009.

#121) JIM McANDREW

Jim McAndrew was selected by the New York Mets in the 11th round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1965. The man from Lost Nation, Iowa made his major league debut with the Mets on July 21, 1968. Jim was a member of the 1969 World Champion Miracle Mets. His fine pitching in his starting assignments was a big reason the team was able to pass the Chicago Cubs to close the regular season. A fact that is often overshadowed by the attention paid to the more famous members of that superb pitching staff. "To begin with, I was lucky enough to have been associated with teams and contributed," McAndrew said, "But, the strength of the teams that I played on was always pitching." Jim was also with the 1973 National League Championship club before he was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Steve Simpson on December 20, 1973.

I purchased this signed index card from the legendary autograph guy, Jack Smalling and converted it into Jim McAndrew's card in the set in January 2009. Jack's website is www.baseballaddresses.com

#124) ROD GASPAR

Rod Gaspar was selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the free agent draft on June 6, 1967. He would make his major league debut in the greatest of all Mets seasons on April 8, 1969 at Shea Stadium. Rod was a member of the 1969 World Champion Miracle Mets. His bold World Series prediction that the Mets would win four straight against the heavily favored Orioles was not well received in Baltimore. However he was very correct when the Mets rolled off four victories after dropping the opener. Gaspar even scored the winning run in Game 4 on J.C. Martin's famous bunt. Rod was traded by the Mets to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Ron Herbel on September 1, 1970.

After his professional baseball career he has operated a successful insurance company in California.

I purchased this signed index card from the legendary autograph guy, Jack Smalling and converted it into Rod Gaspar's card in the set in January 2009. Jack's website is www.baseballaddresses.com

#97) ED CHARLES

Ed Charles joined the New York Mets when he was traded by the Kansas City Athletics for Larry Elliot on May 10, 1967. He earned the nickname "The Glider" due to his graceful baserunning ability. Ed was a member of the 1969 World Champion Miracle Mets team. He scored the winning run in Game 2 of the World Series on an Al Weis single in the ninth inning. Charles retired from baseball after the magical 1969 season.

Charles began his professional baseball career by spending eight seasons in the Braves minor league system during the time that segregation still plagued the deep south. The Glider was also writing poetry concerning both baseball and racism then. A talent that continued even after earning his way to the major leagues. Following his active playing career, Charles worked as a promoter for Buddha Records.

Ed Charles signed his card in the set for me from an autograph request sent to his home on December 10, 2009.

#120) AL WEIS

Al Weis was traded from the Chicago White with Tommie Agee to the New York Mets in exchange for Jack Fisher, Tommy Davis, Billy Wynne and Dick Booker on December 15, 1967. Known as a "Super Sub" he rotated between three infield positions with the Mets. Al hit seven homeruns during the regular season in his entire career. It was his one fence clearing shot in the 1969 World Series that proved legendary. Weis likes to tell people, "I had an average career in the majors as a utility man. But I had two good weeks of baseball, and they came in the 1969 World Series." A defensive player not known for his bat, Al drove in the game-winning run when he delivered an RBI single in the ninth inning of the Game 2 victory. Then added to that by hitting a three-run homerun to tie Game 5 in the seventh inning. A game the Mets would then go on and win on the way to becoming the World Champion Miracle Mets. Al would finish his career in New York when he retired from the game on July 1, 1971.

Al Weis graciously honored my autograph request of his card in the set. Returning it from his home on November 24, 2008. "I still get fan mail, about 10 letters a week," Al says, " That makes me feel good- 40 years later."

#127) JACK DILAURO

Jack DiLauro was traded to the New York Mets from the Detroit Tigers for Hector Valle on December 4,1968. He made his major league debut at Shea Stadium for the Mets on May 15, 1969. Jack threw two scoreless innings in relief against the Atlanta Braves that day. He would finish the season with 23 appearances and a fine 2.40 ERA. DiLauro was a member of the 1969 Miracle Mets World Championship team, but did not pitch in the postseason. After the season he was selected by the Houston Astros in the Rule V Draft on December 1, 1969.

After their World Series victory the New York Mets players appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Jack was known for his impersonation of the famous host and performed it on the show. "My wife got a VHS tape of that show about 15 years ago and that's something I will always cherish." DiLauro retired from baseball in 1972 and embarked on a 24 year career as the manager of Koenig's Sporting Goods store in Ohio.

Jack DiLauro signed his card in the set, adding an awesome World Champions inscription, from an autograph request sent to his home on January 7, 2009.

#308) DWIGHT GOODEN

Dwight Gooden was selected in the first round (5th overall) of the June 1982 free agent draft by the New York Mets. The hard throwing right-hander was voted as the Rookie of the Year in 1984. Then followed that with winning the National League Cy Young Award the next season in 1985. "Doc" was also a member of the 1986 World Championship team.

Dwight dominated with an 98 mph fastball and sweeping curveball that froze many a hitter. Gooden attracted a fan section at Shea Stadium that was dubbed the "K Korner" where they would hang up red letter "K"s for each of his strikeouts. He would fan 276 batters to set the rookie mark in 1984.

After Tom Seaver, he is easily the greatest Mets pitcher in Shea Stadium history. "Dr. K" along with Darryl Strawberry provided what should have been a foundation for years to come. Personal problems would derail both their careers. Gooden left the Mets when he signed as a free agent with the New York Yankees on February 20, 1996.

Doc was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dwight Gooden signed his card in the set for my friend Eddie during an appearance at the Steiner Collectibles Store in New York on October 20, 2009.

#662) JASON ANDERSON

Jason Anderson was traded with Ryan Bicondoa and Anderson Garcia by the New York Yankees to the New York Mets in exchange for Armando Benitez on July 16, 2003. Jason would only appear in six games for the Mets during the month of September while spending most of the 2003 season in Triple-A. Anderson was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians on April 8, 2004.

He was the first Staten Island Yankees player to become a New York Yankees player earlier in 2003. The "Baby Bombers" retired Jason's #19 on July 14, 2003 in tribute. It was also proclaimed "Jason Anderson Day" in Staten Island. This occurring only two days before his trade to the Mets.

Jason Anderson signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs on July 21, 2009.

HARMON'S SHEA STADIUM VISIT- 06/16/2006

One of the greatest parts of this Shea Stadium set has been creating the cards themselves. Selecting the photos used for the players and writing the accounts have both been a real pleasure to do. I enjoy the Mets history and with the fact that the players total 791 I just knew that there had to be nine additional ones to make it an even 800. The easiest to decide was the first to be featured here.

I have been a Mets fan since I was 12 years old. For years I had followed the team playing at Shea Stadium on television and by listening to radio broadcasts. So I was familiar with the planes flying overhead, the ramps to the park from the train, and had formed a pretty clear mental picture. However I had never personally been to the place of all these memories. Sure I had seen our club play in Cincinnati, Chicago, and even Florida for spring training, but not in our Shea. For many years my younger son, Greg and I would talk of taking a trip to see the parks in New York (he being a big Yankees fan). However our living in Indiana kept that from happening. The cost of air fare seemed to always become the stumbling block.

The summer of 2006 offered a unique opportunity for us. Wendy's restaurant teamed up for a promotion offering free air fare anywhere inside the continental United States on Air Tran Airlines. The only catch was collecting 64 flight coupons off their cups. Within days an inspired Greg had gathered the 128 that we needed to fly the two of us for free. We sent them in and began to check the season schedule with a purpose. We selected June 16, 2006. The Yankees were hosting Cleveland the day before and we could see both stadiums before they would be replaced with new ones.

The Mets played the Baltimore Orioles in an Inter-league contest. (Trust me I remembered that it was the Orioles that we defeated in the miracle 1969 season.) Alay Soler was the starting pitcher for a lineup that included Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Lastings Milledge, and our favorite, David Wright. Unfortunately Aaron Heilman (a fellow Hoosier) was unable to hold a one run Mets advantage allowing four runs in the seventh inning as we fell to the Orioles 6-4.

It would prove to be the only appearance of the Harmons at Shea Stadium. Greg and I signed our card in the set in October of 2008. Making it without question my absolute favorite in the set.

#667) KAZ MATSUI

Kaz Matsui was signed by the New York Mets as a much heralded free agent from Japan on December 10, 2003. A standout shortstop with the Seibu Lions who came to the team after batting .305 with 33 home runs, 84 RBI, and scoring 104 runs in 140 games for Seibu the previous season. A media conference in New York City greeted Kaz after the signing. Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented Matsui his Mets jersey and Kaz said in English, "Hello everybody, my name is Kaz Matsui. I love New York."

In fact Matsui was given the shortstop job in New York and the incumbent Jose Reyes was moved to second base. Kaz made his major league debut on April 6, 2004 in a game against the Braves in Atlanta. He led off the game and hit a

home run in his first major league at-bat, and followed that with a pair of doubles as the Mets won 7-2 on opening day.

The switch-hitting, Matsui was able to sustain a reasonable success at the plate, but surprisingly would often look shaky in the field. In 2005 he was switched to second base with Jose Reyes again becoming the team's shortstop. Unfortunately that season began Kaz's string of injuries that would plague him throughout his Mets career. He would first lose his starting job and finally be traded to the Colorado Rockies for Eli Marrero on June 9, 2006.

Matsui did continue his string of lead off home runs on season opening days with the Mets. Repeating the feat in both 2005 and 2006 to become the only man in Major League Baseball history to record a home run in his first plate appearance of his first three seasons. It even took an inside-the-park home run in 2006 to finish the streak.

Many Mets fans seem to not share my opinion, but Kaz Matsui is one of my favorite players. He always played hard and brought an excitement to the game. Expectations were just too high for him to succeed in New York. Kaz signed his card in the set for my friend Tom during Spring Training 2009 when he visited Houston Astros camp in Kissimmee, Florida.

#258) JOSE MORENO

Jose Moreno was traded with Richie Hebner by the Philadelphia Phillies to the New York Mets in exchange for Nino Espinosa on March 27, 1979. Jose made his major league debut at Shea Stadium on May 24, 1980. He appeared mostly as a pinch-runner or pinch-hitter for New York in the one season he was with the club. Moreno was traded to the San Diego Padres with John Pacella in exchange for Randy Jones on December 15, 1980.

Jose Moreno signed his card in the set for my friend, John Guzman during a trip to the Dominican Republic on January 19, 2009.

#729) DARREN OLIVER

Darren Oliver was signed as a free agent by the New York Mets on January 19, 2006. The veteran left-hander made the team out of spring training on the very last day of camp. He was selected over teammate Pedro Feliciano when there became concerns over the health of the other starting pitchers. Oliver had said he was retiring if he had not made the major league roster. Darren excelled in the long relief role of the Mets bullpen in 2006. He finished the season with a 4-1 record and 3.44 ERA.

It was in Game 3 of the 2006 National League Championship series that he would have his defining moment as a New York Met. Starting pitcher, Steve Trachsel had allowed the St. Louis Cardinals five runs in the first two innings of the game. Oliver entered the game and threw six scoreless innings of relief. Surrendering just three hits over those frames. The Mets would fall to the Cardinals by a final score of 5-0. None the less, Darren had given them the opportunity to stay in the game with his outstanding performance.

He would join the Los Angeles Angels the next season after signing as a free agent on December 11, 2006.

Darren Oliver signed this card for my friend Sam when the Los Angeles Angels visited the Baltimore Orioles on August 17, 2009.

#101) DENNIS BENNETT

Dennis Bennett was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Mets in exchange for Al Yates on June 24, 1967. The left-hander was a well known free spirit who even had been known to carry a fire arm with him at times. He was quoted as saying, "You'll never catch me out the night before I pitch, but I figure a pitcher has two nights to fool around." His zaniness did not sit well with Boston manager, Dick Williams who played a big part in trading Dennis to the Mets. According to Bennett, Williams had not spoken to him in a few weeks prior to telling him that he had been dealt to New York.

Bennett would only appear in eight games for the New York Mets before being sent to their AAA affiliate in Jacksonville. He would pitch two games there before having his contract sold to the Chicago Cubs organization.

After his baseball career was over Dennis got married and with his wife have raised nine children. He has owned and operated restaurants and bars in his new hometown of Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Dennis Bennett signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to his home on November 21, 2008.

#214) STEVE HENDERSON

Steve Henderson was traded by the Cincinnati Reds with Doug Flynn, Pat Zachry, and Dan Norman to the New York Mets for Tom Seaver on June 15, 1977. Henderson played his rookie season with the Mets and fell one vote short of defeating Andre Dawson in the 1977 Rookie of the Year ballot. Steve will be best remembered by Mets fans for his game winning home run on Flag Day, June 14, 1980. The Shea Stadium faithful, armed with game give-away American flags in hand, saw the San Francisco Giants jump out to a 6-0 lead. The Mets charged back and found themselves trailing by two runs with two runners on base and Steve Henderson stepping to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning. The scoreboard flashed "Hendu can do." Steve hits an Allen Ripley pitch out and wins the game 7-6. The scoreboard then reads "Hendu did do." The sound of cheering fans could be heard on all the ramps leaving Shea Stadium that night. Steve was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Dave Kingman on February 28, 1981.

Steve Henderson signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to the Tampa Bay Rays on August 15, 2009. He is currently the hitting coach for the Rays.

#232) DALE MURRAY

Dale Murray was traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Mets in exchange for Ken Henderson on May 19, 1978. A ground ball pitcher that used a fastball and a diving forkball from the Mets bullpen during his two seasons in New York. Dale was unable to repeat the success he had seen in Montreal. He was a 15 game winner as a relief pitcher in 1975 for the Expos. With the Mets he allowed 190 hits in 183.1 innings pitched, and logged a 12-13 record. Murray's contract was sold to the Montreal Expos by the Mets on August 30, 1979.

Dale Murray's card in the set was created from an autographed index card that I received in a trade with my good friend Bob T. on December 12, 2006.

#220) LUIS ROSADO

Luis Rosado was signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Mets on May 5, 1972. "Papo" was a very charismatic first baseman who only played two seasons in the major leagues. Appearing in a total of only 11 games during that time. One of these appearances was even behind the plate when he started the game as the catcher on September 28, 1977. Papo Rosado was sent by the Mets to Poza Rico of the Mexican League before the 1981 season.

Luis Papo Rosado returned a handwritten note to me from an autograph request sent to his home in Puerto Rico on January 31, 2008. I created his card in the set from that cut signature.

#725) BRIAN BANNISTER

Brian Bannister joined the New York Mets when he was selected in the seventh round of the free agent draft on June 3, 2003. He is the son of former big league pitcher Floyd Bannister. Brian made his major league debut at Shea Stadium as the Mets starting pitcher when they faced the Washington Nationals on April 5, 2006. Bannister proved to be a fine pitcher, but injured his hamstring while running the bases and headed to the disabled list. He would return to New York in September to pitch from the bullpen. On December 6, 2006 the Mets traded Bannister to the Kansas City Royals for Ambiorix Burgos.

His passion away from the diamond is photography. Brian even owns his own professional photography studio called Loft 19 in Phoenix, AZ.

Brian Bannister beautifully signed his card in the set for my friend Sam when the Kansas City Royals played the Baltimore Orioles on July 30, 2009.

#660) EDWIN ALMONTE

Edwin Almonte was traded with Royce Ring and Andrew Salvo by the Chicago White Sox to the New York Mets for Roberto Alomar on July 1, 2003. Edwin appeared in 12 games for the Mets pitching 11-1/3 innings for them. He was very ineffective allowing 14 earned runs including three homeruns for a 11.12 ERA. The Mets released Almonte and he was claimed on waivers by the Boston Red Sox on November 20, 2003.

Edwin Almonte signed his card in the set for my friend Eric when he saw him before a Schamburg Flyers game on August 14, 2009.

#476) BLAS MINOR

Blas Minor joined the New York Mets when he was selected off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on November 4, 1994. The man with the unusual first name pitched for the Mets bullpen during two seasons. He explained the origin of his name to the NY Daily News, "It goes back to my grandparents," Minor said. "It's from the Bible. St. Blaise blessed throats. My name is a Mexican version of that name." Blas left New York when he was traded by the Mets to the Seattle Mariners for minor-leaguer Randy Vickers on June 9, 1996.

Blas Minor signed his card from the set from an autograph request mailed to his home on August 20, 2009.

"Whatever you do work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men."

(Colossians 3:23)

#99) NICK WILLHITE

Nick Willhite was traded by the California Angels to the New York Mets for Jack Hamilton on June 10, 1967. The veteran arrived to New York at the trade deadline and was only with the Mets for 12 days before being released and ending his major league career.

"I felt pressure every time I stepped on that mound," Willhite said. "Boy, when you got to the big leagues, you had to win. I never felt comfortable. I had to do it right then and if I didn't do it right then I was going to be sent out. So I forced my way through the pain. I remember a couple times I was hurting so bad that I had to go back to the clubhouse and puke. But I didn't want to say anything because I was afraid I was going to be pegged as having a bad arm so I just gutted myself up pretty good. It's very tough, because your rhythm is off and your concentration is off. You're trying to throw harder than you can. You're trying to do stuff your body won't let you do."

Nick faced several challenges after his playing career ended. Following three failed marriages he found himself living on the streets of Salt Lake City as a drug and alcohol addict. He reached out to former Dodgers teammate, Stan Williams in 1989. It was Stan who put him in touch with the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.), which helps former players in need. Two days later Willhite entered a drug treatment center. After he completed a rehab program, Herman Franks helped him find a proper place to live. Don Newcombe and Peter O'Malley assisted Nick in getting his 1963 World Series ring back. He earned the ring as a rookie with the Dodgers and had hocked it a few years earlier when he needed $1,100 to fix his car.

Nick ultimately became a Utah-based alcohol counselor and a coach at a youth baseball program with Brigham Young University. Willhite was diagnosed with cancer and passed away at his son's home on December 14, 2008.

Nick Willhite signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to his home. I received the return on December 1, 2008, just days before his passing.

#622) JOHN VALENTIN

John Valentin joined the New York Mets as a free agent on January 30, 2002. During his season with the Mets he appeared at all four infield positions. Before coming to New York, John had both completed an unassisted triple play (July 8, 1994) and hit for the cycle (June 6, 1996) as a member of the Boston Red Sox. His season as a Met would be his last of an 11 year major league career.

John Valentin signed his card in the set for me from a request sent to the Chattanooga Lookouts team address on August 8, 2009. He is currently the manager of the team.

#273) ELLIS VALENTINE

Ellis Valentine joined the New York Mets when he was traded by the Montreal Expos for Jeff Reardon and Dan Norman on May 29, 1981. Valentine was a superb outfielder with a tremendous throwing arm. He left after the 1982 season as a free agent and signed with the California Angels.

He is the founder of AV Light Foundation in Lancaster, California. It is a family counseling center that focuses on parenting classes, anger management, and drug and alcohol education.

Ellis Valentine signed his card from the set for my friend Gerry at a private signing on August 7, 2009.

#95) BILL DENEHY

Bill Denehy was signed by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent in 1965. He appeared in 15 games for the Mets during the 1967 season. Bill was traded with $100,000 to the Washington Senators for Gil Hodges on November 27, 1967. Denehy later returned to the Mets organization but never appeared in another big league game for them. He was traded with Dean Chance to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Jerry Robertson on March, 1971.

Bill Denehy signed his card in the set for me from an autograph request sent to his home on November 20, 2008.

#8) LARRY BURRIGHT

The New York Mets traded Bob Miller to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Larry Burright and Tim Harkness on December 1, 1962. Larry was in 41 games during 1963 for the Mets, but only appeared in three for them in 1964. Two of those found him playing second base during the first two games of the new Shea Stadium. The last of which was his final game in the major leagues.

Larry Burright signed his set card on October 27, 2008 from an autograph request sent to his home.

#115) LES ROHR

Les Rohr was selected by the New York Mets in the first round (second overall pick) of the inaugural free agent draft on June 8, 1965. He made his major league debut with the Mets on September 19, 1967. That year he earned a 2-1 record with a fine 2.12 ERA in three starts. Les was with New York for two games of the 1968 season and a single game during the magical 1969 Miracle Mets season. It would prove to be the last of his major league career. Rohr's contract was sold to the Milwaukee Brewers in October of 1970. He would not pitch for them after having to undergo spinal fusion surgery.

"I'm very proud of what I did, the talent I had," Rohr was quoted. "I wish I hadn't got hurt."

Les Rohr signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to his home on April 17, 2009.

#357) BOB McCLURE

Bob McClure signed with the New York as a free agent on July 13, 1988. This was only shortly after Bob had been released by the Montreal Expos for whom he had pitched the previous two seasons. The move reunited him with former teammate Keith Hernandez. Both had played for the College of San Mateo and even went as far back as Little League baseball in California during their youth. McClure appeared in 14 games for New York while battling several injuries. Only recording one save during that time. He was released by the Mets on October 27, 1988.

Bob McClure signed his card in the set for my friend Sam when the Kansas City Royals played the Baltimore Orioles on July 30, 2009. He is currently the pitching coach for the Royals.

#118) J.C. MARTIN

J.C. Martin was acquired by the New York Mets as the player to be named later in the Ken Boyer trade to the Chicago White Sox. Martin joined the Mets to start the 1968 season. Primarily filling the role of third catcher (behind Jerry Grote and Duffy Dyer) he played two years in New York. J.C. was a member of the 1969 World Champion Miracle Mets. His bunt in game four of the World Series proved to be a game winner. The Baltimore Orioles were deadlocked with the Mets at 1-1 in the game at Shea Stadium. Martin came to bat as a pinch-hitter for pitcher, Tom Seaver in the bottom of the 10th inning. Rod Gaspar was on second base representing the winning run. J.C. bunted and Orioles pitcher Pete Richert fielded the ball. While Martin was running to first base, Richert's throw struck him on the arm. The errant throw allowed Gaspar to score from second base and give the Mets the victory 2-1.

Replays later showed that Martin was running inside the baseline and therefore could have been called out for interference. The umpires ruled that he was not intentionally interfering with the play and upheld their original call of safe. As a result of this play the "running lane" that extends halfway down the first base line to the bag was added to all professional ball parks. A runner can be running inside this lane and hit by the ball without interference being called.

J.C. Martin signed his card in the set, adding a great "1969 World Series Champion" inscription, from an autograph request mailed to his home on November 30, 2008.

#326) JOE SAMBITO

Joe Sambito, who was born in Brooklyn, joined the New York Mets when he was signed as a free agent on April 26, 1985. He had been a successful pitcher with the Houston Astros for several years before that. Joe's time with the Mets was limited to only eight games coming out of the bullpen before he was released on August 23, 1985.

After his retirement from baseball in 1988 he has become a player agent working for SFX Baseball Group, Inc.

I purchased this signed index card from the legendary autograph guy, Jack Smalling and converted it into Joe Sambito's card in the set in January 2009. Jack's website is www.baseballaddresses.com

#324) ROGER McDOWELL

Roger McDowell was drafted by the New York Mets in the third round of the 1982 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in 1985 after a strong spring training. Roger had previously been a starting pitcher in the minors but had become quite a successful reliever now. McDowell was a member of the 1986 World Champion Mets team. After throwing a scoreless seventh inning he even was credited with the victory of the seventh game of that World Series.

The right-hander was a major prankster that routinely lit firecrackers in the dugout and administered many a "hot foot". So it was a perfect fit for him to appear on the television show "Seinfeld" as the mystery "spitter" from the grassy knoll in a Keith Hernandez episode.

McDowell is currently the pitching coach for the Atlanta Braves.

I created his card in the set (on October 14, 2009) from an index card Roger McDowell autographed for SCN member "Kingman15".

#532) BRIAN McRAE

Brian McRae was traded by the Chicago Cubs with Mel Rojas and Turk Wendell to the New York Mets for Mark Clark, Manny Alexander, and Lance Johnson on August 8, 1997. During the 1998 season McRae led the Mets team in doubles, triples and stolen bases. He was later traded from the Mets with Thomas Johnson (minor leaguer) and Rigo Beltran to the Colorado Rockies for Darryl Hamilton and Chuck McElroy on July 31, 1999.

Brian had studied broadcast journalism in college and put it to use after retiring from the game. Successfully working with MLB.com radio and ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" for several years. McRae became a part owner of WHB 810 AM, a sports talk format station.

Brian McRae signed his card in the set through his baseball program the KC Sluggers on October 13, 2009. The great Albert Pujols is just one of the many distinguished alumni of his program.

#701) CHRIS WOODWARD

Chris Woodward came to the New York Mets when he was signed as a free agent on December 29, 2004. During his first season in New York he played at seven different positions, including the entire infield. In addition to contributing on the field for the Mets , Woodward and his wife, Erin were invaluable to the team's charitable efforts. An injury plagued 2006 season saw him fall out of favor. Chris went to the dark side when he signed as a free agent with the evil Atlanta Braves on December 20, 2006.

Chris Woodward signed his card from the set for my friend, Greg before a Tacoma Rainiers game hosting the Fresno Grizzlies on May 1, 2009.

#634) TYLER WALKER

Tyler Walker was selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the free agent draft on June 3. 1997. Tyler would pitch his way through the minor league levels until making his major league debut with the Mets on July 2, 2002. Giving up a two run homerun off the bat of Philadelphia's Scott Rolen in the ninth inning of the Mets 12-6 victory. Walker would only pitch in five games that year for the Mets before being selected off waivers by the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 2003.

Tyler Walker signed his card from the set for me when the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs came to town to play the Indianapolis Indians on June 5, 2009.

#485) AARON LEDESMA

Aaron Ledesma was selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the free agent draft on June 4, 1990. "Do you remember the scene from Titanic when DiCaprio screams "I'm King of the world"? That's how it felt to me," Aaron remembered to Patrick Kennedy in 2006. "I remember driving in my car and screaming something similar."

The highly regarded prospect made his major league debut for the Mets at Shea Stadium on July 2, 1995. He entered the game as a pinch-hitter and stroked a single off Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher John Smiley. Thus recording a hit in his first MLB at-bat. Ledesma appeared in 21 games for the Mets during the 1995 season. Recording a .242 batting average in 39 plate appearances. He was traded to the California Angels in return for Kevin Flora on January 18, 1996.

"Bobby Bonilla and Doc Gooden were both very nice to me. I remember feeling like a little kid the first time I met them," said Ledesma. "But all of those guys were great. It's too bad that I was so self-absorbed at the time. I could've learned a lot more from them than I did. I wish I had another chance to get to know them on a deeper level." 

Ledesma played parts of four more seasons in the major leagues until 2000. He finished his playing career with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League in 2002. After that Aaron joined the New York Yankees organization as a minor league hititng coach. Reaching the position of manager of their Double-A Charleston Riverdogs in 2011. 

The former infielder found a new passion at the end of his playing career in 2003. "Nobody trains you for life after baseball," explains Ledesma. The training that he discovered for himself was Bikram style Yoga. He became certified as an instructor in 2005 and along with his wife, Karen opened their studio, Yoga 365 in Clearwater, Florida during 2012. Aaron brought those skills back to the game of baseball when he developed and implemented a yoga sequence for the New York Yankees Minor League system in January 2014. 

Aaron Ledesma signed his card from the set for me following the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees game in Indianapolis on May 4, 2009. 

#385) CHARLIE O'BRIEN

Charlie O'Brien was traded with Kevin Carmody by the Milwaukee Brewers to the New York Mets for Kevin Brown and Julio Machado on August 30, 1990. O'Brien was a solid defensive catcher. He is best remembered for pioneering the hockey-style catcher's mask. He was playing with the Toronto Blue Jays when he invented this different style of mask. Charlie was granted free agency in October 1993 and signed with the Atlanta Braves a month later.

He is currently a baseball coach at Bishop Kelley High School in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I received Charlie O'Brien's signature on his set card through a private autograph signing on November 24, 2009.

#150) DON ROSE

Don Rose was drafted by the New York Mets in the 11th round of the 1968 Amateur Draft. His lone game for the Mets was at Shea Stadium on September 15, 1971. Don was traded by the Mets with Francisco Estrada, Leroy Stanton, and Nolan Ryan to the California Angels for Jim Fregosi on December 10, 1971.

Don Rose signed his card in the set on October 10, 2009 from an autograph request sent to his home.

#585) JON NUNNALLY

Jon Nunnally was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Mets for Jermaine Allensworth on November 12, 1999. He appeared in 48 games for New York before the Orix BlueWave (Japanese Pacific League) purchased his contract from the Mets on June 8, 2000. Jon had not wanted to return to the minors so New York allowed him to negotiate a contract with Orix. "I'm used to playing everyday," Nunnally explained, "I was hoping to play a little more. I wasn't doing the job playing once a week."

Jon Nunnally signed his card in the set for me when the Columbus Clippers faced the Indianapolis Indians on April 13, 2009. Jon is the batting coach for the Clippers.

#20) BILL WAKEFIELD

Bill Wakefield joined the New York Mets when he was traded with George Altman from the St. Louis Cardinals for Roger Craig on November 4, 1963. Bill set a then team record for game appearances by a pitcher in 1964 with 62. He was also the starting pitcher facing the Cincinnati Reds in the first ever night game played at Shea Stadium on May 6, 1964.

Wakefield was honored by the Mets in 2009. He was asked to join Steve Dillon (who pitched the final two innings in 1964) to throw out simultaneous ceremonial first pitches at new Citi Field to commemorate the historical Shea Stadium game. Wise Snacks sponsored the event on July 10, 2009 during the first appearance of the Cincinnati Reds to the new park.

He became a sporting goods distributor after retiring from baseball in 1964.

Bill Wakefield signed his card in the set from an autograph request mailed to his home on November 8, 2008.

#26) STEVE DILLON

Steve Dillon was selected from the New York Yankees by the New York Mets during the first year player draft on November 26, 1962. The rules then stated that any drafted player must remain on the new team's roster or be returned. So Steve was with the Mets for two seasons, but only appeared in three games during that time. His second year was 1964 the opening year of Shea Stadium. Dillon would only throw one of his career games at the ball park. Just one, but a very distinctive one. Steve threw the final two innings of the first night game ever played at Shea Stadium on May 6, 1964. The Mets fell to the Cincinnati Reds by a score of 12-4 that evening.

Dillon was honored by the Mets in 2009. He was asked to join Bill Wakefield (Mets starting pitcher in 1964) to throw out simultaneous ceremonial first pitches at new Citi Field to commemorate the historical Shea Stadium game. Wise Snacks sponsored the event on July 10, 2009 during the first appearance of the Cincinnati Reds to the new park.

He enjoyed a career as a New York City police officer after retiring from professional baseball in 1964.

Steve Dillon signed his card from the set on October 28, 2008 from a mailed request to his home address.

#252) JOSE CARDENAL

Jose Cardenal became a New York Met when his contract was purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies on August 2, 1979. He appeared in 37 games for the Mets before he was released on August 13, 1980.

One of my favorite things about this set was the fun of finding and selecting the photographs to be used. This is one of my favorites. Jose has the same size hair as I did in 1979. I also had one of those immensely cool satin look Mets jackets that he is wearing. Ok, this does date us both I guess.

Jose Cardenal signed this card for me from an autograph request mailed to his home on January 24, 2009.

#295) MIKE TORREZ

Mike Torrez was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Mets for Mike Davis on January 13, 1983. The veteran said in a later interview, "I had liked New York (with the Yankees) so I didn't mind coming back." It was a young team and not nearly as successful as the clubs he had recently pitched for. So it is impressive that the 39 year old starter could register 10 wins in 1983. The next season Torrez would only appear in nine games. Mets manager, Davey Johnson had approached Mike about a move out of the starting rotation to clear a spot for Tim Leary. He explained, "Davey, I am not going to the bullpen." The Mets released Torrez on June 22, 1984.

After retirement from his active baseball career Mike has successfully formed his own company, MAT Premiums International. It specializes in promotional items that feature company logos.

Mike Torrez signed his card in the set for my friend Stan when the Newark Bears played the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on May 9, 2009. Mike was the pitching coach for the Bears this season.

#716) SHINGO TAKATSU

Shingo Takatsu joined the New York Mets when he was signed as a free agent on August 12, 2005. He had been released by the Chicago White Sox who were the first major league team for which he appeared. Shingo did not finish the season with the 2005 White Sox team that won a World Championship, but was awarded a World Series ring by the club for his early season contributions. So he was the only "Mets" player to get one that year.

The submariner had previously played in the Japanese Professional Baseball league and had great success. Earning him the nickname, "Mr. Zero" because he has not given up a single run in his 11 Japan Series championship games.

Shingo appeared in nine games for the New York Mets registering a very respectable 2.35 ERA. Unfortunately he also allowed two home runs in only 7.2 innings of work. Those were actually the only two runs registered against him during his tenure as a Met. He was granted free agency on November 10, 2005.

I traded for the Shingo Takatsu signed index card used to make this card. It came from my friend, Dan (of DN Autographs.com) who had gotten it from Takatsu on September 9, 2004.