#423) STEVE SPRINGER

Steve Springer was originally selected by the New York Mets in the 20th round of the 1982 amateur draft. The right-handed hitting infielder was named the Doubleday Award winner for Class-A when he hit .338, with 12 home runs, and 88 RBIs for the Columbia Mets in 1983. After six seasons in the minor league system he had advanced to the Triple-A Tidewater Tides. He was there when the Mets traded him along with Tom McCarthy to the Chicago White Sox organization. New York received Vince Harris and Mike Maksudian in the deal on August 4, 1988. "I've never really felt like a prospect. That's the indication that I have gotten here," Steve said before the trade. "They don't have any plans for me. I'm just helping them out in Triple-A." Springer eventually made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians on May 22, 1990.

Steve returned to the Mets when he signed a free agent contract on December 19, 1991. It was not until the 1992 season, a full decade later, that he would finally reach Shea Stadium in a Mets uniform. Springer would strike out as a pinch-hitter leading off the ninth inning facing Mitch Williams on August 15, 1992. It was one of four appearances that Steve would have with the major league club before returning to Triple-A in late August. Springer collected two hits in five at-bats while in New York.

Springer would move to the Detroit Tigers organization in 1994. Following his playing career, he would spend five years as a scout with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2000, Steve became a player agent and the senior athlete advisor for the GAAMES agency in Scottsdale, Arizona. He began marketing "Quality At-Bats" an instructional CD on hitting technique in 2003. Steve later became a minor league performance coach with the Toronto Blue Jays organization. "I can't spell psychology", Springer explained about his ability to train future major league players. "I've got hard knocks, 6,000 at-bats. I think that God put me in Triple-A of 11 years to do what I'm doing right now."

"A 4-foot 11 freshman who barely makes the team, who doesn't start as a senior in high school, and I played in the big leagues?" Springer reflected in 2014. "I'm totally fine with my career."

Steve Springer signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to his home on May 29, 2010.

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, but God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36)

#438) DARRIN JACKSON

Darrin Jackson was traded by the Toronto Blue Jays to the New York Mets in exchange for Tony Fernandez on June 11, 1993. The trade was as much to move the disappointing shortstop as it was to acquire Jackson. The Mets true need at the time as a starting pitcher. "An outfielder is clearly not our No. 1 need," said general manager, Al Harazin at the time of the trade. "But he's a outfielder with power who can play defense. June is not a great time to be trying to make this caliber of trade. And this was the best deal I could make for Tony Fernandez."

Shortly after Darrin arrived in New York he was diagnosed with hyerthyroidism. The condition was causing him to sweat profusely and shake uncontrollably. He spent nearly two months on the disabled list while undergoing radioactive-iodine treatment and ingesting 10 pills a day. "I was relieved it wasn't cancer," said Jackson, "but it was an extremely disappointing set-back. I'd had good years and was about to get to the top and—boom—this hits. Suddenly I had to prove myself all over again."

He was able to play in 31 games and only hit for a .195 batting average, with one home run and seven RBIs. Darrin left the Mets at the close of the season to sign a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox on December 28, 1993.

After his playing career he worked as the color commentator for the White Sox television broadcasts. Jackson moved to the Chicago radio broadcasts in 2009.

Darrin Jackson signed his card in the set for my friend, Lou when the Chicago White Sox visited the New York Yankees on April 30, 2010.

#475) EDGARDO ALFONZO

The New York Mets began something special when they signed a young Venezuelan infielder as a free agent on February 19, 1991. Edgardo Alfonzo would play four years in the minor league system before making his major league debut on April 26, 1995. He made the jump from Double-A Binghamton to New York and enjoyed great success during his rookie season. "Fonzie" had been a natural shortstop early in his career, but proved he also had the ability to play all the infield positions. Alfonzo finished up with a .278 batting average and 41 RBIs. The year ending early when a herniated disc in his back forced him to the disabled list in August.

Edgardo's versatilty would be tested throughout his time with the Mets. Alfonzo moved to second base when the club added Rey Ordoñez as their slick-fielding shortstop. Then later moved to third base when Carlos Baerga came to New York. Only to again become the everyday second baseman in 1999 when the team brought in Robin Ventura. "I told the Mets if we're going to be a better team, I'll give it a chance," Alfonzo said. "I mean, I've played there before."

The 1999 Mets infield of Alfonzo, Ventura, Ordoñez, and John Olerud has often been referred to as "The Best Infield Ever". The quartet was featured on a Sports Illustrated cover proclaiming just that. For his efforts that year, Edgardo was selected to the National League Silver Slugger team after logging career bests in home runs (27) and RBIs (108).

Alfonzo had one of the greatest single games by a New York Met on August 30, 1999. He went six-for-six at the plate with three home runs, as the Mets defeated the Houston Astros by a score of 17-1. Edgardo scored a modern major league record six times and drove in five runs. "Tonight I just started having a good time and enjoying every at-bat," Fonzie said. "It's fun when you do good and win. I really enjoyed this game. It was one of those nights when everything was going well."

He was a member of the 2000 National League Champions that fell to the New York Yankees in the World Series. Alfonzo was named to his first Major League All-Star team that year.

When Ventura left the club, and Roberto Alomar was brought in to play second base, Edgardo willingly returned to playing third base during his final season in New York. The Mets chose not to resign their star over a dispute concerning contract length. He joined the San Francisco Giants as a free agent on December 15, 2002.

Alfonzo was in attendance with former Mets teammates, including Mike Piazza, and John Franco for the final game played at Shea Stadium in 2008. "It was fun, but I felt confused," said Edgardo. "In that moment I was feeling old, but I was only 35. Everybody asked what I was doing. I said, 'I still play.'"

Hoping for one last season, Fonzie was interviewed before the 2010 season. "My dream is to retire with the Mets colors," Alfonzo said. "That's my dream. It's what I'm praying for, maybe it will happen, maybe not, but dreams sometimes come true, you know." He continued, "I love the Mets and I love the Mets fans. I would like that dream to come true."

Edgardo Alfonzo signed his card in the set for my friend, Lou after the New York Yankees and New York Mets game at Citi Field on May 22, 2010. Fonzie was part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the 2000 World Series team that night.

#269) TIM LEARY

Tim Leary was selected by the New York Mets in the first round (second overall pick) of the free agent draft on June 5, 1979. He made his major league debut on April 12, 1981, when the Mets visited Wrigley Field to battle the Cubs. Tim got the starting assignment on a cold and dreary day. Leary was forced to leave after throwing only 37 pitches in the first two innings of the game. The hard-throwing prospect had not allowed a hit or run to that point. His arm injury was termed as a strain in his right elbow.

It was discovered that the rookie had possibly injured the muscle during an exhibition game in Jackson, Mississippi a few days earlier. Or perhaps before that while in spring training. "A few days before Jackson," Leary said, "I was shagging fly balls in the outfield in St. Petersburg. I was feeling good, and I was throwing the ball fairly hard back to the infield. I don't actually remember any pain then. But later, in the sixth inning in Jackson, I did feel some soreness."

After spending time on the disabled list, he finished the season with Triple-A Tidewater. Joining the Tides on August 2nd, and registering a 1-3 record with a 3.71 ERA.

Tim would not find his way back on the major league roster again until September 25, 1983. In a bit of irony he would start the game facing the same Cubs at Wrigley Field. This time when Leary was removed in the second inning, it was after Chicago had scored six times. Only one of which was an earned run. The Mets would ultimately lose the contest by a score of 11-7.

His next turn in the rotation was a success. Tim recorded his first major league victory by besting the Montreal Expos on October 2, 1983. Leary threw a complete nine-inning performance and struck out eight at Shea Stadium on the final day of the season.

In 1984, the Mets initially had the recovered right-hander pitching in the starting rotation. After a couple of starts he was shifted to the bullpen. Finishing the season with 20 appearances and a 3-3 record with a 4.02 ERA.

Tim was part of a four-team trade that involved six players on January 18, 1985. Leary was sent to the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Mets received Frank Wills from the Kansas City Royals. He would win a World Series Championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988.

After his active baseball career, Tim returned to his alma mater, UCLA. He served as their pitching coach from 1997-2000, and again in 2004. Leary later became the pitching coach for Loyola-Marymount University in 2005.

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

#345) DAVID CONE

David Cone came to the New York Mets when he was traded along with Chris Jelic by the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Ed Hearn, Rick Anderson, and Mauro Gozzo on March 27, 1987. The 24-year-old prospect, Cone was available only because the Royals greater need for a catcher. "Going from the Royals to the Mets, I was going from the best staff in the American League to the best in the National. I was concerned about getting a job," Cone remembers. "John (Schuerholz, Kansas City general manager) said the Mets had been offered every other pitcher in the organization, but they wouldn't give in. I was the pitcher they wanted."

The Mets insistence was rewarded when David emerged as one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. The 1988 season was his first full one in the major leagues. Cone finished with a record of 20-3, while compiling 213 strikeouts (second to only Nolan Ryan that year), and a 2.22 ERA. He was named the National League Pitcher of the Month in May, and finished third in the Cy Young Award voting. Not only had he secured a spot in the rotation, David had become an ace of the staff. Cone was selected as a Met to the Major League All-Star team in both 1988 and 1992.

"I was considered a flake in Kansas City," David said, with a sly smile. "I fit right in when I came here." Cone had come over with a reputation as a spirited young bachelor who enjoyed the nightlife. "The swaggering, arrogant Mets," he said fondly. "We played hard and we partied hard. I'm not ashamed of that. I was no angel—I did some things I shouldn't have done, lived a lifestyle I shouldn't have lived. I had a blast at times; other times, I probably compromised my job, my duty to do my job, to be ready as a professional."

On the mound he was astounding. The final day of the 1991 season he faced the Philadelphia Phillies and fanned 19 batters in his nine-inning shutout victory. Raising his total to a league best 241 strikeouts for the year. Cone had also been the National League leader in 1990.

David was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Jeff Kent and Ryan Thompson on August 27, 1992. In the final year of his contract, the Mets felt little chance of being able to resign the star on the free agent market. Cone would capture his first World Series Championship with the Blue Jays that season.

Cone returned to the Mets when he signed as a free agent on February 13, 2003. The now 40-year-old pitcher had sat out the previous season and wanted to see if indeed his career was at it's end. An arthritic hip proved to be too great an obstacle and he announced his retirement during a press conference at Shea Stadium on May 30th. He said, "I'm very thankful to the Mets for allowing me to come back to New York and do this properly, as opposed to last year when I just kind of faded away."

In 1996, he established the David Cone Foundation, an organization to assist children's charities.

David Cone signed his card from the set for my good friend, Jessie at the Steiner Sports Store inside Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY on May 15, 2010.

#301) JUNIOR ORTIZ

Junior Ortiz was traded along with Art Ray from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the New York Mets in exchange for Marvell Wynne and Steve Senteney on June 14, 1983. He would make his debut with the club the very next day. Then play consistently as the team's catcher in place of the injured John Stearns. During his first season Junior appeared in 68 games and hit for a .254 batting average. He would lose his starting position to rookie, Mike Fitzgerald during the 1984 season.

The Puerto Rican native was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Rule V Draft on December 3, 1984.

Junior Ortiz signed his card in the set through a private signing held by Tom Orr on May 17, 2010.

#300) DARRYL STRAWBERRY

Darryl Strawberry was selected by the New York Mets as the first overall pick in the amateur draft on June 3, 1980. Perhaps no other player in Mets history came into the major leagues with as much fanfare and expectations as the left-handed slugger from Los Angeles, California. He made his big-league debut on May 6, 1983 at Shea Stadium facing the Cincinnati Reds.

"It was so nerve racking." Darryl remembered. "Mario Soto on the mound for the Reds, one of the top pitchers in the game. Fans cheering. The stage so much bigger and more electrifying than playing in the minor league ballpark. You've got everything going, TV cameras, the whole thing. Soto struck me out three times that night with that changeup of his, and I told myself, 'He's never going to get me out again.'" For his career against Soto, Strawberry would bat .333 and hit five of his 335 home runs.

As a young hitter it seemed like there was nothing that he could not accomplish. When he approached the plate all eyes in any ballpark were transfixed upon him. An electricity emerged with each swing. The media referred to Darryl as the black Ted Williams. Lofty praise for certain. "No doubt he's got great natural talent," the legend, Ted Williams himself observed in 1986, after watching Strawberry play. "He's going to get better, to be sure. When he misses balls, he looks good missing 'em. He's a big tall kid like I was, and he's got a big swing like I had."

Strawberry was selected as the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year and a seven-time MLB All-Star (1984-1990) with the Mets. He was also the National League Home Run Champion in 1988 with 39 round-trippers. The charismatic "Straw" became a media sensation.

In 1986 he realized his dream, and that of a second generation of Mets fans. Darryl was a member of the 1986 World Championship club that defeated the Boston Red Sox in seven games. A victory that had to be sweet for the outfielder who was endlessly serenaded by a juvenile taunting chant of "Darrrryl...Darrrryl" from the Fenway Park crowd. Strawberry even helped in sealing the Red Sox team's fate with a long home run in the deciding Game 7. Over two million people attended the ticker tape victory parade in New York. One that featured Darryl smiling and waving from a red Cadillac convertible. In the vehicle, 16-month-old Darryl Jr. clung to his mother, a safe haven from the whirling madness.

The Mets would not return to the World Series again during Strawberry's time there. Both he and good friend, Dwight Gooden began to become the victims of bad off-field behavior. Problems involving both substance abuse and infidelity would derail Darryl's once promising career. He chose to return home to California and play for the Dodgers. Signing a free agent contract with Los Angeles on November 8, 1990. "I have a lot of regrets over what I've done," Strawberry said at the end of his career. "If I had it to do over again, I would have never left the Mets."

Darryl successfully received treatment for colon cancer in 1998. After continued problems with substance abuse he served prison time in 2002 for violating parole from an earlier 1999 sentence. His life now turned around, Strawberry has served as a special instructor for the New York Mets. Mentoring to current players in an effort to keep them off the path he has traveled.

He married his third wife, Tracy in October 2006 and the two founded "The Darryl Strawberry Foundation". An organization that is dedicated to children and adults with autism. A Christian man with a new focus on life, Darryl said, "I want them to see the remarkable man who I always knew I had the capabilities of being. And not playing baseball, but the remarkable man God has me. They see that today. I am so proud of what the Lord has done for me and through me. You become a splitting image of God's image when the world can see that you're different."

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

Darryl Strawberry signed his card in the set for my good friend, Jessie during a public signing at the Best Buy store in Flushing, NY on April 6, 2010.