#505) ALVARO ESPINOZA

Alvaro Espinoza joined the New York Mets when he was traded from the Cleveland Indians along with Carlos Baerga in exchange for Jeff Kent and Jose Vizcaino on July 29, 1996.

"I got to think I'm the best defensive shortstop in the league," Espinoza was quoted in 1991 as a member of the Yankees. "I got to be positive. I think I'm the best." The Mets felt they already had a defensive gem at shortstop in Rey Ordoñez. "He does things in the field that would seem to be beyond reality," Alvaro said of his new teammate. "He makes plays that you can't even ask other people to try. That's why he is Rey Ordoñez." So Espinoza certainly understood when he more often found him time at second and third base.

Alvaro appeared in 48 games for New York and finished with solid offensive numbers. Collecting 4 home runs, 16 RBIs and a .306 batting average in 134 at-bats. The effort earned him an invitation to Mets training camp the next spring, but after Espinoza did not find himself a spot on the major-league roster he was released on March 26, 1997. Alvaro joined the Seattle Mariners for the 1997 season.

The Venezuelan infielder finished his playing career, and turned to coaching in 1998. He first worked with the Montreal Expos as their minor-league infield coordinator. The Los Angeles Dodgers organization gave him his managerial debut in 1999 with their Class-A Vero Beach team. Most recently he was a coach with the Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees in 2008.

Alvaro Espinoza signed his card in the set during a private signing arranged by All-Star Cards and Collectibles on September 26, 2009.

#395) DOUG SIMONS

Doug Simons was selected from the Minnesota Twins organization by the New York Mets on December 3, 1990. The Rule V selection made his major-league debut on April 9, 1991 at Shea Stadium. Doug came out of the bullpen, and was awarded the win as the Mets rallied to a 2-1 extra-inning victory. Simons came into the game in the bottom of the ninth, and kept the Philadelphia Phillies scoreless in his two frames of work. The Mets did their job with a solo-home run by Rick Cerone to tie the game, and a walk-off blast from Hubie Brooks to win it.

"You'd look at him on the mound and ask how the heck he was doing it," Mets manager, Bud Harrelson said of the 160-pound reliever. "He's interesting."

The southpaw earned a spot on the roster as the club's left-handed specialist. "It was just last year in Orlando when I started learning how to be aggressive," Simons said. "Before that I was 'crafty' and all those other words they use to describe someone who pitched tentatively. That was me. I pitched scared. It was always successful for me, but last year I decided I didn't want to be that way anymore. Today when I stand on the mound, I think I'm the boss. I'm aggressive. I pitch aggressive. I'm not afraid to throw a cutter inside on a guy's hands. And I like pitching a lot more like this."

At a diminutive 5 ft.-11 inches his biggest struggle might have been literally entering the major-league ballparks on the road. His youthful appearance forced many security guards to deny him access into the player's areas on more than one occasion. "Happens all the time," Doug said. "Philadelphia was bad. San Diego was really bad. They won't let me in." Simons devised a solution that involved taking his O-Pee-Chee baseball card from his wallet to verify his identity. A trick that seemed to work. "I told him to just keep his damn uniform on all the time," Harrelson said. "Sleep in it and wear it back to the park. Maybe they'd let him in then."

Simons remained with the Mets for the entire season. He appeared in 42 games for New York. The final of which was in the role of a starting pitcher on September 30, 1991. Doug surrendered six earned runs in just two innings of work to the Pirates in Pittsburgh. The performance hurt his statistics for the year, which ended with a 2-3 record, and 5.19 ERA.

The Mets dealt Doug to the Montreal Expos in exchange for Rob Katzaroff on April 2, 1992.

After his playing career ended in 1997, Simons became a pitching coach in the Mets organization for four seasons. He followed that with a four year stint as a full-time area scout for the Texas Rangers club. Covenant College chose Doug to restart their intercollegiate baseball program, and named him the head coach in 2005. "We are a Christ-centered program," explained Simons. "We want to give the young men in our program the opportunity to grow in Christ, get a great education and develop into players who could play at the next level."

Doug Simons signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to Covenant College on January 27, 2009.

#30) WILLARD HUNTER

Willard Hunter was sent to the New York Mets from the Los Angeles Dodgers to complete an earlier deal on May 25, 1962. He was the "player to be named later" from the trade that brought Charlie Neal to New York in exchange for Lee Walls the previous December. Hunter debuted with New York that year, which makes him one of the Original 1962 Mets.

The left-hander found himself back in the minor-leagues with Triple-A Buffalo for the 1963 season, but earned a promotion back to New York on June 18, 1964. He would throw an inning of scoreless relief to end a 10-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates that day.

"Hawk" Hunter had his best day as a New York Met on August 23, 1964. The reliever would pitch in both games of the double-header at Shea Stadium that afternoon. Willard was credited with victories over the Chicago Cubs in each of the contests. It took just a combined 1-2/3 innings of work to accomplish the feat. The two wins accounted for half of his career total with the Mets. The southpaw finished with a 4-9 record and 5.06 ERA over his two major-league campaigns in New York.

Hunter ended his professional baseball career throwing a final season in Buffalo. During 26 games of the 1965 season there he compiled a 0-2 record and 6.19 ERA.

Willard Hunter signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to his home on October 4, 2008.

#310) JERRY MARTIN

Jerry Martin signed with the New York Mets as a free agent on March 17, 1984. The ten-year veteran was initially brought to training camp at his own expense and without any guarantee of a job. Martin had served 81 days in a Federal prison on misdemeanor cocaine charges that winter. "A lot of ball clubs have gone through this," said Mets general manager, Frank Cashen in reference to player's drug problems. "It's a fact of life. I'm no humanitarian. If he can play, when he can play, we'll offer him a one-year contract." The Mets signed Martin even though he was suspended by Major League Baseball. It was ruled by arbitrator, Richard Block that Jerry and his past Kansas City Royals teammate, Willie Wilson could return to action on May 15th. The first day their drug suspensions were due to be reviewed.

"This whole last year has been the toughest thing I have been through in my life." said Martin. He made his Mets debut at Jack Murphy Stadium on May 18, 1984. His long road back was finally complete when he appeared as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning. Jerry flew out to rightfield during the 5-4 loss to the San Diego Padres.

Martin was always known as more of a defensive specialist during his career. Even so his performance at the plate for the Mets would suggest that the aftermath of the negative publicity had taken it's toll. Jerry finished with three home runs, five RBIs, and a career low .154 batting average in 51 games of the 1984 season. The Mets chose to release Martin on September 30th. It would be his final season playing in the major-leagues.

Jerry returned to baseball as a minor-league coach in the Philadelphia Phillies system in 1990. After 20 years in their organization, Martin joined the Detroit Tigers organization, and became the hitting coach for the Double-A Erie Seawolves in 2011.

Jerry Martin signed his card in the set for Chad (from Rochester) before the Akron Aeros and Erie Seawolves game at Jerry Uht Park on July 23, 2011.

#265) HUBIE BROOKS

Hubie Brooks was selected by the New York Mets organization in the first round (third overall pick) of the free agent draft on June 6, 1978. The Atlanta Braves took his Arizona State teammate, Bob Horner with the first overall pick. "What stands out to me, and I think about this so much," Brooks recalled about his introduction in New York following the draft. "My first interview was with Lindsey Nelson at Shea. I was from California and I'd seen him on TV with his different colored jackets and he was talking to me! When I went back to my hotel, I thought about it and I couldn't believe it. It dawned on me where I was playing. That is really a fond memory."

Hubie quickly worked his way through the minor-league system, and following a full year with Triple-A Tidewater was brought up to New York. He made his major-league debut in a Mets uniform on September 4, 1980. Brooks was the starting third baseman, but went hitless facing the Padres in San Diego that day. However, he was impressive over the late season audition and finished with a home run, 10 RBIs, and a .309 batting average in 24 games.

The Mets were glad to insert the rookie into the mix of a previously problematic third base position. Hubie was an accomplished athlete who was also given time in the outfield. The result being a club-leading .307 batting average in 98 games. Brooks was honored with National League Player of the Week honors on September 20, 1981. Hubie would finish third in N.L. Rookie of the Year voting behind Fernando Valenzuela and Tim Raines.

Brooks was named the Mets' everyday third baseman for 1982. A pulled left hamstring forced him to the disabled list from June 28th to July 22nd. The injury seemed to work against him as his batting average fell to .249 for the season. His two home runs in 126 games was also quite low for a corner infielder. Still he remained the third baseman for most of the next two years for a struggling New York ballclub. "I know what it's like to lose 100 games in a year." Hubie remembers. "We came last two years in a row with the Mets, and believe me that's no fun." So when the team acquired third baseman, Ray Knight in a trade on August 28, 1984, he accepted a permanent change to shortstop. Even though that assignment came with only one day's notice. Brooks explained, "we were in the pennant race...I couldn't be selfish." The Mets would ultimately finish behind the Chicago Cubs for second place in the N.L. Eastern Division.

On December 10, 1984, New York traded Brooks along with Mike Fitzgerald, Herm Winningham, and Floyd Youmans to the Montreal Expos in exchange for Gary Carter. The trade came as a surprise to Hubie who would go on to make two Major League All-Star appearances for the Expos. "But that's how the game is." said Brooks. "That trade had to be made for them to get what they wanted. I've never felt bad about that. Something had to go and it was me. I never took it personal. At least the Mets thought well enough of me to give me my first opportunity."

In a strange turn of events the Mets brought Hubie back to the team for the 1991 campaign. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Bob Ojeda, and Greg Hansell on December 15, 1990. Now a veteran power-hitter he was added to fill the void left by Darryl Strawberry's departure through free agency. Brooks made his return to New York quickly known with a steal of home to provide the decisive run in the season opener, and a 10th-inning walkoff home run to give the Mets a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Shea Stadium the very next game. "I'm glad to see the fans didn't forget me," said Hubie. "I always wanted to come back to where it started."

He was traded to the California Angels for Dave Gallagher on December 10, 1991. Brooks retired from the game in 1994, and moved back to the Los Angeles area where he grew up. "I came on back home and I had a daughter and we've been raising her," Hubie said of he and his wife Nedjin in 2010. "I haven't been in baseball at all. I've been able to be home. When you're younger playing ball, you're not really home."

I created Hubie Brooks card from an autographed index card given to me by my good friend, Jessie on August 6, 2011.

#374) ALEJANDRO PEÑA

Alejandro Peña was traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers along with outfielder, Mike Marshall to the New York Mets in exchange for Juan Samuel on December 20, 1989. The trade was part of the recasting of the bullpen for the 1990 season. New York had also brought in former Cincinnati Reds' left-handed reliever, John Franco.

"Every relief pitcher likes to save games," said Peña on his arrival. "I'd like to close games, too. My pride is in saving games." Alejandro made his Mets debut on April 9, 1990 at Shea Stadium. He entered in the eighth inning of the Opening Day contest with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Unfortunately, Peña allowed four hits and surrendered three runs without even recording a single out. His poor start in New York continued for him through late June. "I was pitiful," recalls Alejandro. "Everybody hit me hard." The veteran right-hander had allowed 17 earned runs in his first 30-2/3 innings for a 4.99 ERA. "I had a meeting with the Mets halfway through the season." said Peña. "Because they didn't believe in me, they didn't use me. I'd go ten days with one chance. You can't do that. I told them I had to pitch more to be effective. And I think I showed them. There's life left in this arm." Alejandro finished the season with a 3-3 record, five saves, and a lowered 3.20 ERA.

After deliberation the team chose to exercise his contract's option and return Peña for the 1991 campaign. "I don't blame them for having doubts then," Alejandro said during spring training. "I don't blame them for having doubts now." The reliever was always quiet among teammates in the clubhouse. Often sitting as if hypnotized. "He's certainly his own man, one who walks his own path," said Ron Darling. "It always takes a while to figure out a guy who is new to the team. A lot of people still don't have him figured out." Peña became the effective right-handed solution for the Mets bullpen they had hoped for. He was credited with six consecutive victories in relief, and found himself with a fine 6-1 record, four saves and 2.71 ERA on August 26th. It was days later that the Mets traded Alejandro to the pennant-chasing Atlanta Braves in exchange for Tony Castillo and Joe Roa. New York was in Atlanta for a series on August 28th when Peña was first informed of the deal. He had to literally walk across the field to join his teammates in the other dugout. The Dominican hurler ended the season well by becoming the Braves closer. Alejandro was part of a three-pitcher combined no-hitter on September 11th and pitched for Atlanta in the 1991 World Series.

"I never forget what Alejandro Peña once told me," said Braves pitching coach, Leo Mazzone in 1998. "He told me: 'How hard is it to go out there and get three outs?' I love that attitude. Every young reliever that goes through here I tell that to. It's a mental thing. I like pitchers who just take the ball and go out there and get three outs. Alejandro didn't care about anything else."

I created Alejandro Peña's card from an autographed index card given to me by my good friend, Jessie on August 7, 2011.

#568) VANCE WILSON

Vance Wilson came to the New York Mets when he was selected in the 44th round of the free agent draft on June 3, 1993. He made his major league debut as a member of the Mets on April 24, 1999. Vance would prove to become a very valuable back-up catcher to a club that had Mike Piazza in the starting role. Wilson filled in admirably during times he would spell the future Hall of Famer. He possessed a strong throwing arm, and an ability to throw out opposing base stealers. So he was often inserted into the later innings as a defensive replacement.

"I was excited to help our team, especially when our big guy is out." Vance once explained. He possessed a knack of excelling in both a starting and reserve position. A balance achieved through an understanding that they were indeed different. "When you sometimes go 8 to 10 days at a time without playing, you can't worry about putting together any big numbers," Wilson said. "So I just try to have a quality at-bat every time I go up there and let the situation dictate what I'm trying to do — move a runner, drive a ball, hit a sacrifice fly."

When asked, Vance cites his first major-league start as a favorite memory of Shea Stadium. He began the game behind the plate as the Mets faced the Chicago Cubs on July 4th, 2001. Wilson would call a fine game and contribute two hits, including a double, in the 2-1 New York victory.

The Mets traded Vance to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Anderson Hernandez on January 6, 2005.

Following his playing career, Wilson has begun teaching the game to future major-leaguers as a minor-league manager. Vance joined the Single-A Kane County Cougars in 2011. "I was never into the college thing, where you deal with parents and stuff like that, and I didn't want to do scouting." Wilson said. "I wanted to be able to fix kids and make them better. This was the perfect fit."

Vance Wilson signed his card in the set for me before the Kane County Cougars faced the South Bend Silver Hawks at Coveleski Stadium on July 23, 2011. Adding the date of his first major-league start.