#320) JOHN CHRISTENSEN

John Christensen was selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1981. The Fullerton, California native enjoyed a successful baseball career at Cal State University. A game that he loved to play, but could never sit to watch more than two innings of on television.

Christensen was promoted to New York as a late-season call-up after posting a strong .316 batting average and 15 home runs for the Triple-A Tidewater Tides. He made his major-league debut at Shea Stadium on September 13, 1984. The right-handed hitting outfielder came in as a pinch-hitter and late-inning replacement for Darryl Strawberry during the 14-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The talented Strawberry provided a definite challenge for John. The Mets were quite covered in right field with the young slugger. "I know he's got the job and he's going to be out there for a long time," said Christensen. "But if I let that affect me, it will only hurt me." John ended his brief first stint in the big-leagues with five game appearances over which he drove in three runs and registered a .273 batting average.

On April 1, 1985, Christensen became forever linked to Mets lore. Sports Illustrated Magazine featured a story by George Plimpton titled, "The Curious Case of Sid Finch". In the account a trio of young Mets prospects were asked to hit off a very unorthodox and secret pitcher. John was prominently featured as the first batter to face Sid Finch. "As for hitting the thing, frankly, I just don't think it's humanly possible." Christensen was supposed to have said. "You could send a blind man up there, and maybe he'd do better hitting at the sound of the thing." The story proved to be an elaborate April Fool's Day prank.

He did make the major-league roster for the start of the 1985 season. Only in an unfamiliar role of a reserve player. "Being the type of player John is, he's very competitive and wants to be in the game at all times," explained teammate, Gary Carter. "Being a platoon player is not his first choice." Perhaps it was the unfamiliarity of the assignment, but Christensen struggled for consistency at the plate when his opportunities came. "I am happy to be here but my confidence is down." John said to the Los Angeles Times in June. "When I go to the plate, I want to do so well that I do just the opposite."

In 51 games he struggled to a .186 batting average with three home runs and 13 RBIs. Christensen was traded along with Calvin Shiraldi, Wes Gardner, and LaSchelle Tarver to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Bob Ojeda, John Mitchell, Tom McCarthy, and Chris Bayer on November 13, 1985.

John would play in the major leagues again with both the Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins before retiring after the 1989 season.

I created John Christensen's set card from a signed index card purchased on November 20, 2011.

#663) DANNY GARCIA

Danny Garcia was selected by the New York Mets in the fifth round of the free agent draft on June 5, 2001. The Pepperdine University star began his professional baseball career with the newly formed Brooklyn Cyclones on July 1st. "For his first seven contests with Brooklyn, Garcia made a key play in every game." recalls Ed Shakespeare of the The Brooklyn Paper. Danny and his aggressive style of play quickly advanced through the Mets minor league system. "Just hard-nosed," Garcia explained. "I'm not the type of player who's going to have three days where I run hard and the other four days not run hard."

The Mets rewarded Danny when rosters expanded, and promoted him from Triple-A Norfolk. He made his big-league debut at Shea Stadium on September 2, 2003. Daniel Garcia, Sr. traveled from southern California to New York and witnessed the event. He was in the stands when his son singled in his first major-league at-bat during the Mets 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves. "I'm just glad that all the work in the winter and all the swings I've taken and all the preparation is paying off," Danny said afterward. "I knew it would." He also had an opportunity to show his grit to the hometown crowd by hanging in at second base during a contested double-play. Marcus Giles attempting to break up the play slid hard into Garcia, who was able to still make an accurate throw for the out. "That's what I do," said Danny while receiving treatment from the trainer following the game. "If he's standing there, I'd do the same thing. I told him that."

Danny's favorite day as a New York Met came during an afternoon contest at Shea on September 10th. "It was the day I hit my first double and first major-league home run off Mark Redman of the Marlins." Garcia shared. "After the game, I was scheduled to take a limo to Brooklyn to throw out the first pitch of their Championship Game. It was a surprise to me that Steve Correa (a college friend also drafted by the Mets) was able to catch my first pitch. What a day. A dream come true." The Cyclones granted Danny the honor due to his distinction of becoming the first player in their history to reach the major leagues. An accomplishment celebrated again with a bobblehead giveaway at KeySpan Park in 2004.

Garcia appeared in 19 games for the Mets to close the 2003 season. During 56 at-bats he hit two home runs, drove in six runs, but only managed a .214 batting average. A fact that might have led to his beginning the 2004 season back with the Norfolk Tides. "I don't have anything that really stands out," Garcia told the Bergen Record. "But I can do a lot of things if you give me a whole season. Everybody talks about how valuable an experience it was, and it's completely true. When things are new you are not comfortable in your environment."

José Reyes suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to the disabled list in late April. The Mets recalled Garcia to play second base during the infielder's absence. Danny delivered in a starting role by going 6-for-12, with one home run, and four RBIs during his first week back in New York.

Garcia continued to impress the Mets staff with his hustle, but slumped at the plate following a thumb injury. Danny saw his playing time diminish due to the emergence of Ty Wigginton as the everyday second baseman. The Mets wanted to see him continue to develop through regular action. To accomplish this they returned the young player to Norfolk on June 9th. "It never feels so great to go down, but I completely understand," Garcia said. "I think there's good both places."

It was a brief move that only lasted until August. Danny's return to New York would continue through the end of the season. In total he appeared in 58 games and contributed three home runs, 17 RBIs, and a .232 batting average during 2004. The Mets were unable to find a permanent roster spot for him, and he was released on March 16, 2005.

Danny played in the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees systems before joining the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League in 2007. Following his playing career, Garcia was able to remain in baseball as a trainer. He was named the Mariners minor league system's Coordinator of Sports Science and Performance in 2010. Working with Peak Performance Project he became part of an innovative conditioning program with Seattle.

Danny Garcia signed his card in the set from a request sent to the Seattle Mariners on January 13, 2012. Adding the date of his fondest memory at Shea Stadium.

#92) JERRY KOOSMAN

Jerry Koosman joined the New York Mets when he signed as a free agent on August 27, 1964. The left-handed pitcher was an engineering student when he was drafted into the Army in 1962. During his service years, Koosman was playing baseball with Queens native John Luchese, whose father happened to be an usher at Shea Stadium. John was the team's catcher, and wrote to his dad about the talented pitcher. After the tip was passed on to Mets farm director, Joe McDonald the southpaw farm boy from Appleton, Minnesota was offered a contract.

"Kooz" was far from impressive in his first minor-league season. In fact the Mets organization had decided to release him in 1966. The only thing standing in the way was a $50.00 loan the Mets had given him for a road accident while traveling to spring training. McDonald had arranged for the debt to be repaid from Koosman's future paychecks. So the Mets granted a reprieve. The hard-throwing southpaw learned to throw a slider from pitching coach Frank Lary, and his fates were immediately changed. "I caught on to it right away," remembers Jerry. That season he was 12-7 at Class A Auburn with 174 strikeouts and a league-leading 1.38 ERA.

Koosman made his major-league debut with the New York Mets on April 14, 1967. Throwing from the bullpen he tossed 2.2 innings of scoreless relief at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia during a 5-1 loss to the Phillies. He would appear in a total of nine games for New York that year, but spent most of the year at Triple-A Jacksonville.

The 1968 campaign was the first for new Mets manager, Gil Hodges. He chose to add the young Koosman into his starting rotation. Jerry rewarded that decision with an amazing first full season in the majors. Kooz was selected to the first of his two Major League All-Star Games representing New York. The lefty established a new club record with 19 victories, seven shutouts, and recorded a 2.08 ERA. He would fall one vote short of Cincinnati Reds catcher, Johnny Bench in the 1968 National League Rookie of the Year ballot.

Jerry paired with right-handed pitcher, Tom Seaver to create a formable top of the rotation. They became the cornerstone of the "Miracle Mets" team that brought the franchise their first world championship. Koosman states his greatest moment of a legendary Mets career came during Game 5 of the 1969 World Series at Shea Stadium. "There was so much noise, you couldn't hear the crack of the bat to judge how well the ball was hit," says Jerry. "Your first glance, you see the outfielder go back and you pray it isn't out of the ballpark." The flyball from Baltimore Orioles second baseman, Dave Johnson's bat nestled into the glove of Cleon Jones and the Mets became World Champions. Actually the club won all six of the postseason games started by Koosman.

It would be 1973 before the Mets would return to the postseason. Once again it was pitching that propelled a club that finished with the lowest winning percentage of any team in baseball history. "I don't know what we ever did to turn it around," Jerry said. "We only won 82 games." It was during an August team meeting held by the very business-like chairman M. Donald Grant that a Mets motto was born. "He told us, 'You've got to believe,' and then he left and closed the door, Tug McGraw starts yelling, 'Ya gotta believe! You gotta believe!,' " Koosman recalls. "He was making fun of him, but he said it with such emphasis that it kind of stuck. We kept saying it to each other." The club would finish strong and defeat the 1973 Cincinnati Reds club to advance to the World Series. Kooz was once again strong at Shea Stadium during the Fall Classic. "I'll be sitting in the dugout," Jerry told Sports Illustrated Magazine. "and the crowds will get going and I'll feel a chill up and down my spine." New York would battle a powerful Oakland A's team, but lose the deciding Game 7 in California.

Despite his career success, Koosman always seemed to be lost in the shadow of future Hall of Famer, Tom Seaver. "I'm perfectly satisfied with the role he played and the role I played," Jerry said in 2008. "I'm satisfied if I don't get any publicity." In what was possibly his best personal performance he went on to record 21 victories, and a 2.69 ERA during the 1976 season. Further establishing him as one of the greatest men in New York Mets history.

On December 8, 1978, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Jesse Orosco and Greg Field. That ended a 12-year career that saw 140 wins, 1,799 strikeouts, and a 3.09 ERA. "I was sad to leave New York, but New York was in a rebuilding process at the time," says Koosman. "I wanted to move on and play for a club that had a chance to win."

Jerry was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1989.

Koosman returned to engineering after retiring from baseball in 1985. Purchasing Mesa Technologies, Inc and moving the business to Wisconsin. Working at Mesa, he received a patent for a Clean-In-Place Automated Food and Beverage Dispenser. Better described as a self-cleaning soft-serve ice cream machine.

In his spare time Jerry enjoys ice fishing and golf. He was honored at the closing ceremonies for Shea Stadium on September 28, 2008. "It was a great day, just wish the Mets had won that last game but it was a fun day. I got to see a lot of the guys from the past." said Kooz.

Jerry Koosman signed his card in the set from an autograph request sent to his home on January 7, 2012. Adding "The 5th Game of the WS '69" in celebration of his greatest moment at Shea Stadium.

MENTIONED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES!

I am breaking from the normal format of the blog to share a fun development. This morning found me doing what I often do. Reading about our Mets online. The New York Times is a terrific source of information so they always get a look. Rich Sandomir wrote an article today titled, "Mr. Met Keeps His Head Up" and amazingly it mentioned this blog! (We are on the second page online and page B13 of the printed paper) What a tremendous surprise since I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sandomir. He exhibited his wisdom in covering the Mr. Met story and not forgetting the legendary Daniel Reilly. Just glad that we were able to help in keeping his tale alive.

I can not thank my good friend, Jessie Burke (member of the Mets Underground) enough for his efforts in helping me locate Mr. Reilly. Without that this would never of happened.

Thanks to all the Mets fans who read this blog, and the many that have assisted in making this collection possible. What a neat way to begin the year of the Mets 50th Anniversary!

-Lee

#520) RICK REED

Rick Reed joined the New York Mets when he signed as a free agent on November 7, 1995. The once overweight once-a-week sandlot pitcher from Huntington, West Virginia defied the odds and earned a shot at the major-leagues. Reed weighed 225 pounds when first signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986. He worked to lose 30 pounds and pitched his way through the organization. Rick won the first game of his big-league career on August 8, 1988. The 1-0 victory came as a spot start facing the Mets at Three Rivers Stadium. "I've dreamed my whole life of just getting the chance to pitch to the Mets, because they're such a great team. " the rookie said afterward. "I shut them out for eight innings? It can't be real."

Reed could only manage limited time at the major-league level. He passed through three organizations before accepting the role of a replacement player for the Cincinnati Reds during the strike of 1994. The stigma would remain with him and eventually end his days in Cincy. "Water under the bridge now. I did it to help my parents. I told the Reds I wouldn't play in a regular-season game." Rick said in 2010. "Spring training broke and I went to Indianapolis. The strike was over. I don't think it's as much of a big deal as all this steroid stuff."

In New York the finesse pitcher hit his stride. Beginning with the 1997 season, Reed became a mainstay in the Mets' starting rotation. He developed the reputation of "a poor man's Greg Maddux". The right-hander registered double digit wins in each of his first four years in Flushing. He won the National League Player of the Week Award on May 4, 1997. When Rick was selected to represent the Mets during the 1998 Major League All-Star Game he said, "I think I can appreciate this more than anyone else." His ten year struggle through the minor leagues was far behind him.

On June 8, 1998, he joined the list of Mets pitchers to toss near no-hitters. Reed took a perfect game into the seventh inning facing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Shea Stadium. "It seemed like after I threw my first pitch they were really into the game." Rick said. A Wade Boggs double ruined the bid which ended as a three-hitter and a 3-0 New York win.

Rick was on the mound in another big moment at Shea the next season. He faced the Pittsburgh Pirates on October 2, 1999 and pitched what might have been his best game ever. Reed hurled a three-hit shutout, while striking out a career-high 12 batters. Rick even delivered a two-run single himself as the Mets won 7-0 to force a tie with the Cincinnati Reds for the National League wild-card lead on the second to the last day of the season. "After the Reds game, I started pacing from the locker room, to the trainer's room, to the weight room," Reed shared. "I had to be calmed down....The butterflies in my stomach were growing. They were big ones." The effort contributed to the Mets first appearance in the postseason since 1988.

The Mets bested that the next year when they repeated as the National League Wild Card entry in 2000. This time they advanced to the World Series facing the New York Yankees. Reed was the starting pitcher for Game Three of the Subway Series. "Just to stand out on that mound would have been thrilling enough." Rick explained. "But to pitch your first game and your team getting the win, that's the biggest thrill of all." The 4-2 victory at Shea Stadium was the only Mets win of the series.

Reed left the New York Mets when he was traded to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Matt Lawton on July 30, 2001. "I wish I could've ended my career in New York." Rick shared in 2010. "When I was traded, I was tore up. I can say it now that I'm not playing. That's how much we loved New York. Did I compete when I went to Minnesota? Absolutely. But there's no place like New York."

After his pitching career, he returned to his alma mater, Marshall University. He became the baseball team's pitching coach in 2005. "I was away from my kids more than when I played," Reed said. That fact resulted in his leaving the position to become a full-time dad. Rick and his wife, Dee have a son and daughter. "I used to miss playing, but right now they are keeping me so busy I don't have time to miss it."

I created Rick Reed's card in the set from an signed index card given to me by my good friend, Jessie on December 10, 2011.

#699) MARLON ANDERSON

Marlon Anderson first joined the New York Mets when he signed as a free agent on January 7, 2005. The versatile veteran came to the club on a minor league deal and unseated Joe McEwing to win the utility player spot on the roster.

The Shea Stadium fans witnessed the brand of hard-nosed baseball Anderson was known for on June 11, 2005. Marlon came to the plate as a pinch-hitter facing the American League West-leading Angels' closer Francisco Rodriguez. He stroked a drive that eluded Steve Finley and bounced along the warning track in right field. Anderson circled the bases and collided with Anaheim's catcher, Jose Molina upon reaching home plate. The collision resulted in three stitches to Marlon's cheek, and the first inside-the-park home run at Shea since 1989. "It was well worth it," Anderson said.

By the middle of his first year in New York, the left-handed hitter gained a more permanent place in the lineup. Manager, Willie Randolph installed the 5'11" Anderson as the team's starting first baseman. Former Gold Glover, Doug Mientkiewicz was fighting an injury that necessitated a replacement. "Nothing surprises me anymore," said Marlon. "You get to a point where doing things comes naturally. You just keep adding to your résumé. If you can hit they'll always find a place for you. I'm a guy that hits, and this is a team that needs hitting."

In total he played in 123 games for the season with seven home runs, 19 RBIs, and a .264 batting average. Anderson left the team when he signed a contract with the Washington Nationals on November 18, 2005.

His departure was relatively short-lived. Marlon returned to the Mets as a free agent on July 12, 2007. He had been released by the Los Angeles Dodgers the previous day. Back in New York he was a very productive pinch-hitter for the Mets. "This is the start of my season," was how Anderson described his return. He finished the year with a fine .319 batting average. Establishing himself as an invaluable bench option. "The biggest thing is that you can't look at it as being a pinch-hitter—you have to look at it as your chance to help the team that day," Marlon once offered about his craft. "The one thing you know is that you're usually coming up in a big situation, and that gets your attention."

The Mets signed Anderson to a two-year contract extension that winter. Injuries hampered his performance during the final season of Shea Stadium. He spent weeks on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring in both May and August. In June of 2008 he penned an inspirational note that was given to the team at a player's only meeting. It was a document designed to show players that they could reach 92 wins and the playoffs. "I was just encouraging the guys, saying- 'Don't believe what you read in the papers, what you see on TV.'" Marlon explained at the time. "The bottom line is it's not over, and we're going to be okay."

Anderson was a pinch-hitter during the final game at Shea. He recorded the second out of the eighth inning on the 4-2 loss to the Florida Marlins. His time with the Mets would conclude during the 2009 season.

When once asked what he might have pursued if he had not been a baseball player, Marlon responded, "Some sort of teacher or mentor or church leader. Trying to help people better themselves, believe in themselves, to get them to dream outside the box." So it was no surprise that at the conclusion of his playing career he began working with young players as a minor-league coach. First as the hitting coach for the Hagerstown Suns in 2011, and then the Potomac Nationals in 2012.

"I love to read uplifting books about people's lives," said Anderson. "I do a lot of things in my life, but I try to spend time wisely, to enrich myself and learn."

Marlon Anderson signed his card in the set for me before the Mets and Reds game at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati on July 19, 2008.

#523) ARMANDO REYNOSO

Armando Reynoso was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the New York Mets in exchange for Jerry DiPoto on November 27, 1996. The Mexican-born righthander made his Mets' debut at Shea Stadium on April 15, 1997. He started and tossed five innings of the 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers that day.

Reynoso recorded an even better performance on June 5th at Shea. Armando pitched his first complete game shutout leading the Mets to a 6-0 win over the Florida Marlins. "I've had a lot of good games," Reynoso said after the game. "But this is the best. Maybe someday I'll throw a no-hitter. That would be better." He faced 30 batters and matched a club record by inducing five double plays. "When I go out to the mound I feel big confidence," he explained. "because I know I have big defense."

On June 17th, he suffered his first loss as a member of the Mets. The finesse pitcher got off to a bad start facing the New York Yankees, and was trailing 4-0 in the second inning. A Luis Sojo line drive struck Armando on the inside of his left knee. "I could just feel my knee explode," Reynoso said. "I thought it was bad. I felt a lot of pain at that moment." He admitted to soreness in his previously repaired shoulder once being placed on the disabled list. Shoulder and elbow surgeries took their toll and ended his year as well as the start of the 1998 campaign.

Reynoso returned to the mound for the Mets on July 24, 1998. The rejuvenated hurler reeled off five consecutive victories upon his return to a six-man starting rotation. "I think that this team, this organization has been so patient with me when I came back. I have to prepare for anything," offered Armando. "I prefer starting." He pitched effectively through the conclusion of the year ending his second shortened season in New York with 11 starts, a 7-3 record and 3.82 ERA.

Armando left the Mets when he signed a free agent contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 2, 1998. The move allowed him to play ball closer to his native Mexico. "The two years in New York were very tough. I missed my family so badly." Reynoso revealed. "When you get hurt and you're not contributing to the team, it doesn't feel good. It's not about the money."

Diamondback Charities teamed with the pitcher to create "Armando Reynoso Field" in Somerton, Arizona. The baseball facility became the third park created through the "Diamonds Back" Youth Field Building Program on September 12, 2002.

Reynoso was named the bullpen coach for Team Mexico during the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and was enshired into the Salón de la Fama del Beisbol Professional de México in 2010.

Armando Reynoso signed his card in the set for my friend Hal during the Major League All-Star Game Fanfest on July 9, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona.