#503) ANDY TOMBERLIN

Andy Tomberlin was traded from the Oakland Athletics organization to the New York Mets on May 1, 1996. The left-handed outfielder was acquired to replace injured Mets prospect, Jay Payton at Triple-A Norfolk. Tomberlin was undrafted out of high school, but won a contract with the Atlanta Braves in a 1995 open tryout camp. "I wanted to be an outfielder," Andy said. "But they ran out of pitchers. They knew I could pitch so they asked me to come out of the outfield. I struck out the side, so they asked me to pitch another inning. I struck out the side again. So they signed me as a pitcher. But I still wanted to be an outfielder."

Tomberlin got his wish while in the minor-leagues and proved to be a valuable hitter there. He was promoted to New York in mid-June and made his debut with the club on June 17, 1996 facing the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

His first start resulted in his first hit with the team. Andy was the right-fielder and added his first home run in the sixth-inning of the Mets 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Shea Stadium on June 20th. Tomberlin would enter 63 games for New York that season, but only 17 of those in the outfield. The majority of this appearances came as a pinch-hitter. He ended the year with three home runs, 10 RBIs and a .258 batting average.

A strong showing during spring training earned Andy a spot on the 1997 Mets opening day roster. Unfortunately a herniated disk in his back forced him to the disabled list on April 10th. He would not be able to play the remainder of the season. The free agent, Tomberlin played the next year with the Detroit Tigers before returning to the Norfolk Tides for the 1999 season.

"I'd like to start coaching and eventually manage," Andy told the New York Daily News in 1997. "I've invested too much time in the game not to put it to use after I am done playing." Tomberlin started that path first as a scout for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2001, and then moving to his first minor-league coaching position in 2003. He had progressed to the position of Triple-A hitting coach for the Charlotte Knights in 2012.

Andy Tomberlin signed his card in the set for me following the Charlotte Knights and Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field on August 6, 2012.

#758) BEN JOHNSON

Ben Johnson came to the New York Mets along with Jon Adkins when they were traded from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Heath Bell and Royce Ring on November 15, 2006. "Ben Johnson is a versatile outfielder who can play all three spots, has speed and shown some power," said Mets general manager Omar Minaya. "He is just 25-years-old and we feel he has yet to reach his potential."

The outfielder began the 2007 season at Triple-A New Orleans, but was summoned to New York when Shawn Green suffered a chip fracture in his right foot. Ben joined the club on the road in Los Angeles. Waiting to make his Mets debut as a defensive replacement in right field facing the Giants back at Shea Stadium. He was hitless in two at-bats during New York's 5-4 victory over San Francisco on May 29th.

Johnson would appear in a total of nine games for the Mets before he was returned to New Orleans on June 11th. Ben was sent to the Zephyrs once Shawn Green was reactivated. During his time in New York he recorded five hits in 27 at-bats, including a double and RBI, for a .185 batting average.

While playing with New Orleans, Ben suffered a broken ankle attempting to slide into second base. "The worst injury that I had sustained up to that point was a broken hand," said Johnson. "This was by far the worst I had ever been injured." The fracture required surgery on August 6th. His recovery prohibited any return to the roster in 2007, and lingered as he attempted to make the team in spring training the next year. He was officially released on May 5, 2008. Team officials left Johnson an invitation to return to the organization if his condition ever improved.

Ben continued an attempt to return to baseball. He was signed as a free agent with the Detroit Tigers in 2010. Unable to reach the major leagues, Johnson became the assistant coach for the Arizona Centennials of the Freedom Professional Baseball League in 2012.

Ben Johnson signed his card in the set for my friend Dana Dominion before a Arizona Centennials game in June 2012.

#491) ROBERT PERSON

Robert Person joined the New York Mets when he was traded from the Florida Marlins organization in exchange for Steve Long on March 30, 1994. The 25-year-old right-hander was sent to Double-A Binghamton where he compiled a 9-6 record with 130 strikeouts and a 3.45 ERA. Person split the 1995 campaign between Binghamton and Triple-A Norfolk. He was rewarded with a late-season call up to New York when rosters expanded at the close of the year.

Robert was used primarily as a starting pitcher in the minors, but made his big-league debut from the Mets bullpen on September 18, 1995. He threw two scoreless innings in the 7-1 New York loss to the Atlanta Braves at Fulton County Stadium. Days later, a steady rain at Shea Stadium postponed his home debut and first starting assignment in the major leagues. "I was on edge all night and I was so pumped up," Person was quoted. "My objective was to show what I can do and to pitch to the hitters like I can." Robert got that chance on September 27th, and made the most of his opportunity. He threw seven innings of one-run baseball and was credited with the 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Person also added a pair of singles and scored a run. "Getting my first major league win and my first major league hit were both just as exciting as the other," beamed Robert. "I was proud of myself and my team."

Person was given a chance to pitch from the New York bullpen to start the 1996 season. He struggled early and was returned to Norfolk at the end of April with a 8.44 ERA. He returned to the Mets in June, but this time in the starting rotation. It was a change that seemed to make all the difference. Robert  hurled 20 innings in his first three starts while striking out 20 hitters. "I'm not looking over my shoulder," Person said. "I'm pretty confident now." When injured Mets pitcher, Paul Wilson returned from the disabled list it returned Robert to the relief core on July 12th. He finished the year pitching a combination of the two roles that yielded a final record of 4-5, 89.2 innings, 79 strikeouts and a 4.52 ERA.

That winter the Mets traded Person to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for John Olerud on December 20, 1996. Robert would pitch nine years in the major leagues. Including a 15 win season with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2001.

Life after professional baseball was a struggle for Person. Bad business decisions saw the money he had earned disappear. "It's been hard," Robert told Sports Illustrated in 2011. "Sometimes I get down, But I try not to stay down. When you're playing you assume—by investing your money—you'll be set for life. Well, I trusted the wrong people. Bad people who took advantage." The former pitcher found limited work as a carpenter in Largo, Florida and played in several recreational leagues. "I left my ego at the door a long time ago."

I created Robert Person's card in the set from an autographed index card purchased from Kyle's Sportscards on November 20, 2011.

#246) MIKE SCOTT

Mike Scott was selected by the New York Mets organization in the second round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1976. The right-hander from Pepperdine University pitched very well for the Double-A Jackson Mets, but not as strong at the Triple-A level in 1978.

Scott earned a spot on the Mets staff with a good spring training the next year. He made his major-league debut with New York on April 18, 1979. Mike threw two innings in relief of Pat Zachary during the Mets 6-5 loss to the Expos in Montreal. His next appearance was as the starting pitcher at Shea Stadium on April 24th. Scott threw five innings and was credited with the victory in the 10-3 win over the San Francisco Giants.

Mike led the club's pitching staff with a 3.90 ERA in 1981. His 13 losses, and 100 runs allowed were the team highs the following season. The Mets traded Scott to the Houston Astros in exchange for Danny Heep on December 10, 1982. "Inconsistency has been Mike's tag," explained Mets broadcaster, Tim McCarver at the time of the trade. "But he could be a good pitcher someday."

"I was just trying to hang on." remembered Scott. "I think that you go through different phases when you get to the big leagues. The first phase is just to hang on. You try to stay on the team and see if you belong there or not. The next phase is to produce and do something, be one of the guys who contribute. After that you want to win a World Series."

The hurler added a new weapon by learning the split-fingered fastball from legendary coach, Roger Craig after joining the Astros.

All seemed to come together for Mike Scott in Houston during 1986. He would throw a no-hitter on September 25th at the Astrodome to clinch the National League Western Division title. The victory earned the right to face the Eastern Division winning Mets in the Championship Series. Scott dominated New York in his two starts, but saw his Astros fall to the eventual World Champions 4 games to 2. Although a member of the losing team, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1986 NLCS. It was the first time in baseball history that this had ever occurred.

Mike's performance was clouded by accusations that he illegally scuffed the baseballs he threw. The controversy was revisited during MLB Network's program "1986: A Postseason to Remember". "We knew this during the season," Keith Hernandez revealed during his interview. "because when you're the home team, every foul ball that goes up to the screen and gets rolled back down, the batboy collects it. It doesn't go to the visitor's side, It goes to the home team side, so we knew." Mike Scott returned with, "They can believe whatever they want to believe. Every ball hits the ground has something on it...I've thrown balls that were scuffed but I haven't scuffed every ball that I've thrown."

Scott left baseball after the 1991 season. Facing a surgery with a long rehabilitation he chose to leave with a career record of 124-108. The Houston Astros honored their right-handed star by retiring his jersey number 33 in 1992.  "I would have traded me too." Mike offered in 2003. "I have no animosity to the Mets. They got me to the big leagues." Scott has enjoyed time with family, and playing golf in his retirement. "My wife and I talked about traveling. We haven't really gone to Europe. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing now. I'm enjoying it."

Mike Scott signed his card in the set during a private signing in Houston on January 6, 2012.

#497) KEVIN ROBERSON

Kevin Roberson joined the New York Mets organization when he signed a minor-league free agent contract on November 12, 1995. The switch-hitting outfielder was invited to spring training camp in February. Roberson was taking part in team physicals when a routine blood test became eventful. "Sometimes when I take those tests, I start to feel like that," Kevin said. "I can't explain it. I just feel a little light-headed." He had to lie down for 10 minutes before the test could be completed.

Roberson earned the final outfield spot on the Opening Day roster after showing a quick bat with power. The slugger recorded five home runs in Florida. He made his New York Mets debut on April 3, 1996. Kevin delivered a pinch-hit single off Dennis Eckersley in the ninth inning of New York's 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at Shea Stadium.

Kevin got his first start of the season on April 27th. Manager Dallas Green was looking for help to shake up a struggling lineup. Roberson responded with a ninth inning three-run home run to help the Mets rally to a 7-4 win over the Pirates in Pittsburgh. He showed too much inconsistency at the plate to become the regular right fielder. The Mets chose to promote a highly-touted Alex Ochoa from the minor leagues to fill the position. Roberson appeared in 27 games before being outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on June 1st where he finished the season with the Tides. He ended up with three home runs, 9 RBIs, and a .222 batting average at the major league level.

Kevin left the organization when he signed as a free agent with the San Francisco Giants on November 25, 1996.

I created Kevin Roberson's card in the set from an autographed index card purchased from Kyle's Sportcards on November 20, 2011.

#410) JUNIOR NOBOA

Junior Noboa joined the New York Mets when he was selected off waivers from the Montreal Expos on October 8, 1991. The infielder had first gained attention in 1989 while a member of the Expos' Triple-A baseball team in Indianapolis. Junior led the league in hits while recording a 340 batting average that season. The Mets signed him to a one-year contract on January 30, 1992.

Junior made his Mets' debut on Opening Day. Noboa came off the bench during New York's 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. It was the first of 46 appearances that year. Only five of which came in a starting role. The right-handed hitter struggled at the plate. Registering only a .149 batting average that led to his option down to Triple-A Tidewater on July 27th.

The Mets granted him free agency on October 16th, and he would sign with the Cincinnati Reds organization. Noboa retired from his playing career following the 1995 season. Junior established a baseball academy in his native Dominican Republic and became the Director of Latin American Operations for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was presented the Roland Hedmond Award in 1997 as the member who best bestowed the "Diamondback"approach to the game. Junior was promoted to the position of Vice President, Latin American Operations in 2011. 

I created Junior Noboa's card in the set from an autographed index card purchased on October 17, 2011.

#359) DAVID WEST

David West was selected by the New York Mets organization in the fourth round of the free agent draft on June 6, 1983. The left-hander came to professional baseball straight from Craigmont High School in Memphis, Tennessee.

West established himself as a high level prospect with fine work in the minor leagues. Unfortunately for the southpaw there was an abundance of quality pitchers in New York. His 12-4 record with the Triple-A Tidewater Tides earned him the starting assignment at the 1988 International League All-Star Game and a late season call-up to the Mets. David made his long anticipated big league debut on September 24th in St. Louis. He threw five innings to earn the victory in New York's 14-1 win over the Cardinals. The performance was followed with an inning of relief work in Philadelphia four days later. He finished his first taste of the major leagues with two appearances, a 1-0 record and 3.00 ERA.

David was invited to major-league training camp the next spring with hopes of joining a talented starting rotation. He pitched well, but was assigned to Triple-A due to the depth in New York. "How can I go back to Tidewater and improve on a 1.80 earned run average?" West asked. "I came here expecting to make the team. I knew the Mets already had six good starters but I felt if David West pitched well, something would happen. I'm disappointed. I'm angry. I'm also not in a position to go in and demand anything. The ball's in their court. I have no leverage."

The young hurler was brought back to New York on June 11, 1989 with the trade of Terry Leach to Kansas City. This time he was assigned to work from the bullpen, and allowed him to make his first game appearance at Shea Stadium on June 15th. Although a starter his whole career, West thrived in his new relief role. The Mets ace pitcher, Dwight Gooden was removed from the rotation with an arm injury in July. David was given the opportunity to replace him. The rookie took the mound at Shea on July 6th, and allowed seven runs in just four innings of work facing the Cincinnati Reds. His second start yielded harsher results with eight runs in less than three innings against the Houston Astros.

David was returned to the bullpen. Just minutes before the midnight trading deadline, the Mets traded the formerly untouchable West, along with Rick Aguilera, Kevin Tapani, Tim Drummond, and Jack Savage to Minnesota on July 31, 1989. New York received pitcher Frank Viola from the Twins. "I know we're giving up a lot for Viola, he's one of the premier pitchers in baseball," Mets manager Davey Johnson said. "Any time we can get a player of this caliber, you have to make the trade."

After a 10-year major league career, that included a World Series with both the Twins and Philadelphia Phillies, the left-hander retired from pitching in 1999. He remained near the game by first serving as a high school pitching coach in Florida. Then later joined the staff at Memphis Baseball Academy in October 2011.

David West signed his card in the set for J&M Sport Cards at an autograph event held at 263 Marketplace in Warminster, Pennsylvania on April 7, 2012.