In our third installment, we travel back to the tumultuous year of 1964, a time when the New York Mets were just finding their footing in the Major Leagues. With a roster filled with rookies and seasoned players alike, the Mets were a melting pot of talent, hope, and anticipation. Baseball Digest, ever vigilant, had its eyes on these young upstarts, their scouting reports capturing the imagination of fans and analysts alike.
From the promising prospects heralded as the next big thing to the cautionary tales that hinted at potential pitfalls, the 1964 Mets were a canvas painted with bold predictions and cautious optimism. As we look back at the official scouting reports, preserved in the confidential files of Major League clubs, we'll uncover some of the stories that unfolded from these early forecasts.
Did the bright young stars live up to the hype? Were there diamonds in the rough that even the keenest scouts missed? Join us as we sift through the pages of history, comparing the dreams of yesterday with the realities of today, and rediscover the magic that makes baseball more than just a game—it's a journey through time, filled with hopes, dreams, and the undying spirit of America's pastime.
Craig Anderson Started at the End.
Turning to page 118 of the March 1964 Baseball Digest, we come across the first prospect listed: Craig Anderson The scouting report on Craig read, "Was best pitcher at Buffalo and will be used as a starter in Spring Training"
The scouting report on Craig noted him as the best pitcher at Buffalo and slated him to be a starter in Spring Training. It's interesting to note however that Anderson, signed with the Cardinals as an amateur free agent before the 1960 season, and had already made his MLB debut 3 years earlier on June 23, 1961. He was selected by the Mets in the 1961 MLB Expansion Draft on October 10, 1961, and played for them from 1962 to 1964. Anderson led the 1962 Mets in appearances and saves, despite the team finishing with a record of 40–120, the most losses by any Major League Baseball team in one season. Notably, on May 12, 1962, Anderson won both ends of the first double-header the Mets ever won against the Milwaukee Braves, but then went on to lose his last 16 decisions that season, with his losing streak ending at 19 games when his big league career ended on May 31, 1964. In that double-header, he became the first Mets pitcher to record two wins in a single day; a feat only two other Mets pitchers have accomplished since: Willard Hunter and Jesse Orosco. On September 18, 1963, Anderson was the losing pitcher in the last baseball game ever played at the Polo Grounds, when the Philadelphia Phillies, led by lefty Chris Short, defeated the Mets 5–1. Despite a f scouting report that said the Mets would transition him to a starter in Spring Training Craig only started one game in 1964, Anderson's career spanned 82 games with a record of 7 wins, 23 losses, 94 strikeouts, 192.1 innings pitched, 34 games finished, and an earned run average (ERA) of 5.10.
Oh Wilbur : Never Made the Majors or Held a Political Office.
Wilbur Huckle's scouting report described him as a shortstop with good hands, a hustler, but needing improvement in understanding the strike zone due to his young age. His potential was recognized, contingent upon his ability to develop further.
Huckle's reputation likely stemmed from reports and broadcasts during spring training, bolstered by the distinctiveness of his name. In August 1964, amidst the Mets' inaugural season at Shea Stadium, one of the winning entries in the team's banner contest, which attracted over 1000 submissions, humorously proposed "The Metropolitan Party Nominates Wilbur Huckle for President." At that time, Huckle was in his second professional season, playing for the Double-A Williamsport Mets in Pennsylvania. Campaign buttons from the era endorsing "Wilbur Huckle for President" occasionally surface on online auction platforms.
However despite the fanfare, Wilbur spent 9 seasons in the minors, never advancing to the Majors. He did have the unique distinction however of becoming the first professional baseball roommate of future Hall of Fame inductee Tom Seaver, during Seaver's first minor league season in Jacksonville, Florida Seaver recalled:"My first year in professional baseball, I roomed with a fellow named Wilbur Huckle, who played the infield for Jacksonville. We had a rather unusual relationship. I never saw Wilbur Huckle in our room — at least not awake. I never talked with him. I never heard him. I never ate a meal with him. When I came in at night, early or late, he was either out or asleep. And when I got up in the morning, he was always gone. He got up early and went on long walks by himself."
Cleon Jones: Has Possibilites for The Impossible.
The scouting report on Cleon Jones was short and to the point " Came in late. Strong. Good Power. Has Possibilities.
Jones signed with the New York Mets as an amateur free agent in 1962. Despite limited experience in double or triple A ball, he received a September call-up in 1963, recording two hits in 15 at-bats. After spending the entirety of 1964 with the triple A Buffalo Bisons, Jones made the Mets' roster out of Spring Training in 1965, only to be demoted in May after struggling with a .156 batting average. He was recalled in September, hitting his first major league home run that month but finished with a .149 batting average for the season.
In 1966, Jones was awarded the starting center fielder position for the Mets and impressed with a .275 batting average, eight home runs, 57 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases, earning him consideration for National League Rookie of the Year.
Despite a slight dip in performance in 1967, he continued to be a valuable asset for the team. The acquisition of his childhood friend, Tommie Agee, in 1968 prompted Jones' move to left field, where he showcased his versatility and improved batting average to .297 by the end of the season.
In the remarkable 1969 season, Jones emerged as a key contributor to the Mets' success, batting .340 with ten home runs and 56 RBIs in the first half, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game. His performance continued to shine, playing a crucial role in the Mets' surge to win 100 games and secure a place in the World Series. Jones finished the season with a .340 batting average, ranking third in the league behind Pete Rose and Roberto Clemente.
During the 1969 National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves, Jones displayed his hitting prowess with a stellar .429 batting average, contributing significantly to the Mets' three-game sweep. In the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles, Jones' pivotal moments included drawing a controversial hit-by-pitch call in Game 5 and making a crucial catch in the ninth inning of Game 5 to secure the Mets' victory and their first World Series title. Proving that Cleon had the possibility for the Impossible.
Selma Strong Enough to Pitch Ten Years in the Majors.
Dick Selma's scouting report once questioned his strength as it stated frail-looking pitcher-but has confidence and shows good desire. Good arm and good fast ball. Has a chance to be a good pitcher if he gets stronger.
Dick Selma's journey to becoming a stalwart on the pitcher's mound was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite doubts about his physical strength, Selma possessed an unwavering confidence and a burning desire to excel in the game.
Hailing from Fresno, California, Selma honed his skills at Fresno High School before continuing his baseball career at Fresno City College. His talent didn't go unnoticed, and on May 28, 1963, the New York Mets signed him as an amateur free agent. Two seasons later, Selma made his much-anticipated Major League debut.
In a career that spanned over a decade, Selma showcased his potential early on. In just his second start, he delivered a remarkable 10-inning shutout against the Milwaukee Braves, tallying an impressive 13 strikeouts along the way. This feat set a new franchise record for the Mets at the time.
Transitioning from a relief pitcher to a starter, Selma found success with the expansion team, the San Diego Padres, in 1968. His performance caught the attention of the baseball world, leading to his selection as the Padres' opening day starter the following season. Selma's contributions extended beyond the mound; he became known for his enthusiastic support of fans at Wrigley Field during his tenure with the Chicago Cubs.
A pivotal moment in Selma's career came when he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1969. Tasked with the role of closer, he rose to the occasion, converting 22 saves in 73 appearances during the 1970 season. Although primarily used as a reliever in his subsequent years with the Phillies, Selma continued to make valuable contributions to the team.
Despite facing setbacks, including being released by the Phillies in 1973, Selma's passion for the game never waned. He briefly joined the St. Louis Cardinals before ultimately returning to the California Angels. Though his time in the Major Leagues concluded after a stint with the Milwaukee Brewers, Selma's impact on the sport endured long after his retirement.
After hanging up his jersey, Selma returned to his roots in Fresno, where he dedicated himself to coaching baseball at both the high school and collegiate levels. His legacy as a player and mentor lives on, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in the Central Valley.
Dick Selma may have battled opponents on the diamond, but his ultimate adversary, liver cancer, claimed his life on August 29, 2001. Despite his passing, his indomitable strength, spirit and love for the game continue to resonate within the baseball community.
