In our second installment, we travel back to the tumultuous year of 1963, 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 1963 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.
Injuries Became Too Much To Bear(narth)
Turning to page 100 of the March 1963 Baseball Digest, we come across the first prospect listed: Larry Bearnarth, a native of Bellmore, Long Island. The scouting report on Larry read, "He isn't fast and doesn't throw a curve, but has a good slider, keeps the ball down, and looks as if he knows how to pitch. Looks like a good prospect."
Without the benefit of hindsight, there was no way to predict that arm issues would hinder Larry from realizing his full potential. In April 1964, a poll of National League sportswriters named Larry Bearnarth as the New York Mets’ best young pitcher. As the franchise's first bonus player and the first pitcher to win four consecutive major league decisions, the tall right-hander set a club record with 58 appearances during his rookie season.
However, Bearnarth's durability likely contributed to the arm problems that plagued him in 1964, ultimately leading to the premature end of his playing career. It's a reminder that even the most promising prospects can face unforeseen challenges on their journey to baseball stardom.
FIFTY-NINE YEARS LATER SPIRIT STILL SHINES THROUGH
Another local prospect that caught the attention was Steve Dillon from Yonkers. His scouting report painted him as "very light and small but a crafty pitcher with a good curve for a small man. Has a good ERA and good spirit." Dillon began his professional journey with the New York Yankees, posting an impressive 14–7 record for the 1962 Fort Lauderdale Yankees in the Class D Florida State League. He struck out 196 batters in 169 innings, maintaining a 2.61 ERA. After this standout performance, Dillon was selected by the Mets in the first-year player draft.
Making the Mets' 28-man roster out of spring training in 1964, Dillon had his moment under the lights at the newly minted Shea Stadium on May 6. Although he managed to retire the Reds in order in the eighth inning, the ninth proved challenging. He gave up a leadoff home run to Vada Pinson and a single to Leo Cárdenas, resulting in a 12-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Pinson's home run even struck the right-center field scoreboard, prompting a playful warning from Mets' manager Casey Stengel: "Listen, if another player hits a home run off that scoreboard and breaks it, you're paying for it."
Unfortunately, that game marked Dillon's last appearance in the majors. He returned to the minor leagues when the rosters were trimmed to 25 men in May, finishing his major league career with seven hits and five earned runs allowed in 4â…” innings, along with three strikeouts.
Despite his brief stint in the majors, Dillon's love for the game never waned. After his baseball career, he pursued a career as a salesman and later served as a New York City police officer for over twenty years. His indomitable spirit shone brightly when he returned to the diamond, donning a Mets uniform once more. Steve Dillon took the mound in the Mets Old Timers game at Citi Field on August 27, 2022, reminding us all that the spirit of baseball lives on, no matter where life takes you.
Ron Hunt: Proving the Scouts Wrong
The scouting report on Ron Hunt was less than glowing, questioning his desire with remarks like, "Shows good range and a good glove at times, but doesn't try hard enough. Could be a better player with more desire." One has to wonder if Hunt ever came across this assessment, but if he did, it certainly didn't deter him. In 1963, Hunt made the Mets' team out of camp and took the field as their regular second baseman. He batted .272 with 10 home runs, marking a career high, and drove in 42 runs, a tally he would match the following year.
1963 was just the beginning for Hunt. In 1964, he finished as the runner-up to Pete Rose for National League Rookie of the Year honors, batting .272 with 10 home runs and tying his RBI total from the previous year. The following season, Hunt batted an impressive .303 and earned the distinction of being the Mets' first-ever starting All-Star representative, with the game taking place at his home ballpark, the newly opened Shea Stadium. His All-Star prowess didn't stop there; Hunt was also an All-Star representative in 1966.
Over his 12-year career, Hunt batted .273 with 39 home runs and 370 RBIs in 1483 games played. He was renowned for his ability to avoid strikeouts, fanning only 382 times in 5235 at-bats, or once every 13.70 at-bats. In 1973, he set an Expos record by striking out just 19 times in 401 at-bats, the fewest ever in franchise history by a player with at least 400 at-bats in a season.
Ron Hunt's career stands as a testament to his determination and desire to prove his doubters wrong. Despite the initial scouting report questioning his effort, Hunt played with a fire and passion that endeared him to fans and made him a respected figure in the baseball world. He showed that heart and hustle can often outweigh raw talent.
Ed Kranepool: A Mets Legend
Ed Kranepool's scouting report once questioned his ability to pull the ball and his skills at first base, stating, "No question about his ability to cream the ball, but he hasn't learned to pull and must learn a lot about playing first base." However, Kranepool proved to be an exceptional student of the game. Over his 18-year career, all spent with the New York Mets, he not only mastered his craft but also etched his name into the franchise's history books.
Defensively, Kranepool boasted an impressive career fielding percentage at first base of .994, demonstrating his reliability and excellence in the field. His 1,302 games played at first base remain a franchise record, highlighting his longevity and commitment to the Mets' defense.
Offensively, Kranepool was equally impactful. He ranks third in all-time hits for the Mets, showcasing his ability to deliver at the plate consistently throughout his career.
Beyond individual achievements, Kranepool was a key contributor to the Mets' success as a team. He was a member of the 1969 World Series Championship team, forever etching his name in Mets lore. Additionally, he was part of the 1973 National League Championship team, further solidifying his legacy as a winner. His on-field contributions were recognized with an All-Star selection, underscoring his standing among the game's elite players.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Mets organization, Ed Kranepool was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame, further cementing his status as a franchise legend. His journey from a prospect with questions surrounding his game to a Mets icon serves as a testament to his work ethic, dedication, and love for the game. Ed Kranepool's legacy will forever be cherished by Mets fans who had the privilege of watching him play, celebrating his achievements on the field and his lasting impact on the organization.
