In our seventh installment, we travel back to 1968, a time when the New York Mets were just one year away from shocking the world and Major League Baseball. With a roster filled with rookies and seasoned players alike, the Mets were a melting pot of talent, hope, and anticipation. Baseball Digest kept a close watch on these young prospects, with scouting reports that sparked 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 1968 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.
1968 was distinctly different for the Mets. Three of the scouting reports that year focused on the team's top prospects: Ken Boswell, Steve Chilcott and Amos Otis. These players had distinctly different outcomes, reflecting the unpredictable nature of baseball. Their scouting reports offer a fascinating glimpse into the early assessments of these careers and underscore the importance of scouting in shaping the future of baseball. Join us as we delve into the stories behind these players and the scouts who recognized their potential.
Ken Boswell : From Prospect to Champion: The Ken Boswell Journey
Scouting Report:"May be able to make double plays from the right side of the bag for the Mets. Hits well and has all the tools in the field."
In 1968, the Baseball Digest Scouting report for Ken Boswell noted his potential for turning double plays and praised his hitting and fielding skills. Boswell indeed became an integral part of the "Amazin' Mets" during their journey to the National League championship and subsequent World Series victory in 1969. Despite platooning that limited his appearances, Boswell batted a remarkable .333 in both the NLCS and World Series, contributing significantly to the Mets' success at just 23 years old.
Born on February 23, 1946, in Austin, Texas, Boswell was a standout in both baseball and basketball at William B. Travis High School. He later attended Sam Houston State University on a baseball scholarship but left early to pursue a professional career after being drafted by the Mets in 1965. He quickly demonstrated his hitting prowess in the minors, despite early struggles with fielding, earning Rookie of the Year honors in the New York-Penn League.
Boswell debuted with the Mets in 1967, showing promise with both his bat and glove, but also displaying inconsistencies typical of a rookie. His first major league home run came off Hall of Famer Don Drysdale, but his defensive lapses occasionally overshadowed his offensive contributions.
In 1969, Boswell's role solidified despite early injuries. He started the Mets' historic home opener and had a strong start offensively, though defensive issues persisted. As the season progressed, Boswell’s bat remained crucial in pivotal moments, and he finished the year with a .279 average, his career best.
The Mets' miraculous season saw Boswell play a key role in the NLCS, hitting crucial home runs and driving in five runs to help sweep the Braves. Although he played only once in the World Series, his contributions throughout the season were invaluable.
Following the 1969 season, Boswell faced scrutiny for his fielding. However, he improved significantly in 1970, setting a major league record with an 85-game errorless streak at second base and finishing the season with a stellar .996 fielding percentage. His offensive numbers dipped, but his defensive improvement earned praise.
The 1971 season saw Boswell playing more regularly until shoulder tendinitis sidelined him. The injury continued to affect his play in 1972, leading to a decline in performance both offensively and defensively. The Mets eventually traded for a new second baseman, and Boswell moved into a utility role.
In 1973, Boswell excelled as a pinch hitter and played a part in the Mets' postseason, tying a World Series record with three pinch hits. He continued in a utility role in 1974 but was traded to the Houston Astros after the season.
Ken Boswell's career, while not reaching superstar status, was marked by significant contributions to one of the most memorable teams in baseball history. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his eventual defensive turnaround reflected the potential noted in his early scouting report.
Steve Chilcott: A Career Derailed by Injuries
Scouting Report: "Good Hitter with fair arm. When he learns trade can be considered as big leaguer."
Steven Chilcott, showed immense promise early on. Attending Antelope Valley High School, he excelled in both baseball and football, capturing the attention of scouts. Casey Stengel, the legendary manager of the New York Mets at the time, personally scouted Chilcott and was impressed by his potential. As a result, Chilcott was selected first overall by the Mets in the 1966 Major League Baseball Draft, ahead of future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.
Chilcott’s initial minor league performance seemed to justify the high expectations. In his second season with the Winter Haven Mets, he was hitting .290 with six home runs and 45 RBIs over 79 games. However, a shoulder dislocation while diving back to second base marked a turning point. This injury, compounded by recurring shoulder issues, effectively ended his season and started a downward spiral in his career.
Despite undergoing surgery in 1969, Chilcott's shoulder problems persisted. He also suffered from other injuries, including an infection and a broken hand. These setbacks limited his ability to play at his full potential. Released by the Mets in 1971 and later by the Yankees in 1972, Chilcott never made it past Triple-A. He is one of only three first overall draft picks to never play in a major league game, along with Brien Taylor and Brady Aiken.
After his baseball career ended, Chilcott found new directions. He initially pursued a career as a firefighter in Santa Barbara, California. However, unable to secure a full-time position, he transitioned to construction, where he found stability and success as a contractor. Chilcott also invested in real estate, owning rental properties in California and Arizona. Despite the unfulfilled potential in baseball, he built a comfortable and rewarding life post-athletics.
The 1968 scouting report's optimism about Chilcott's future contrasted sharply with his actual career, which was marred by injuries. While scouts saw a future big leaguer in Chilcott, his journey through the minors was cut short by persistent physical setbacks. Nonetheless, Chilcott's resilience and ability to adapt allowed him to thrive in other areas, turning his post-baseball endeavors into a success story. Despite never making it to the majors, Chilcott's story is a testament to perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Amos Otis: From Prospect to Kansas City Royalty .
Scouting Report: "A versatile player, Played infield as well as outfield. Good all around ability. Bat is steady."
Otis’s initial major league experience with the Mets was marked by inconsistency and limited playing time. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox with the 95th overall pick in the first MLB Draft in 1965, Otis made a name for himself in the minors before being acquired by the Mets in 1966. Despite showing promise, Otis struggled to secure a regular spot in the Mets' lineup, which led to his trade to the Royals in 1969.
Amos Otis's major league career exceeded the expectations set by his scouting report. Debuting with the New York Mets in 1967, Otis faced limited opportunities but found his true potential after being traded to the Kansas City Royals. Over a career that spanned from 1967 to 1984, Otis became one of the most productive and beloved players in Royals history, far surpassing the “steady bat” and “versatile player” descriptions.
Amos Otis became a cornerstone of the team’s rise from expansion woes to competitive prominence. In his time with the Royals, Otis was a five-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner. He was instrumental in leading the Royals to multiple postseason appearances, including their first American League pennant in 1980.
Otis's impact was immediate and substantial. By the end of his tenure with the Royals, he was among the franchise leaders in almost every offensive category, including games played, runs scored, RBIs, walks, and stolen bases. His defensive prowess in center field and his clutch hitting made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the Royals’ lineup.
The trade to Kansas City was transformative for Otis. The Royals, recognizing his potential, immediately installed him as their starting center fielder. In his first season with Kansas City, Otis hit .284 with 36 doubles and quickly established himself as one of the top young talents in the league.
The early 1970s were marked by Otis's consistent excellence. In 1971, he led the American League in stolen bases and was a defensive standout. He continued to deliver strong performances throughout the decade, including a memorable 1973 season where he finished third in the AL MVP voting.
Despite occasional injuries and a complex relationship with fans and management, Otis remained a crucial player for the Royals. His unique one-handed catching style, developed to help a teammate and later adopted for comfort, became a signature of his defensive play. Off the field, Otis was known for his acts of kindness and community involvement, such as when he helped eight boys during a catastrophic flood in Kansas City in 1977.
Otis’s career culminated in a stellar performance in the 1980 World Series, where he hit .478 with three home runs, though the Royals ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. His impact on the Royals was profound, leading to his induction into the Royals Hall of Fame alongside pitcher Steve Busby.
Amos Otis's career is a testament to how a player's trajectory can evolve beyond initial scouting reports. The versatile player with “good all-around ability” became a linchpin for the Royals, demonstrating not just a steady bat but also leadership, defensive excellence, and clutch performance. Otis’s journey from a promising prospect to a franchise legend underscores the unpredictable and rewarding nature of baseball.
The stories of Ken Boswell, Amos Otis, and Steve Chilcott serve as remarkable testaments to the unpredictability and potential within the world of baseball. Each began with scouting reports that highlighted their promise but also noted areas for improvement. Boswell was seen as a solid infielder with potential but needed to prove himself at the major league level. Otis was recognized for his versatility and steady bat but faced questions about his long-term position. Chilcott, the number one overall draft pick, carried immense expectations but injuries prevented him from making it to the majors.
Despite these tempered early assessments, their careers took very different paths. Otis far exceeded expectations, becoming a five-time All-Star and a key player for the Kansas City Royals. Boswell had a respectable career as a reliable infielder for the Mets, contributing to their 1969 World Series victory. Chilcott, unfortunately, never lived up to the high expectations set for him, hindered by injuries and inconsistency, and is only one of three first overall draft picks who never played in the majors.
The divergent paths of Boswell, Otis, and Chilcott highlight the complexity and unpredictability of baseball. Some players, like Otis, rise above their early projections to achieve greatness. Others, like Boswell, carve out solid, if unspectacular, careers. And some, like Chilcott, are poignant reminders of the uncertainties and challenges inherent in professional sports. Together, their stories underscore the importance of scouting while also celebrating the enduring spirit and unpredictability of America’s pastime.
Комментарии