Tribute to Tom Terrific

Today I wanted to talk about one of the greats in Mets history, Tom Seaver. The New York Mets has had many legendary players don the uniform, but Tom stands above them all. As of today Tom Seaver is the only player inducted into the baseball hall of fame who's plaque wears a Mets hat. Also his number, 41, is the only number retired by the New York Mets.

The man is just outstanding. Tom Seaver joined the weak Mets organization in 1967. Despite the team being one of the worst in the National League, Seaver won 16 games, had a 2.76 ERA, 170 strikeouts and won Rookie of the Year. In 1969, Tom was essential to the Mets' greatness. That year he won a record 25 games and his first Cy Young award. During the playoffs and World Series, he pitched close to perfect games. At season's end Sport's Illustrated awarded him "Sportsman of the Year."

A great quote about Tom Seaver is from Reggie Jackson, "Blind men come to the park just to hear him pitch." Since the World Series, Tom Seaver continued to shock and amaze. He tied for the record of a 19 strikeout game with Steve Carlton. For several years Seaver led the National League in strikeouts for five consecutive years from 1970 to 1976. He also won two more Cy Young awards in 1973 and 1975.

In 1985 Tom won his 300th victory while playing for the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees.

In 1987 Tom Seaver retired with the New York Mets stating "I have used up all the competitive pitches in my arm." In 1988 The New York Mets retired his number, 41. In 1992 Tom was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the highest percentage of votes ever.

Tom all I can really say is that you were surely terrific.