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One-start wonders

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 07:49 AM

In the Met Count thread, Steve pointed out that Vargas is the 225th starting pitcher in Mets history. Of the 225, there are 29 (including Vargas) who made one and only one start. This happened ten times in the 1960's, only twice in the 1970's, three times in the 1980's, six times in the 1990's (including three in 1992 alone) and eight times so far in this unnamed decade. I've generated a list of the names of the 29 pitchers, and I'll post it in this thread later today. In the meantime, please feel free to post your guesses. I may post some confirmations throughout the day. Here's what we've got so far: 1962 1962 1962 1963 1965 1966 1966 1967 1967 1967 1970 1977 1986 1987 1989 1991 1992 1992 1992 1993 1994 2000 2000 2001 2002 2004 2007 2007 2008 Claudio Vargas

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 15 2008 07:51 AM

2007 Chan Ho Park

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 15 2008 07:52 AM

2007 Jason Vargas

SteveJRogers May 15 2008 07:53 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 15 2008 07:54 AM

1987, The OTHER Bob Gibson

AG/DC May 15 2008 07:54 AM

Dan Wheeler.

HahnSolo May 15 2008 07:54 AM

07 Phil Humber

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 07:54 AM

Not Jason Vargas. Not Bob Gibson. 1962 1962 1962 1963 1965 1966 1966 1967 1967 1967 1970 1977 1986 1987 1989 1991 1992 1992 1992 1993 1994 2000 2000 2001 2002 2004 Dan Wheeler 2007 Chan Ho Park 2007 Philip Humber 2008 Claudio Vargas

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 15 2008 07:55 AM

1962 Sherman Jones 1962 Ray Daviault 1962 Larry Foss

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 15 2008 07:55 AM

1986 Rick Anderson

HahnSolo May 15 2008 07:56 AM

86 John Mitchell?

seawolf17 May 15 2008 07:56 AM

Shit. I was sure Jesse O was one, but it would have been early 80s. Randy Neimann is either 86 or 87. I'll guess 86. Roger McDowell is 87? 2004 James Baldwin (or Scott Erickson) 2000 Grant Roberts (or 2001?) 1989 Blaine Beatty

Fman99 May 15 2008 07:57 AM

2007 Philip Humber (maybe)

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 07:58 AM

1962 Larry Foss 1962 1962 1963 1965 1966 1966 1967 1967 1967 1970 1977 1986 Randy Niemann 1987 1989 Blaine Beatty 1991 1992 1992 1992 1993 1994 2000 2000 Grant Roberts 2001 2002 2004 Dan Wheeler 2007 Chan Ho Park 2007 2008 Claudio Vargas

AG/DC May 15 2008 08:00 AM

Jesse came up in 1979, but had two starts. McDowell in 1985, but he had a handful of starts. Jeff Innis in the morning. I gues 1987 is the only year that works.

Mendoza Line May 15 2008 08:00 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 15 2008 08:02 AM

1977 Doc Medich 1970 Tug McGraw? on edit - Just looked up Tug, and he actually started quite a few games during his career (but none at all in 1970). D'oh.

HahnSolo May 15 2008 08:00 AM

Humber is off the board now?

SteveJRogers May 15 2008 08:03 AM

HahnSolo wrote: Humber is off the board now? Yup, he had a second start last year. Okay, 1987, not Gibson, so the second name that comes to mind is Don Schulze.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 15 2008 08:04 AM

1962 Vinegar Bend Mizell 1962 Dave Hillman 1970 Ron Herbel 1977 Doc Medich

seawolf17 May 15 2008 08:05 AM

1994 Eric Hillman?

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 15 2008 08:05 AM

1965 Tom Parsons

HahnSolo May 15 2008 08:06 AM

92 or 93...Joe Vidtko (sp?)

AG/DC May 15 2008 08:09 AM

2001: Brett Hinchliffe

HahnSolo May 15 2008 08:12 AM

SteveJRogers wrote: ="HahnSolo"]Humber is off the board now? Yup, he had a second start last year. I thought he had only that one against Washington. If not him, then who is the other 2007?

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 08:14 AM

My bad, pasting error on my part. Humber is correct for 2007. Here are all the correct guesses so far. Any other guesses made prior to this post are incorrect: 1962 Larry Foss 1962 Dave Hillman 1962 1963 1965 1966 1966 1967 1967 1967 1970 1977 Doc Medich 1986 Randy Niemann 1987 Jeff Innis 1989 Blaine Beatty 1991 1992 Joe Vitko 1992 1992 1993 1994 2000 2000 Grant Roberts 2001 Brett Hinchliffe 2002 2004 Dan Wheeler 2007 Chan Ho Park 2007 Philip Humber 2008 Claudio Vargas

AG/DC May 15 2008 08:20 AM

Ah, Hinchy. Tyler Kepner tried to make a star out of you. You just wouldn't cooperate. BASEBALL: METS NOTEBOOK; Colorful Call-Up Seeks First Victory in Majors By TYLER KEPNER Published: April 26, 2001 When Brett Hinchliffe walked into the visiting clubhouse at Miller Park today, he was pleased to see his old No. 32 hanging in his locker. Hinchliffe, who will be the starting pitcher for the Mets on Thursday afternoon against the Milwaukee Brewers, chose the number when he made the Seattle Mariners' pitching staff out of spring training two years ago. Sandy Koufax wore No. 32, he said then. It is a good pitcher's number. Hinchliffe has never lacked confidence. During practice in the spring of 1999, Manager Lou Piniella of the Mariners suggested he throw a few pitches from the stretch. ''I don't plan on pitching from the stretch,'' Hinchliffe replied. Piniella, surprised and impressed at such brashness, smiled and nodded. Piniella often mispronounced Hinchliffe's name -- to him it was usually Brent Hinchcliff -- but he soon added him to the roster and gave him his only four major league starts. Those games did not go well; Hinchliffe was 0-4 with an 8.80 earned run average. In one start he allowed two homers to Nomar Garciaparra. In another, at Anaheim, he ignited a bench-clearing brawl during a nationally televised Sunday night game. Hinchliffe, who was bitten on the calf in the fight, was retaliating an inning after Ken Griffey Jr. was hit by a pitch. His grateful teammates paid his $500 fine. Hinchliffe, who drove a United Parcel Service truck during two winters to make ends meet while in the minors, was thrilled to save the money. He has not made much since then, signing with Anaheim last year and pitching just twice, then bouncing to the Mets last winter. ''I think I let the whole big-league atmosphere get to me,'' Hinchliffe said of his prior major league experience. ''I just tried to do too much.'' Hinchliffe, 26, a right-hander, was 2-0 in three starts at Class AAA Norfolk and will fill in Thursday for Al Leiter, who has a strained flexor tendon in his left elbow. The Mets did not get a long look at Hinchliffe this spring. He pitched only two and a third innings, but made an impression in another way. One day in the bullpen, reliever Rick White looked at Hinchliffe's scarred left hand and wrist and noticed how small they were. ''What happened?'' White said. Hinchliffe, whose left hand is webbed and has four fingers, is used to the reaction. When teammates see his hand, he said, ''they're basically just shocked.'' Hinchliffe was born with a genetic defect called syndactylism. He was born with five fingers on his left hand, but, recognizing the condition, doctors amputated his middle finger and inserted that bone in his thumb. Hinchliffe has two bones in the thumb, giving him better mobility and helping him to grip things. His second and third fingers are stubby, but both have joints and one has full mobility. His pinkie is normal. Hinchliffe was spared another symptom of syndactylism, the loss of a muscle in the shoulder. ''I don't really notice it,'' said Hinchliffe, whose glove has an extra strap to make it tighter around his wrist. ''I can play catch, do everything. You've just got to adjust.'' Hinchliffe, who has had success this year by mixing in his changeup and curveball with his fastball and slider, pitched 16 2/3 innings over three starts for Norfolk, usually tiring in the fifth inning. He said he was surprised to be called up, but confident, as usual. ''You've got to put a lot into it,'' said Hinchliffe, who could be sent down after Thursday's game if the Mets activate outfielder Timo Perez from the disabled list. ''They didn't bring me in here to log some innings. They brought me up here to win.'' Ventura Sits Again Robin Ventura got another game to rest his strained right hamstring tonight, as Joe McEwing filled in at third base for the second game in a row. Ventura, who was injured Sunday while chasing a foul ball, said he could pinch-hit, though he admitted he was not healthy enough to do so Tuesday night, when Manager Bobby Valentine used him to force the Brewers to make a pitching change. Ventura has been getting ice and heat treatment on the hamstring. ''It's getting better,'' he said, ''but I just don't think I'm at that point to go play right now.''

SteveJRogers May 15 2008 08:21 AM

HahnSolo wrote: ="SteveJRogers"] HahnSolo wrote: Humber is off the board now? Yup, he had a second start last year. I thought he had only that one against Washington. If not him, then who is the other 2007? Must be thinking of a relief apperance then.

Gwreck May 15 2008 08:27 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 15 2008 08:29 AM

The other Bobby Jones, 2000. Edit: somebody already had my other one.

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 08:28 AM

1962 Larry Foss 1962 Dave Hillman 1962 1963 1965 1966 1966 1967 1967 1967 1970 1977 Doc Medich 1986 Randy Niemann 1987 Jeff Innis 1989 Blaine Beatty 1991 1992 Joe Vitko 1992 1992 1993 1994 2000 Bobby Jones 2000 Grant Roberts 2001 Brett Hinchliffe 2002 2004 Dan Wheeler 2007 Chan Ho Park 2007 Philip Humber 2008 Claudio Vargas

Gwreck May 15 2008 08:31 AM

Pete Walker, 2002?

AG/DC May 15 2008 08:33 AM

Dave Tehlgeder in, um, 1993.

AG/DC May 15 2008 08:34 AM

Paul Gibson in 1992. Damn, that era is hard.

Fman99 May 15 2008 08:41 AM

Gwreck wrote: Pete Walker, 2002? I think you mean Tyler Walker.

seawolf17 May 15 2008 08:43 AM

Julio Valera 1991?

Gwreck May 15 2008 08:49 AM

Fman99 wrote: ="Gwreck"]Pete Walker, 2002? I think you mean Tyler Walker. Yes. I think they each made one appearance that season before getting claimed off waivers. Pete Walker became a spot starter for the Blue Jays. Tyler Walker did a turn as the Giants' closer.

Gwreck May 15 2008 08:50 AM

Mike Draper? (one of those early '90s years)

batmagadanleadoff May 15 2008 08:58 AM

Rich Folkers?

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 09:00 AM

1962 Larry Foss 1962 Dave Hillman 1962 1963 1965 1966 1966 1967 1967 1967 1970 Rich Folkers 1977 Doc Medich 1986 Randy Niemann 1987 Jeff Innis 1989 Blaine Beatty 1991 1992 Joe Vitko 1992 Paul Gibson 1992 1993 Mike Draper 1994 2000 Bobby Jones 2000 Grant Roberts 2001 Brett Hinchliffe 2002 Tyler Walker 2004 Dan Wheeler 2007 Chan Ho Park 2007 Philip Humber 2008 Claudio Vargas

seawolf17 May 15 2008 09:04 AM

I'll throw three names out there for the early 90s guesses. Mauro Gozzo 1994 Lee Guetterman 1992 Dave Telgheder 1991

AG/DC May 15 2008 09:06 AM

Hey, get in line on Dave Telgheder!

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 09:11 AM

Nope, nope, and nope. All correct guesses have been acknowledged. Eleven names remain.

Fman99 May 15 2008 09:16 AM

="AG/DC"]Ah, Hinchy. Tyler Kepner tried to make a star out of you. You just wouldn't cooperate. BASEBALL: METS NOTEBOOK; Colorful Call-Up Seeks First Victory in Majors By TYLER KEPNER Published: April 26, 2001 When Brett Hinchliffe walked into the visiting clubhouse at Miller Park today, he was pleased to see his old No. 32 hanging in his locker. Hinchliffe, who will be the starting pitcher for the Mets on Thursday afternoon against the Milwaukee Brewers, chose the number when he made the Seattle Mariners' pitching staff out of spring training two years ago. Sandy Koufax wore No. 32, he said then. It is a good pitcher's number. Hinchliffe has never lacked confidence. During practice in the spring of 1999, Manager Lou Piniella of the Mariners suggested he throw a few pitches from the stretch. ''I don't plan on pitching from the stretch,'' Hinchliffe replied. Piniella, surprised and impressed at such brashness, smiled and nodded. Piniella often mispronounced Hinchliffe's name -- to him it was usually Brent Hinchcliff -- but he soon added him to the roster and gave him his only four major league starts. Those games did not go well; Hinchliffe was 0-4 with an 8.80 earned run average. In one start he allowed two homers to Nomar Garciaparra. In another, at Anaheim, he ignited a bench-clearing brawl during a nationally televised Sunday night game. Hinchliffe, who was bitten on the calf in the fight, was retaliating an inning after Ken Griffey Jr. was hit by a pitch. His grateful teammates paid his $500 fine. Hinchliffe, who drove a United Parcel Service truck during two winters to make ends meet while in the minors, was thrilled to save the money. He has not made much since then, signing with Anaheim last year and pitching just twice, then bouncing to the Mets last winter. ''I think I let the whole big-league atmosphere get to me,'' Hinchliffe said of his prior major league experience. ''I just tried to do too much.'' Hinchliffe, 26, a right-hander, was 2-0 in three starts at Class AAA Norfolk and will fill in Thursday for Al Leiter, who has a strained flexor tendon in his left elbow. The Mets did not get a long look at Hinchliffe this spring. He pitched only two and a third innings, but made an impression in another way. One day in the bullpen, reliever Rick White looked at Hinchliffe's scarred left hand and wrist and noticed how small they were. ''What happened?'' White said. Hinchliffe, whose left hand is webbed and has four fingers, is used to the reaction. When teammates see his hand, he said, ''they're basically just shocked.'' Hinchliffe was born with a genetic defect called syndactylism. He was born with five fingers on his left hand, but, recognizing the condition, doctors amputated his middle finger and inserted that bone in his thumb. Hinchliffe has two bones in the thumb, giving him better mobility and helping him to grip things. His second and third fingers are stubby, but both have joints and one has full mobility. His pinkie is normal. Hinchliffe was spared another symptom of syndactylism, the loss of a muscle in the shoulder. ''I don't really notice it,'' said Hinchliffe, whose glove has an extra strap to make it tighter around his wrist. ''I can play catch, do everything. You've just got to adjust.'' Hinchliffe, who has had success this year by mixing in his changeup and curveball with his fastball and slider, pitched 16 2/3 innings over three starts for Norfolk, usually tiring in the fifth inning. He said he was surprised to be called up, but confident, as usual. ''You've got to put a lot into it,'' said Hinchliffe, who could be sent down after Thursday's game if the Mets activate outfielder Timo Perez from the disabled list. ''They didn't bring me in here to log some innings. They brought me up here to win.'' Ventura Sits Again Robin Ventura got another game to rest his strained right hamstring tonight, as Joe McEwing filled in at third base for the second game in a row. Ventura, who was injured Sunday while chasing a foul ball, said he could pinch-hit, though he admitted he was not healthy enough to do so Tuesday night, when Manager Bobby Valentine used him to force the Brewers to make a pitching change. Ventura has been getting ice and heat treatment on the hamstring. ''It's getting better,'' he said, ''but I just don't think I'm at that point to go play right now.'' Wow. I watched a TON of Mets games in 2001 but I have no recollection of this guy whatsoever. As an aside, I used to drink with a guy who had the same affliction to his hand. He was a trip.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 15 2008 09:24 AM

I remember that game well. In Milwaukee on a weekday afternoon, early in the season. Hinchliffe got destroyed. I was at a job I really hated -- a different one -- and remember thinking the only thing I had to look forward to that day was the Mets game. GRrrrrr. As I recall it, we got murdered that whole series long. Big Al had recently made a reappearance on the board and the cpf was just being formed.

AG/DC May 15 2008 09:30 AM

Dave Somebody. Nineteen Something Something.

seawolf17 May 15 2008 09:36 AM

Schneck?

Fman99 May 15 2008 10:04 AM

John Concoctose? 1985?

SteveJRogers May 15 2008 10:20 AM

[Cliff Clavin voice]Those three 1967 starters contributed to what is still the Metly record for most different starters to be used with 20. Currently 2008 is tied with 1988 and 1990 for record for fewest with 7 different starters.[/Cliff Clavin voice]

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 06:18 AM

I meant to close this one out yesterday afternoon, but I forgot. Anyway, here it is. You guys guessed 18 of the 29 pitchers who made one and only one start for the Mets. (Claudio Vargas, I assume, will move off that list in the next few days.) The 11 pitchers who were not guessed are in bold: 1962 Larry Foss 1962 Dave Hillman 1962 Ken MacKenzie 1963 Don Rowe 1965 Dennis Musgraves 1966 Gordie Richardson 1966 Ralph Terry 1967 Billy Wynne 1967 Bill Connors 1967 Nick Willhite 1970 Rich Folkers 1977 Doc Medich 1986 Randy Niemann 1987 Jeff Innis 1989 Blaine Beatty 1991 Doug Simons 1992 Joe Vitko 1992 Paul Gibson 1992 Tom Filer 1993 Mike Draper 1994 Frank Seminara 2000 Bobby Jones 2000 Grant Roberts 2001 Brett Hinchliffe 2002 Tyler Walker 2004 Dan Wheeler 2007 Chan Ho Park 2007 Philip Humber 2008 Claudio Vargas

AG/DC May 16 2008 06:19 AM

I was trying desperately to come up with Billy Wynne's stupid name without cheating.

G-Fafif May 16 2008 06:36 AM

For years I've worn as a badge of perverse honor that I was at Randy Niemann's and Mike Draper's only Met starts. Sad in retrospect that Philip Humber is in that company now.