Guess that Met

[Cowtipper]

Francisco Estrada is a good guess, but incorrect. Though you're on the right path. The answer shares the surname of someone just added to the Mets coaching staff. Eric Hillman is correct.

1. My career [was] just [20] games
over 2 seasons, not the same.
The roster was filled with others the same
not position or talent, by that I mean name.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Was a pitcher
Hint: Debuted for the Mets in 2007
Hint: Shared first name with three other Mets
Hint: Is from Torrance, California
Hint:

Hint: The first name he shared was "Carlos."
Hint: Shares a surname with someone who was a child star in the early/mid-2000s
Hint: That child star was in the show Malcolm in the Middle

2. I played just 11 games in the majors
Over a total of two years
But don't you dare begin to think
That was the extent of my career
In fact, I played 15 seasons
In baseball professionally
From 1972 to 1986
I played, often internationally

This player was not drafted
Rather he was signed in '72
He played mostly first base
And righthanded he threw

Who am I?

Hint: Debuted for the Mets in 1977 and played again for them in 1980.
Hint: From Puerto Rico.
Hint: Was involved in this deal—April 9, 1985: Traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Detroit Tigers for Rod Allen.
Hint: Shares surname of the man who was just named the new Mets bullpen coach

3. One year I led in games
yet my repertoire was rather tame.
My other teams totaled five
one was only a short drive.
The thing about me that's a clinker,
my best pitch rhymed with stinker.

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Debuted with the Mets in 1978
Hint: Never played a full season with New York
Hint: Was involved in this trade—May 19, 1978: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Mets for Ken Henderson.
Hint: Was also involved in this trade—Traded by the Montreal Expos with Woodie Fryman to the Cincinnati Reds for Will McEnaney and Tony Perez.

4. I was an original Met in '62
And I stunk just like the rest
I played for four other teams too
With none of them did I do the best

It's safe to say my greatest year was '60
When I hit .286, a best
Not much later though, they nixed me
And I ended up with the Mets.

Who am I?

Hint: Played just 8 games for New York.
Hint: Was an outfielder with New York
Hint: Played in the majors from 1957 to 1965, mostly with St. Louis

5. That first time the skip gave me the nod
I'll bet a lot of fans said "my, isn't that 'odd'!"
Eleven times I came on in relief
the last few times I caused real grief.
I never got a win when my home I called Shea
but I never had a loss, & that's the best I can say!

Who am I?

Originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Pat yourself on the back if you find this poem strange, but he played for the Mets in 2002 and 2003

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 13
batmagadanleadoff: 9
stevejrogers: 8
Johnny Lunchbucket: 7
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
metsmarathon: 1

[Cowtipper]

More hints added; I think I'm just giving some of them away at this point.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

5 pat strange

[Cowtipper]

Pat Strange is correct! I've added a new one (#5).

1. My career [was] just [20] games
over 2 seasons, not the same.
The roster was filled with others the same
not position or talent, by that I mean name.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Was a pitcher
Hint: Debuted for the Mets in 2007
Hint: Shared first name with three other Mets
Hint: Is from Torrance, California
Hint:

Hint: The first name he shared was "Carlos."
Hint: Shares a surname with someone who was a child star in the early/mid-2000s
Hint: That child star was in the show Malcolm in the Middle

2. I played just 11 games in the majors
Over a total of two years
But don't you dare begin to think
That was the extent of my career
In fact, I played 15 seasons
In baseball professionally
From 1972 to 1986
I played, often internationally

This player was not drafted
Rather he was signed in '72
He played mostly first base
And righthanded he threw

Who am I?

Hint: Debuted for the Mets in 1977 and played again for them in 1980.
Hint: From Puerto Rico.
Hint: Was involved in this deal—April 9, 1985: Traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Detroit Tigers for Rod Allen.
Hint: Shares surname of the man who was just named the new Mets bullpen coach

3. One year I led in games
yet my repertoire was rather tame.
My other teams totaled five
one was only a short drive.
The thing about me that's a clinker,
my best pitch rhymed with stinker.

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Debuted with the Mets in 1978
Hint: Never played a full season with New York
Hint: Was involved in this trade—May 19, 1978: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Mets for Ken Henderson.
Hint: Was also involved in this trade—Traded by the Montreal Expos with Woodie Fryman to the Cincinnati Reds for Will McEnaney and Tony Perez.

4. I was an original Met in '62
And I stunk just like the rest
I played for four other teams too
With none of them did I do the best

It's safe to say my greatest year was '60
When I hit .286, a best
Not much later though, they nixed me
And I ended up with the Mets.

Who am I?

Hint: Played just 8 games for New York.
Hint: Was an outfielder with New York
Hint: Played in the majors from 1957 to 1965, mostly with St. Louis

5. When I was drafted, they thought plenty of me
So much so I was in the bigs before age 20
But my performance wasn't great, it made some people cringe
I was traded for a guy they called The Big Orange

Who am I?

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 13
batmagadanleadoff: 9
Johnny Lunchbucket: 8
stevejrogers: 8
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
metsmarathon: 1

[Edgy MD]

Number five is Mike Jorgenson, though I'm not sure why anybody would "cringe" over a 20-year-old who gets two hits in 14 trips to the plate.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

2is Luis Rosado

[Cowtipper]

Jorgensen and Rosado are correct, though Tim Foli could also work as an answer to #5, I believe.

1. My career [was] just [20] games
over 2 seasons, not the same.
The roster was filled with others the same
not position or talent, by that I mean name.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Was a pitcher
Hint: Debuted for the Mets in 2007
Hint: Shared first name with three other Mets
Hint: Is from Torrance, California
Hint:

Hint: The first name he shared was "Carlos."
Hint: Shares a surname with someone who was a child star in the early/mid-2000s
Hint: That child star was in the show Malcolm in the Middle

2. One year I led in games
yet my repertoire was rather tame.
My other teams totaled five
one was only a short drive.
The thing about me that's a clinker,
my best pitch rhymed with stinker.

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Debuted with the Mets in 1978
Hint: Never played a full season with New York
Hint: Was involved in this trade—May 19, 1978: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Mets for Ken Henderson.
Hint: Was also involved in this trade—Traded by the Montreal Expos with Woodie Fryman to the Cincinnati Reds for Will McEnaney and Tony Perez.

3. I was an original Met in '62
And I stunk just like the rest
I played for four other teams too
With none of them did I do the best

It's safe to say my greatest year was '60
When I hit .286, a best
Not much later though, they nixed me
And I ended up with the Mets.

Who am I?

Hint: Played just 8 games for New York.
Hint: Was an outfielder with New York
Hint: Played in the majors from 1957 to 1965, mostly with St. Louis

4. I spent four seasons in the orange & blue,
traded for a guy that really threw.
It was in the outfield I stated my case,
but one year they tried me at 1st base.
I plied my trade for 4 other clubs
but never could rise above a sub.
The World Series is a great place to be,
I should know, I went to three.

Then that poem was followed up by this one:

I was surprised that nobody knew my name
then I realized I misstated my game.
Hopefully nobody will get too mad
all I can say is "oops, my bad!"

It was actually 2 years they tried me at first
my lefty bat they figured was not the worst.
I got some time with the Braves when they went all the way
but not enough time to recieve any World Sries pay.
So for me the World Series was only twice
once against the team that had Jim Rice.

So these are new hints for you to consider
and guess my name so the thread won't whither.
If you want more on the 'pile' of clues
I'm happy to do what you choose.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

5. I won a job in spring training one year
But it took five more before I'd reappear
For one season at least I was good in platoon
But when I stopped hitting I was gone very soon

--originally posted by "VIBaseball"

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 14
batmagadanleadoff: 9
Johnny Lunchbucket: 9
stevejrogers: 8
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
metsmarathon: 1

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

2 Dale murray

[Cowtipper]

Dale Murray is correct!

1. My career [was] just [20] games
over 2 seasons, not the same.
The roster was filled with others the same
not position or talent, by that I mean name.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Was a pitcher
Hint: Debuted for the Mets in 2007
Hint: Shared first name with three other Mets
Hint: Is from Torrance, California
Hint:

Hint: The first name he shared was "Carlos."
Hint: Shares a surname with someone who was a child star in the early/mid-2000s
Hint: That child star was in the show Malcolm in the Middle

2. I was an original Met in '62
And I stunk just like the rest
I played for four other teams too
With none of them did I do the best

It's safe to say my greatest year was '60
When I hit .286, a best
Not much later though, they nixed me
And I ended up with the Mets.

Who am I?

Hint: Played just 8 games for New York.
Hint: Was an outfielder with New York
Hint: Played in the majors from 1957 to 1965, mostly with St. Louis

3. I spent four seasons in the orange & blue,
traded for a guy that really threw.
It was in the outfield I stated my case,
but one year they tried me at 1st base.
I plied my trade for 4 other clubs
but never could rise above a sub.
The World Series is a great place to be,
I should know, I went to three.

Then that poem was followed up by this one:

I was surprised that nobody knew my name
then I realized I misstated my game.
Hopefully nobody will get too mad
all I can say is "oops, my bad!"

It was actually 2 years they tried me at first
my lefty bat they figured was not the worst.
I got some time with the Braves when they went all the way
but not enough time to recieve any World Sries pay.
So for me the World Series was only twice
once against the team that had Jim Rice.

So these are new hints for you to consider
and guess my name so the thread won't whither.
If you want more on the 'pile' of clues
I'm happy to do what you choose.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

4. I won a job in spring training one year
But it took five more before I'd reappear
For one season at least I was good in platoon
But when I stopped hitting I was gone very soon

--originally posted by "VIBaseball"

5. Everyone thought I was really 'All That'
not just 'cause of my speed & my bat.
The Flushing Faithful were sure paying attention
that's why they yelled & prayed for my ascension.
My Mets career was a thirteen game joke
but I later became a most famous bloke.
For now when the history of baseball is written
it'll be my ideas with which many are smitten.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 14
Johnny Lunchbucket: 10
batmagadanleadoff: 9
stevejrogers: 8
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
metsmarathon: 1

[Edgy MD]

Number 4 is Kelvin Chapstick.

[Cowtipper]

Kelvin Chapstick is correct!

1. My career [was] just [20] games
over 2 seasons, not the same.
The roster was filled with others the same
not position or talent, by that I mean name.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Was a pitcher
Hint: Debuted for the Mets in 2007
Hint: Shared first name with three other Mets
Hint: Is from Torrance, California
Hint:

Hint: The first name he shared was "Carlos."
Hint: Shares a surname with someone who was a child star in the early/mid-2000s
Hint: That child star was in the show Malcolm in the Middle
Hint: Last name is five letters, beginning with 'M'. Carlos M_ _ _ _ .

2. I was an original Met in '62
And I stunk just like the rest
I played for four other teams too
With none of them did I do the best

It's safe to say my greatest year was '60
When I hit .286, a best
Not much later though, they nixed me
And I ended up with the Mets.

Who am I?

Hint: Played just 8 games for New York.
Hint: Was an outfielder with New York
Hint: Played in the majors from 1957 to 1965, mostly with St. Louis
Hint: Involved in these transactions: October 10, 1961—Drafted by the New York Mets from the Philadelphia Phillies as the 32nd pick in the 1961 expansion draft; April 26, 1962—Traded by the New York Mets to the Chicago Cubs for Sammy Taylor.

3. I spent four seasons in the orange & blue,
traded for a guy that really threw.
It was in the outfield I stated my case,
but one year they tried me at 1st base.
I plied my trade for 4 other clubs
but never could rise above a sub.
The World Series is a great place to be,
I should know, I went to three.

Then that poem was followed up by this one:

I was surprised that nobody knew my name
then I realized I misstated my game.
Hopefully nobody will get too mad
all I can say is "oops, my bad!"

It was actually 2 years they tried me at first
my lefty bat they figured was not the worst.
I got some time with the Braves when they went all the way
but not enough time to receive any World Series pay.
So for me the World Series was only twice
once against the team that had Jim Rice.

So these are new hints for you to consider
and guess my name so the thread won't whither.
If you want more on the 'pile' of clues
I'm happy to do what you choose.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: first played for the Mets in 1983.

4. Everyone thought I was really 'All That'
not just 'cause of my speed & my bat.
The Flushing Faithful were sure paying attention
that's why they yelled & prayed for my ascension.
My Mets career was a thirteen game joke
but I later became a most famous bloke.
For now when the history of baseball is written
it'll be my ideas with which many are smitten.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Hint: Had two cups of coffee with New York, the last in 1985.

5. Well I had a heck of a debut.
A HOFer made his final appearance at that ballpark that night
A future HOFer called that game one of his biggest of his career!
And another future HOFer replaced me to do something he'd never had done before.
Too bad that was pretty much the lone highlight of my big league career!

--originally posted by our very own SteveJRogers

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 15
Johnny Lunchbucket: 10
batmagadanleadoff: 9
stevejrogers: 8
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
metsmarathon: 1

[metsmarathon]

1 is carlos muniz

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

3 danny heep

[stevejrogers]

4 is Billy Beane

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

Rogers' clue doesn't rhyme, I think we should throw it out

[stevejrogers]

Rogers' clue doesn't rhyme, I think we should throw it out

Fairly certain that’s taken from a thread on another forum that doesn’t use rhyming schemes

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

My debut was one for the Hall of Fame
There was a HOFer at that very game
It was the last appearance in his career
But not the only thing that was happening there
A future hall of famer was heard to remark
The game was among the biggest he's ever had in the park
A different hall-of-famer later replaced me for
to do something he hadn't done before
That was one highlight of my career
But I didn't have many of them here

[Cowtipper]

Muniz, Heep and Beane are correct!

1. I was an original Met in '62
And I stunk just like the rest
I played for four other teams too
With none of them did I do the best

It's safe to say my greatest year was '60
When I hit .286, a best
Not much later though, they nixed me
And I ended up with the Mets.

Who am I?

Hint: Played just 8 games for New York.
Hint: Was an outfielder with New York
Hint: Played in the majors from 1957 to 1965, mostly with St. Louis
Hint: Involved in these transactions: October 10, 1961—Drafted by the New York Mets from the Philadelphia Phillies as the 32nd pick in the 1961 expansion draft; April 26, 1962—Traded by the New York Mets to the Chicago Cubs for Sammy Taylor.

2. Well I had a heck of a debut.
A HOFer made his final appearance at that ballpark that night
A future HOFer called that game one of his biggest of his career!
And another future HOFer replaced me to do something he'd never had done before.
Too bad that was pretty much the lone highlight of my big league career!

--originally posted by our very own SteveJRogers

Hint, also contributed by SteveJRogers: "I'm not exactly remembered fondly.
For starters I made the team because had a friend in a high place, who wasn't, and still isn't thought of in high regard around Metdom. To say nothing about how I performed when I had a chance to play!"

3. Some people thought I looked like Herman Munster
I came up with the Mets when I was still a youngster.
I wonder if anyone did 'grieve' when I was traded
but probably by then they were all too jaded.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

4. I am notable because of my name:
My first name was a last name
and my last name was a first name
That doesn't matter though - I stunk all the same

Who am I?

5. When it comes to a notable name
I think I'll keep it the same.
I was a true utility man
playing wherever I can
My name may make you smile
if on a sundae you'd like to pile
I had 2 different tenures at grand old Shea
just 1 of 7 teams from which I collected pay.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 15
Johnny Lunchbucket: 11
batmagadanleadoff: 9
stevejrogers: 9
metsmarathon: 2
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1

[metsmarathon]

Mike Glavine is #2

[stevejrogers]

For starters I made the team because had a friend in a high place, who wasn't, and still isn't thought of in high regard around Metdom. To say nothing about how I performed when I had a chance to play!"

I’m surprised no one over there gave me shit over the awkward phrasing that should be “I had a friend…”

Anyway Tom Grieve for #3

Bill Almond for #5?

[Cowtipper]

Mike Glavine and Bill Almon are correct. Tom Grieve is incorrect, but the answer might have been a well-known Met who was involved in a big trade that sent Tom Grieve to New York.

1. I was an original Met in '62
And I stunk just like the rest
I played for four other teams too
With none of them did I do the best

It's safe to say my greatest year was '60
When I hit .286, a best
Not much later though, they nixed me
And I ended up with the Mets.

Who am I?

Hint: Played just 8 games for New York.
Hint: Was an outfielder with New York
Hint: Played in the majors from 1957 to 1965, mostly with St. Louis
Hint: Involved in these transactions: October 10, 1961—Drafted by the New York Mets from the Philadelphia Phillies as the 32nd pick in the 1961 expansion draft; April 26, 1962—Traded by the New York Mets to the Chicago Cubs for Sammy Taylor.

2. Some people thought I looked like Herman Munster
I came up with the Mets when I was still a youngster.
I wonder if anyone did 'grieve' when I was traded
but probably by then they were all too jaded.

Who am I?

--originally posted by "whoisonit"

3. I am notable because of my name:
My first name was a last name
and my last name was a first name
That doesn't matter though - I stunk all the same

Who am I?

4. I came in trade with another young pitcher
Soon the rotation was that much richer
At bat I went deep two times in the same game
On the mound 'twas Detroit where I made my name

--originally posted by "VIBaseball"

5. Had I stayed with the Cardinals
I might still be a starter
But the Mets made me a utility player
Which they say is a whole lot harder
Oh well, I don't care at all
For I am such a trooper
When I came to New York
The fans thought I was super

Who am I?

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 15
Johnny Lunchbucket: 11
stevejrogers: 10
batmagadanleadoff: 9
metsmarathon: 3
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1

[stevejrogers]

Mickey Lolich Walt Terrell… for 4…could still be Lolich but just recalled Terrell’s HR moment, Joe McEwing for 5

[stevejrogers]

Tom Grieve looked a little more like Fred Gwynne than Jon Matlack!

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

1 is Bobby Gene Smith

[Cowtipper]

Terrell, Matlack, Smith and McEwing are correct!

1. I am notable because of my name:
My first name was a last name
and my last name was a first name
That doesn't matter though - I stunk all the same

Who am I?

Hint: Pitched for the Mets in 1977.

2. I was sent to the Mets as a player to be named
In my first year with them I pitched a few good games
That second year with them just wasn't for me
As I posted an ERA of 4.93
Following that year, I went 6-0
I was on my game, very well I did throw
I did bad the next year and I was released
and I was soon signed by another team on the east

This was tacked on later:

I was born in Oregon
And I threw with my left hand
At first I played with the Expos
and with the Padres at the end

Who am I?

3. My big-league career spanned 18 seasons
Home-run pop was not one of the reasons
I played three years in orange and blue
Four years on I joined the pinstripe crew
In the Subway Series my game-winning hit
Sent my old fans home in a helluva snit

--originally posted by "VIBaseball"

4. I was pretty fleet-footed
In my days with the Pirates
But with the Mets I stole 2 bases
And got only 27 hits

While with the Mets
I wasn't on top of my game
But people will still recognize
My really long name

Who am I?

5. A famous 10th inning started off well
Lost in the sun, a double fell
I came in to run, the next man was walked
After that our opponent's defense came uncaulked
The reliever threw Martin's sac bunt away
And we won the Series the very next day

--originally posted by "VIBaseball"

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 15
stevejrogers: 13
Johnny Lunchbucket: 12
batmagadanleadoff: 9
metsmarathon: 3
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1