Guess that Met

[The Hot Corner]

Taking a shot in the dark @ #4 Shawn Estes

[Cowtipper]

Botz is a good guess, but incorrect. The correct answer might or might not have been of Italian descent and he might or might not have been involved in this trade: Traded by the Milwaukee Braves with Billy Klaus, Don Liddle, Ebba St. Claire and $50,000 to the New York Giants for Sam Calderone and Bobby Thomson. And this trade: Traded by the San Francisco Giants with Willie Kirkland to the Cleveland Indians for Harvey Kuenn. And this deal: Purchased with Ken MacKenzie by the New York Mets from the Milwaukee Braves. Shawn Estes is correct! A new question has been added below:

1. Although I never played a game in a Mets uniform, I was on the roster and I have the distinction of being the first New York Mets player to RETIRE. Who am I?

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

Hint: A notable name in the Rochester, NY area.
Hint: Spent most of his career with the Giants.
Hint: Was a pitcher who won 126 games in his career.

--originally posted by "NJMetfan4life"

2. Who am I?



Hint: Was a 1962 Met.

3. Who am I?



--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

Hint: Played for the Mets in 2008 and 2009.

4. Here is a rhyme for you to enjoy
It is about a southern boy
This boy, he played in the outfield
With the Mets, a fair bat he did wield
Well, actually save for his first year
His bat was really nothing to fear
But oh, that first year was really fine
With the Mets he hit .339

Who is he?

This was added on later:

This player played for
Four other teams
He was a speedster
Or so it would seem

Ah, but this player did
Hit .339
For the Mets one year
That's no error of mine

But he played with two teams
Not just one that season
So why you can't find him
That might be the reason

5. THIS is actually the abominably bad poem that I said I was going to post eventually. Its author wasn't quote Longfellow or even Seuss, but the heart was there.

I played as a met a little while
I didn't really like my style
I don't think I drove a Ford
my name isn't Chris Woodword

Since I'm only posting this one due to an obsessive dedication to completionism, I'll give a hint right off the bat—

The answer is literally in the poem. The misspelling is intentionally. And that's the joke.

--originally posted by a young man who was just having fun

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 18
Johnny Lunchbucket: 17
stevejrogers: 16
batmagadanleadoff: 9
metsmarathon: 4
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[batmagadanleadoff]

2 is Galen Cisco.

If 1 never played a game in a Mets uniform, then he wasn't a Met and couldn't have been the first Met to retire. Right?

But still, Johnny Antonelli?

[Cowtipper]

I would say Antonelli was a part of the Mets family, so he could loosely be considered "a Met." And he is correct! Cisco is correct, as well. A couple new questions have been added.

1. Who am I?



--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

Hint: Played for the Mets in 2008 and 2009.

2. Here is a rhyme for you to enjoy
It is about a southern boy
This boy, he played in the outfield
With the Mets, a fair bat he did wield
Well, actually save for his first year
His bat was really nothing to fear
But oh, that first year was really fine
With the Mets he hit .339

Who is he?

This was added on later:

This player played for
Four other teams
He was a speedster
Or so it would seem

Ah, but this player did
Hit .339
For the Mets one year
That's no error of mine

But he played with two teams
Not just one that season
So why you can't find him
That might be the reason

3. THIS is actually the abominably bad poem that I said I was going to post eventually. Its author wasn't quote Longfellow or even Seuss, but the heart was there.

I played as a met a little while
I didn't really like my style
I don't think I drove a Ford
my name isn't Chris Woodword

Since I'm only posting this one due to an obsessive dedication to completionism, I'll give a hint right off the bat—

The answer is literally in the poem. The misspelling is intentionally. And that's the joke.

--originally posted by a young man who was just having fun

4. Who was the first player that Omar Minaya acquired via trade for another player?

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

5. My career began with the Mets
But for them I did quite poorly
In '82 I went to the 'Stros
In a trade that'd benefit me

Who am I?

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 18
Johnny Lunchbucket: 17
stevejrogers: 16
batmagadanleadoff: 11
metsmarathon: 4
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Edgy MD]

I may be off base, but I think Omar Minaya's first flip was landing Felix Heredia in a challenge trade for Mike Stanton.

[Cowtipper]

Stanton for Heredia is correct! Another question has been added below.

1. Who am I?



--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

Hint: Played for the Mets in 2008 and 2009.

2. Here is a rhyme for you to enjoy
It is about a southern boy
This boy, he played in the outfield
With the Mets, a fair bat he did wield
Well, actually save for his first year
His bat was really nothing to fear
But oh, that first year was really fine
With the Mets he hit .339

Who is he?

This was added on later:

This player played for
Four other teams
He was a speedster
Or so it would seem

Ah, but this player did
Hit .339
For the Mets one year
That's no error of mine

But he played with two teams
Not just one that season
So why you can't find him
That might be the reason

3. THIS is actually the abominably bad poem that I said I was going to post eventually. Its author wasn't quote Longfellow or even Seuss, but the heart was there.

I played as a met a little while
I didn't really like my style
I don't think I drove a Ford
my name isn't Chris Woodword

Since I'm only posting this one due to an obsessive dedication to completionism, I'll give a hint right off the bat—

The answer is literally in the poem. The misspelling is intentionally. And that's the joke.

--originally posted by a young man who was just having fun

4. My career began with the Mets
But for them I did quite poorly
In '82 I went to the 'Stros
In a trade that'd benefit me

Who am I?

5. I was an early Met,
From when they were bad
I was one of the best
That the Mets had had

But my career was short
I never received fame
But that's hard to do
When you pitch but five games

Who am I?

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 19
Johnny Lunchbucket: 17
stevejrogers: 16
batmagadanleadoff: 11
metsmarathon: 4
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

4. Mike Scott

[batmagadanleadoff]

I would say Antonelli was a part of the Mets family, so he could loosely be considered "a Met." And he is correct!

Well then Casey Stengel retired before Antonelli did. So did Rogers Hornsby.

[Cowtipper]

Mike Scott is correct! As it pertains to Antonelli...I almost said "Mets player fraternity" instead of "family"; perhaps I should have.

1. Who am I?



--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

Hint: Played for the Mets in 2008 and 2009.
Hint: I was an infielder, but I was no Jose.

2. Here is a rhyme for you to enjoy
It is about a southern boy
This boy, he played in the outfield
With the Mets, a fair bat he did wield
Well, actually save for his first year
His bat was really nothing to fear
But oh, that first year was really fine
With the Mets he hit .339

Who is he?

This was added on later:

This player played for
Four other teams
He was a speedster
Or so it would seem

Ah, but this player did
Hit .339
For the Mets one year
That's no error of mine

But he played with two teams
Not just one that season
So why you can't find him
That might be the reason

Hint: Was murdered.

3. THIS is actually the abominably bad poem that I said I was going to post eventually. Its author wasn't quote Longfellow or even Seuss, but the heart was there.

I played as a met a little while
I didn't really like my style
I don't think I drove a Ford
my name isn't Chris Woodword

Since I'm only posting this one due to an obsessive dedication to completionism, I'll give a hint right off the bat—

The answer is literally in the poem. The misspelling is intentionally. And that's the joke.

Hint: Later managed the Rangers. (Someone's gotta answer this, it's an easy +1 on the tally below).

--originally posted by a young man who was just having fun

4. I was an early Met,
From when they were bad
I was one of the best
That the Mets had had

But my career was short
I never received fame
But that's hard to do
When you pitch but five games

Who am I?

Hint: Played for the Mets in 1965.

5. For four-plus years he played at Shea
A well-liked backup, all would say
His greatest moment broke a tie
In playoff ball against Mantei
The centerfielder scaled the wall
But he came down without the ball
The Mets walked off, the fans would thank
The humble man who's known as Tank.

--originally posted by "VIBaseball"

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 19
Johnny Lunchbucket: 17
stevejrogers: 16
batmagadanleadoff: 12
metsmarathon: 4
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Edgy MD]

1. Who am I?



--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

Hint: Played for the Mets in 2008 and 2009.
Hint: I was an infielder, but I was no Jose.

Argenis Reyes

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

2 is Darryl Hamilton

not many murdered Mets

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

imma gonna cheat and back to back with 5 being Todd Pratt

[Cowtipper]

Reyes, Hamilton and Pratt are correct!

1. THIS is actually the abominably bad poem that I said I was going to post eventually. Its author wasn't quote Longfellow or even Seuss, but the heart was there.

I played as a met a little while
I didn't really like my style
I don't think I drove a Ford
my name isn't Chris Woodword

Since I'm only posting this one due to an obsessive dedication to completionism, I'll give a hint right off the bat—

The answer is literally in the poem. The misspelling is intentionally. And that's the joke.

Hint: Later managed the Rangers. (Someone's gotta answer this, it's an easy +1 on the tally below).

--originally posted by a young man who was just having fun

2. I was an early Met,
From when they were bad
I was one of the best
That the Mets had had

But my career was short
I never received fame
But that's hard to do
When you pitch but five games

Who am I?

Hint: Played for the Mets in 1965.

3. My time with the Mets, it was very short
Stealing bases and hitting singles was my forte
But I was just a temporary lodger
Before the season ended, I was a Dodger

Who am I?

4. The first pitch I saw as a Met
Went over the fence like a jet
Only 3 more HRs followed
Which were more than could be expected from the man I replaced
I was just a rental so it did seem
The following year I returned to my previous team

--originally posted by "Keyser Soze"

5. I played baseball for 21 years
But less than one was as a Met
I was traded for Kenny Greer
And soon a retirement plan, I set

Who am I?

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 20
Johnny Lunchbucket: 19
stevejrogers: 16
batmagadanleadoff: 12
metsmarathon: 4
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

5 Frank Tananna

[Edgy MD]

I guess the list of murdered Mets is one player long.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

4 Mike "welcomea" Bordick

[Edgy MD]

Three sounds like Brett the Met Butler.

[Cowtipper]

I guess the list of murdered Mets is one player long.

?? Just one? I've seen lots of Mets pitchers get murdered. Metaphorically, at least.

Also, Tanana, Bordick and Butler are correct!

1. THIS is actually the abominably bad poem that I said I was going to post eventually. Its author wasn't quote Longfellow or even Seuss, but the heart was there.

I played as a met a little while
I didn't really like my style
I don't think I drove a Ford
my name isn't Chris Woodword

Since I'm only posting this one due to an obsessive dedication to completionism, I'll give a hint right off the bat—

The answer is literally in the poem. The misspelling is intentional. And that's the joke.

Hint: Later managed the Rangers. (Someone's gotta answer this, it's an easy +1 on the tally below).
Hint: Played for the Mets in 2005 and 2006.

--originally posted by a young man who was just having fun

2. I was an early Met,
From when they were bad
I was one of the best
That the Mets had had

But my career was short
I never received fame
But that's hard to do
When you pitch but five games

Who am I?

Hint: Played for the Mets in 1965.
Hint: Played just 5 games with the Mets, but had three numbers—including Tom Seaver's.

3. I have a common name
you could say
I have barely a shred of fame
but I still play[ed]

A bullpen reliever I was born to be
In the off season I may or may not ski
I had just 1 year in A ball
As a trait, I am tall.

Who am I?

He gained significant fame, or at least name recognition, after this poem was posted. Recall, it was posted in 2008.

--originally posted by "NJMetfan4life"

4. I played baseball as a catcher
A ball would be thrown and I'd fetch 'er
I could barely hit, despite my tryin'
Here's a hint - my last name was O'Brien

Who am I?

5. I was a bear of a reliever
As a starter, I was no Tom Seaver
I'd pitch when it was cold or muggy
Oh yeah...I died in a dune buggy

Who am I?

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 21
Johnny Lunchbucket: 21
stevejrogers: 16
batmagadanleadoff: 12
metsmarathon: 4
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[stevejrogers]

5 is Danny Frisella

[Cowtipper]

Danny Frisella is correct! A new question has been added below.

1. THIS is actually the abominably bad poem that I said I was going to post eventually. Its author wasn't quote Longfellow or even Seuss, but the heart was there.

I played as a met a little while
I didn't really like my style
I don't think I drove a Ford
my name isn't Chris Woodword

Since I'm only posting this one due to an obsessive dedication to completionism, I'll give a hint right off the bat—

The answer is literally in the poem. The misspelling is intentional. And that's the joke.

Hint: Later managed the Rangers. (Someone's gotta answer this, it's an easy +1 on the tally below).
Hint: Played for the Mets in 2005 and 2006.

--originally posted by a young man who was just having fun

2. I was an early Met,
From when they were bad
I was one of the best
That the Mets had had

But my career was short
I never received fame
But that's hard to do
When you pitch but five games

Who am I?

Hint: Played for the Mets in 1965.
Hint: Played just 5 games with the Mets, but had three numbers—including Tom Seaver's.

3. I have a common name
you could say
I have barely a shred of fame
but I still play[ed]

A bullpen reliever I was born to be
In the off season I may or may not ski
I had just 1 year in A ball
As a trait, I am tall.

Who am I?

He gained significant fame, or at least name recognition, after this poem was posted. Recall, it was posted in 2008.

--originally posted by "NJMetfan4life"

4. I played baseball as a catcher
A ball would be thrown and I'd fetch 'er
I could barely hit, despite my tryin'
Here's a hint - my last name was O'Brien

Who am I?

5. As a manager, I've had my hurdles
As a player, I was slow as a turtle
As a manager, I've been to one World Series
I was in one as a player too, if you had any queries

Who am I?

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Edgy MD: 21
Johnny Lunchbucket: 21
stevejrogers: 17
batmagadanleadoff: 12
metsmarathon: 4
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

5. Clint Hurdle

[Cowtipper]

Clint Hurdle is correct ... and with that, Johnny Lunchbucket overtakes Edgy MD for the most-questions-answered-correctly lead! A new question has been added below:

1. THIS is actually the abominably bad poem that I said I was going to post eventually. Its author wasn't quote Longfellow or even Seuss, but the heart was there.

I played as a met a little while
I didn't really like my style
I don't think I drove a Ford
my name isn't Chris Woodword

Since I'm only posting this one due to an obsessive dedication to completionism, I'll give a hint right off the bat—

The answer is literally in the poem. The misspelling is intentional. And that's the joke.

Hint: Later managed the Rangers. (Someone's gotta answer this, it's an easy +1 on the tally below).
Hint: Played for the Mets in 2005 and 2006.
Hint: Spent the majority of his career with the Blue Jays.

--originally posted by a young man who was just having fun

2. I was an early Met,
From when they were bad
I was one of the best
That the Mets had had

But my career was short
I never received fame
But that's hard to do
When you pitch but five games

Who am I?

Hint: Played for the Mets in 1965.
Hint: Played just 5 games with the Mets, but had three numbers—including Tom Seaver's.
Hint: Was 0-0 with a 0.56 ERA in 5 games (1 start) for New York.

3. I have a common name
you could say
I have barely a shred of fame
but I still play[ed]

A bullpen reliever I was born to be
In the off season I may or may not ski
I had just 1 year in A ball
As a trait, I am tall.

Who am I?

He gained significant fame, or at least name recognition, after this poem was posted. Recall, it was posted in 2008.

Hint: Debuted for the Mets in 2007.

--originally posted by "NJMetfan4life"

4. I played baseball as a catcher
A ball would be thrown and I'd fetch 'er
I could barely hit, despite my tryin'
Here's a hint - my last name was O'Brien

Who am I?

Hint: Forged a 15-year major league career.

5. Who am I?



Hint: Debuted with the Mets in 1990.

Running tally of who guessed correctly:

Johnny Lunchbucket: 22
Edgy MD: 21
stevejrogers: 17
batmagadanleadoff: 12
metsmarathon: 4
MFS62: 2
Benjamin Grimm: 1
DocTee: 1
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Edgy MD]

It seems a little unfair to answer and insanely teed-up question like #5, but number 4 answers itself also.

[Cowtipper]

Here's your chance to take back that #1 spot. Come on, you know you want to do it.

[Cowtipper]

...but if you think those are too easy, I added hints to the questions if you want to take a shot at the others.