Guess that Met

[stevejrogers]

THE MASCOT WAS A JACKASS!!!!!!!!
-Don LaGreca ranting over Mettle The Mule #5’s answer

[stevejrogers]

I’m guessing the Astrodome was used for 1986 World Cup action during weekends in early October of 1986?

[Cowtipper]

Both great guesses, but both are incorrect. Mettle the Mule was a Mets mascot, but not the original. The other one might have been a four-legged friend who shared a first name with a popular cartoon character. The answer for the other one might have been a bit more political.

[stevejrogers]

Too late in a calendar year for conventions, not the right year for national general elections of the 1980s anyway…

Could not have been something to do with Texas state or Houston specific politics that required weekend space at The Dome?

[Cowtipper]

I believe I am incorrect as it pertains to the political reason. The answer provided on the other website said it was because of the Republican Convention being scheduled during that time, however the Republican Convention was actually in August ... and in Dallas. So, here's an actual helpful hint—it might involve another sport that is very popular in Texas.

[stevejrogers]

I believe I am incorrect as it pertains to the political reason. The answer provided on the other website said it was because of the Republican Convention being scheduled during that time, however the Republican Convention was actually in August ... and in Dallas. So, here's an actual helpful hint—it might involve another sport that is very popular in Texas.

Plus as I said, it wouldn’t have been in 1986 anyway as the general election years in the 1980s were 1980, 1984 and 1988.

[stevejrogers]

Either MLS soccer or college football

[ashie62]

Rodeo

[Cowtipper]

It might involve a league that just played its championship, and a team that no longer exists in Houston.

[stevejrogers]

It might involve a league that just played its championship, and a team that no longer exists in Houston.

OLIERS!? Bud Adams couldn’t move his game!?

[stevejrogers]

20-7 loss to the Bears…

Part of a string of 8 straight losses!

They couldn’t have flipped it to Solider Field? When did the Astros clinch…25th (no hitter helps that search)…okay not a lot of time to flip locations or make it a…well maybe not a Friday Night Special in the state of Texas as Monday was the scheduled 5th Game (rained out hence the Tuesday game)…eh what can you do I guess

[Cowtipper]

It is pretty shocking. Texas loves its football. I've added a new question.

1. Umpire John Kibler who died [in 2010] was an umpire in [2] Mets "memorable games" in their history. Can you name those [two] games? The question originally asked about THREE memorable game in which he umpired, but one of them was this: "The third game that Kibler was an umpire in was in 1965 when for the first time in team history the Mets came back from a minimum six run deficit to win a game as they beat the Giants in San Francisco 9-8 in 11 innings after trailing 8-2." I used my authority as official caretaker of this thread to edit the question as that answer seemed so obscure, I didn't think anyone would get it.

Hint: One game was in a year they were Amazin', the other game was in a year they were considered, by at least one author, "The Bad Guys."
Hint: In the first game, the Mets won 6-0, with Gary Gentry being the winning pitcher. He tossed a complete game shutout. In the second game, Rick Aguilera was the winning pitcher.
Hint: The first game happened on September 24, the second game happened on October 25.
Hint: Gil Hodges was the manager in the first game; Davey Johnson was the manager in the second.

--originally posted by "Joe Rigatoni"

2. I am the holder of the record for most strikeouts in a single, complete, 9-inning ballgame in the New York Mets organization. I did it in 1962, the first year the Mets were in existence, and was immediately a top prospect. But a sore arm kept me out of the Major Leagues. Who am I, and how many batters did I strike out? Further, what other record can my pitching performance that day claim to hold?

Hint: Never reached the majors, peaking at Triple-A. The number of batters he struck out was greater than the MLB record...and he didn't just set the Mets organization record.
Hint: His career in the Mets system lasted from 1962 to 1966. The number of batters was the sum of a square and a cube. What league did he pitch in? That might help with the third part of the question.
Hint: He peaked at Triple-A, playing for Buffalo in 1965. He spent a good amount of time with the Auburn Mets.

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

3. Only one player taken in the 1961 Expansion Draft failed to play one single game for the Mets. Who was he?

Hint: He never played for the Mets, but he played in the majors from 1952 to 1964 (missing a few years in-between), making an All-Star team.
Hint: Was involved in this trade—December 15, 1961: Traded by the New York Mets with $100,000 to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a player to be named later and Charlie Neal. The Los Angeles Dodgers sent Willard Hunter (May 25, 1962) to the New York Mets to complete the trade.

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

4. Prior to Mr. Met who/what was the original Mets mascot?

Hint: It was a living animal.

--originally posted by "theAmazingMet"

5. For the team's expansion draft, The Mets were allowed to select designated players from lists submitted to the league office by all National League teams to fill their rosters. Who was the Mets' first draft pick, what was his primary position, and how many games did he play with the team?

--originally posted by "milladrive"

Running tally of correct guessers:

Johnny Lunchbucket: 58
Edgy MD: 51
stevejrogers: 36
batmagadanleadoff: 19
metsmarathon: 5
Benjamin Grimm: 4
MFS62: 3
DocTee: 2
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

5 Catcher Hobie Landreth. I'll say he played 30 games

[Edgy MD]

I'll assume 4 refers to Mettle the Mule, although he doesn't really pre-date Mister.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

No it was a dog, I think a beagle, called Homer

[Cowtipper]

Hobie Landrith is correct. It was actually 23 games, but close enough. Homer the Beagle is also correct; "Homer the Dog" would have worked, as well. Two more questions have been added and hints have been given for the rest.

1. Umpire John Kibler who died [in 2010] was an umpire in [2] Mets "memorable games" in their history. Can you name those [two] games? The question originally asked about THREE memorable game in which he umpired, but one of them was this: "The third game that Kibler was an umpire in was in 1965 when for the first time in team history the Mets came back from a minimum six run deficit to win a game as they beat the Giants in San Francisco 9-8 in 11 innings after trailing 8-2." I used my authority as official caretaker of this thread to edit the question as that answer seemed so obscure, I didn't think anyone would get it.

Hint: One game was in a year they were Amazin', the other game was in a year they were considered, by at least one author, "The Bad Guys."
Hint: In the first game, the Mets won 6-0, with Gary Gentry being the winning pitcher. He tossed a complete game shutout. In the second game, Rick Aguilera was the winning pitcher.
Hint: The first game happened on September 24, the second game happened on October 25.
Hint: Gil Hodges was the manager in the first game; Davey Johnson was the manager in the second.
Hint: #1: #2:
Hint: These are getting tough without giving it away. First Game: He was umpire when the Mets did something involving a division for the first time in their history. Second Game: There was an American League first baseman involved in the game; he died within the past couple years.

--originally posted by "Joe Rigatoni"

2. I am the holder of the record for most strikeouts in a single, complete, 9-inning ballgame in the New York Mets organization. I did it in 1962, the first year the Mets were in existence, and was immediately a top prospect. But a sore arm kept me out of the Major Leagues. Who am I, and how many batters did I strike out? Further, what other record can my pitching performance that day claim to hold?

Hint: Never reached the majors, peaking at Triple-A. The number of batters he struck out was greater than the MLB record...and he didn't just set the Mets organization record.
Hint: His career in the Mets system lasted from 1962 to 1966. The number of batters was the sum of a square and a cube. What league did he pitch in? That might help with the third part of the question.
Hint: He peaked at Triple-A, playing for Buffalo in 1965. He spent a good amount of time with the Auburn Mets.
Hint: Former Mets minor leaguer Jerry Gehrke left this note on his UltimateMets.com page: "From Columbus, Ohio (I think) - "Zeke" was the all-time competitor. He would take anyone on at any time when he was pitching. He'd knock you down for almost anything. And at the end of the day, he would WIN. That was everything for Zeke. One of the more fierce competitors I have known."
Hint:


--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

3. Only one player taken in the 1961 Expansion Draft failed to play one single game for the Mets. Who was he?

Hint: He never played for the Mets, but he played in the majors from 1952 to 1964 (missing a few years in-between), making an All-Star team.
Hint: Was involved in this trade—December 15, 1961: Traded by the New York Mets with $100,000 to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a player to be named later and Charlie Neal. The Los Angeles Dodgers sent Willard Hunter (May 25, 1962) to the New York Mets to complete the trade.
Hint: This outfielder played for the Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, Pirates and Reds.
Hint: Hit .262 with 66 home runs and 284 RBI in 902 games over a 10-year career and was an All-Star in '58.

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

4. Who penned the "Marvelous Marv" locker sign that gave the media the idea to refer to Throneberry as Marvelous Marv?

Hint: Pitched for the Mets from 1962 to 1964.

--originally posted by "theAmazingMet"

5. Sherman "Roadblock" Jones competed for a roster spot with and beat out in Spring Training which pitcher who would go on to be highly successful as a relief pitcher for his one and only MLB year (I believe he injured his arm)? Hint: he too had a colorful nickname.

Hint: His colorful nickname was "Butterball."

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

Running tally of correct guessers:

Johnny Lunchbucket: 60
Edgy MD: 51
stevejrogers: 36
batmagadanleadoff: 19
metsmarathon: 5
Benjamin Grimm: 4
MFS62: 3
DocTee: 2
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Cowtipper]

New day, new hints added above.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

5. Bob Botz

[Cowtipper]

Botz is correct, well done. A new question has been added.

1. Umpire John Kibler who died [in 2010] was an umpire in [2] Mets "memorable games" in their history. Can you name those [two] games? The question originally asked about THREE memorable game in which he umpired, but one of them was this: "The third game that Kibler was an umpire in was in 1965 when for the first time in team history the Mets came back from a minimum six run deficit to win a game as they beat the Giants in San Francisco 9-8 in 11 innings after trailing 8-2." I used my authority as official caretaker of this thread to edit the question as that answer seemed so obscure, I didn't think anyone would get it.

Hint: One game was in a year they were Amazin', the other game was in a year they were considered, by at least one author, "The Bad Guys."
Hint: In the first game, the Mets won 6-0, with Gary Gentry being the winning pitcher. He tossed a complete game shutout. In the second game, Rick Aguilera was the winning pitcher.
Hint: The first game happened on September 24, the second game happened on October 25.
Hint: Gil Hodges was the manager in the first game; Davey Johnson was the manager in the second.
Hint: #1: #2:
Hint: These are getting tough without giving it away. First Game: He was umpire when the Mets did something involving a division for the first time in their history. Second Game: There was an American League first baseman involved in the game; he died within the past couple years.

--originally posted by "Joe Rigatoni"

2. I am the holder of the record for most strikeouts in a single, complete, 9-inning ballgame in the New York Mets organization. I did it in 1962, the first year the Mets were in existence, and was immediately a top prospect. But a sore arm kept me out of the Major Leagues. Who am I, and how many batters did I strike out? Further, what other record can my pitching performance that day claim to hold?

Hint: Never reached the majors, peaking at Triple-A. The number of batters he struck out was greater than the MLB record...and he didn't just set the Mets organization record.
Hint: His career in the Mets system lasted from 1962 to 1966. The number of batters was the sum of a square and a cube. What league did he pitch in? That might help with the third part of the question.
Hint: He peaked at Triple-A, playing for Buffalo in 1965. He spent a good amount of time with the Auburn Mets.
Hint: Former Mets minor leaguer Jerry Gehrke left this note on his UltimateMets.com page: "From Columbus, Ohio (I think) - "Zeke" was the all-time competitor. He would take anyone on at any time when he was pitching. He'd knock you down for almost anything. And at the end of the day, he would WIN. That was everything for Zeke. One of the more fierce competitors I have known."
Hint:


--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

3. Only one player taken in the 1961 Expansion Draft failed to play one single game for the Mets. Who was he?

Hint: He never played for the Mets, but he played in the majors from 1952 to 1964 (missing a few years in-between), making an All-Star team.
Hint: Was involved in this trade—December 15, 1961: Traded by the New York Mets with $100,000 to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a player to be named later and Charlie Neal. The Los Angeles Dodgers sent Willard Hunter (May 25, 1962) to the New York Mets to complete the trade.
Hint: This outfielder played for the Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, Pirates and Reds.
Hint: Hit .262 with 66 home runs and 284 RBI in 902 games over a 10-year career and was an All-Star in '58.

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

4. Who penned the "Marvelous Marv" locker sign that gave the media the idea to refer to Throneberry as Marvelous Marv?

Hint: Pitched for the Mets from 1962 to 1964.

--originally posted by "theAmazingMet"

5. This pitcher got the save in the 1969 Mets 100th win and it was the only save he ever got as a Met. Who was that pitcher?

--originally posted by "Joe Rigatoni"

Running tally of correct guessers:

Johnny Lunchbucket: 61
Edgy MD: 51
stevejrogers: 36
batmagadanleadoff: 19
metsmarathon: 5
Benjamin Grimm: 4
MFS62: 3
DocTee: 2
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[metsmarathon]

1a. mets clinch the NL east, and 1b. game 6 '86 world series.

[Cowtipper]

That's correct! Well done. A new question has been added, and hints have been added for the rest.

1. I am the holder of the record for most strikeouts in a single, complete, 9-inning ballgame in the New York Mets organization. I did it in 1962, the first year the Mets were in existence, and was immediately a top prospect. But a sore arm kept me out of the Major Leagues. Who am I, and how many batters did I strike out? Further, what other record can my pitching performance that day claim to hold?

Hint: Never reached the majors, peaking at Triple-A. The number of batters he struck out was greater than the MLB record...and he didn't just set the Mets organization record.
Hint: His career in the Mets system lasted from 1962 to 1966. The number of batters was the sum of a square and a cube. What league did he pitch in? That might help with the third part of the question.
Hint: He peaked at Triple-A, playing for Buffalo in 1965. He spent a good amount of time with the Auburn Mets.
Hint: Former Mets minor leaguer Jerry Gehrke left this note on his UltimateMets.com page: "From Columbus, Ohio (I think) - "Zeke" was the all-time competitor. He would take anyone on at any time when he was pitching. He'd knock you down for almost anything. And at the end of the day, he would WIN. That was everything for Zeke. One of the more fierce competitors I have known."
Hint:

Hint: He shared a first name with a Beatle; he had an uncommon surname.
Hint: He also shared a first name with the guy who sang that song, "Put Your Head on My Shoulder." The first syllable of his last name is the first name of a late 90s/early 2000s Mets ace. The second syllable of his last name sounds similar to a famous Star Trek character, but is spelled more German-ish. His surname has only two syllables. The number of strikeouts is the number of outs by one team after eight complete innings. The league in which he played in 1962 also featured teams in Olean, Erie, Geneva, Jamestown and Batavia.

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

3. Only one player taken in the 1961 Expansion Draft failed to play one single game for the Mets. Who was he?

Hint: He never played for the Mets, but he played in the majors from 1952 to 1964 (missing a few years in-between), making an All-Star team.
Hint: Was involved in this trade—December 15, 1961: Traded by the New York Mets with $100,000 to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a player to be named later and Charlie Neal. The Los Angeles Dodgers sent Willard Hunter (May 25, 1962) to the New York Mets to complete the trade.
Hint: This outfielder played for the Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, Pirates and Reds.
Hint: Hit .262 with 66 home runs and 284 RBI in 902 games over a 10-year career and was an All-Star in '58.
Hint:

Hint: Was involved in this trade: "May 1, 1957: Traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates with Dale Long to the Chicago Cubs for Gene Baker and Dee Fondy" and this trade "December 6, 1959: Traded by the Chicago Cubs with Bill Henry and Lou Jackson to the Cincinnati Reds for Frank Thomas."

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

3. Who penned the "Marvelous Marv" locker sign that gave the media the idea to refer to Throneberry as Marvelous Marv?

Hint: Pitched for the Mets from 1962 to 1964.
Hint: Was 8-19 in 1962.
Hint: Pitched for the Reds from 1957 to 1961 before joining the Mets.

--originally posted by "theAmazingMet"

4. This pitcher got the save in the 1969 Mets 100th win and it was the only save he ever got as a Met. Who was that pitcher?

Hint: Pitched all of two games with the Mets.
Hint: Shares a name with an infielder who played for the Mets in 1967.

--originally posted by "Joe Rigatoni"

5. Kevin Elster was added to the Mets 24 man roster from Double-A on August 31, 1986 (they only had 24 man rosters from 1986-1989) so he could be eligible for the
postseason because the Mets wanted a better glove at shortstop when they pinch hit for Rafael Santana. Who did Elster replace to be on the 24 man roster that day?

Hint: Began his major league career with the Mets in 1986.

--originally posted by "Joe Rigatoni"

Running tally of correct guessers:

Johnny Lunchbucket: 61
Edgy MD: 51
stevejrogers: 36
batmagadanleadoff: 19
metsmarathon: 6
Benjamin Grimm: 4
MFS62: 3
DocTee: 2
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Cowtipper]

New day, new hints added above.

[stevejrogers]

Take a stab at #5 with Rick Anderson?

[Cowtipper]

Good stab! Rick Anderson is correct.

1. I am the holder of the record for most strikeouts in a single, complete, 9-inning ballgame in the New York Mets organization. I did it in 1962, the first year the Mets were in existence, and was immediately a top prospect. But a sore arm kept me out of the Major Leagues. Who am I, and how many batters did I strike out? Further, what other record can my pitching performance that day claim to hold?

Hint: Never reached the majors, peaking at Triple-A. The number of batters he struck out was greater than the MLB record...and he didn't just set the Mets organization record.
Hint: His career in the Mets system lasted from 1962 to 1966. The number of batters was the sum of a square and a cube. What league did he pitch in? That might help with the third part of the question.
Hint: He peaked at Triple-A, playing for Buffalo in 1965. He spent a good amount of time with the Auburn Mets.
Hint: Former Mets minor leaguer Jerry Gehrke left this note on his UltimateMets.com page: "From Columbus, Ohio (I think) - "Zeke" was the all-time competitor. He would take anyone on at any time when he was pitching. He'd knock you down for almost anything. And at the end of the day, he would WIN. That was everything for Zeke. One of the more fierce competitors I have known."
Hint:

Hint: He shared a first name with a Beatle; he had an uncommon surname.
Hint: He also shared a first name with the guy who sang that song, "Put Your Head on My Shoulder." The first syllable of his last name is the first name of a late 90s/early 2000s Mets ace. The second syllable of his last name sounds similar to a famous Star Trek character, but is spelled more German-ish. His surname has only two syllables. The number of strikeouts is the number of outs by one team after eight complete innings. The league in which he played in 1962 also featured teams in Olean, Erie, Geneva, Jamestown and Batavia.
Hint: A. ____ McCartney; ____ Anka; Pope John ____ the II. "I'm going to go skiing on the Swiss _____," sort of, "with rapper Tu____ Shakur," sort of. Combine those two answers to get an approximation of his last name. B. Willie Mays' number. C. The Brooklyn Cyclones played in this league.
Hint: P_ _ _ A _ _ _ _ _ _

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

3. Only one player taken in the 1961 Expansion Draft failed to play one single game for the Mets. Who was he?

Hint: He never played for the Mets, but he played in the majors from 1952 to 1964 (missing a few years in-between), making an All-Star team.
Hint: Was involved in this trade—December 15, 1961: Traded by the New York Mets with $100,000 to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a player to be named later and Charlie Neal. The Los Angeles Dodgers sent Willard Hunter (May 25, 1962) to the New York Mets to complete the trade.
Hint: This outfielder played for the Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, Pirates and Reds.
Hint: Hit .262 with 66 home runs and 284 RBI in 902 games over a 10-year career and was an All-Star in '58.
Hint:

Hint: Was involved in this trade: "May 1, 1957: Traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates with Dale Long to the Chicago Cubs for Gene Baker and Dee Fondy" and this trade "December 6, 1959: Traded by the Chicago Cubs with Bill Henry and Lou Jackson to the Cincinnati Reds for Frank Thomas."
Hint: Was also involved in this trade: "June 15, 1960: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds with Tony González to the Philadelphia Phillies for Fred Hopke (minors), Harry Anderson and Wally Post."
Hint: Shares a first name with a closer currently in the Hall of Fame. As for his last name, most buildings have these.

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

3. Who penned the "Marvelous Marv" locker sign that gave the media the idea to refer to Throneberry as Marvelous Marv?

Hint: Pitched for the Mets from 1962 to 1964.
Hint: Was 8-19 in 1962.
Hint: Pitched for the Reds from 1957 to 1961 before joining the Mets.
Hint: Was involved in this trade: "May 8, 1964: Traded by the New York Mets with a player to be named later to the Milwaukee Braves for Roy McMillan. The New York Mets sent Adrian Garrett (June 17, 1964) to the Milwaukee Braves to complete the trade."
Hint:


--originally posted by "theAmazingMet"

4. This pitcher got the save in the 1969 Mets 100th win and it was the only save he ever got as a Met. Who was that pitcher?

Hint: Pitched all of two games with the Mets.
Hint: Shares a name with an infielder who played for the Mets in 1967.
Hint: Was involved in this trade: "December 3, 1969: Traded by the New York Mets with Amos Otis to the Kansas City Royals for Joe Foy."
Hint: Also shares a name with a popular outfielder from the 1930s and '40s who some think should be in the Hall of Fame.

--originally posted by "Joe Rigatoni"

5. Who was the first ex-Major Leaguer to sign a Minor League contract with the New York Mets? Hint: The Mets had farm teams playing in 1961 before they actually existed. By ex-Major Leaguer, it is meant someone who'd already played in the Major Leagues.

Hint: He's in the Hall of Fame.
Hint: Spent most of his career with the Cardinals.

--originally posted by "Dalkowski110"

Running tally of correct guessers:

Johnny Lunchbucket: 61
Edgy MD: 51
stevejrogers: 37
batmagadanleadoff: 19
metsmarathon: 6
Benjamin Grimm: 4
MFS62: 3
DocTee: 2
Marshmallowmilkshake: 1
The Hot Corner: 1

[Cowtipper]

New day, new hints added above.