Seaver Dazzles in Complete Game Four-Hitter

Before each of Tom Seaver’s starts in 1969, Catcher Jerry Grote always told his teammates the same thing, “ Let’s get him two runs and we will be in good shape.”

Well in this particular game May 10, 1969 vs. the Cincinnati Reds, Seaver got a bonus…Three runs. Tom worked a complete game four-hitter with one run and four strikeouts for a 3–1 victory.

“There was just a different feeling in the locker room when Tom was on them mound,” said Grote. “All of us had all the confidence in the world that if we got him a run or two, Tom would get his to the finish line.”

In 1969 Seaver would win the Cy Young with a 25–7 record with a 2.21 ERA.

“It’s simple, none of us have a ring on our finger if it wasn’t for Tom Seaver,” added rightfielder Ron Swoboda. “He just wouldn’t accept losing. When we go to 18–18 in May, he made sure to say that .500 wasn’t good enough. He expected more.”

The Mets will hold their 50th Anniversary of the 1969 Championship June 28-June 30 at Citi Field.

“It’s great the Mets will be honoring Tom that weekend” said pitcher Jerry Koosman. “He was our horse. He was our leader. He will be in all of our hearts, that’s for sure.”