In our fifth installment, we travel back to the tumultuous year of 1966, a time when the New York Mets were just finding their footing in the Major Leagues. With a roster filled with rookies and seasoned players alike, the Mets were a melting pot of talent, hope, and anticipation. Baseball Digest, ever vigilant, had its eyes on these young upstarts, their scouting reports capturing the imagination of fans and analysts alike.
From the promising prospects heralded as the next big thing to the cautionary tales that hinted at potential pitfalls, the 1966 Mets were a canvas painted with bold predictions and cautious optimism. As we look back at the official scouting reports, preserved in the confidential files of Major League clubs, we'll uncover some of the stories that unfolded from these early forecasts.
Did the bright young stars live up to the hype? Were there diamonds in the rough that even the keenest scouts missed? Join us as we sift through the pages of history, comparing the dreams of yesterday with the realities of today, and rediscover the magic that makes baseball more than just a game—it's a journey through time, filled with hopes, dreams, and the undying spirit of America's pastime.
Bill Denehy: A Promising Start, But...
Scouting Report:"Major League possibility. Has good curve and fastball. Still young and inexperienced, but he has good desire."
Career Overview:
Bill Denehy, the second-ever Middletown Little League alumnus to make it to Major League Baseball, signed with the New York Mets out of high school for a $20,000 bonus. He debuted professionally with the Auburn Mets in 1965, leading the league in wins with 13. The following year, he continued to impress with a 1.97 ERA at Double-A Williamsport.
In 1967, Denehy made 15 Major League appearances for the Mets, though he struggled with a 4.67 ERA and a 1-7 record. That November, the Mets traded him to the Washington Senators for manager Gil Hodges. Denehy pitched sparingly in the majors after that, making only brief appearances for the Senators and later the Detroit Tigers. By the end of his career, he had a 1-10 record with a 4.56 ERA in 49 Major League games. Despite a promising start, Denehy's career was hampered by injuries and inconsistent performance.
Buddy Harrelson: The Heart of the Mets' Infield
Scouting Report: "Possibility. Good power for a shortstop, arm good, covers ground well."
Career Overview:
Promoted to the Mets in September 1965, Buddy Harrelson quickly became a fixture in the infield. Known for his excellent fielding, Harrelson played a key role in the Mets' 1969 championship season and the 1973 pennant-winning season. Despite his small stature, which earned him nicknames like "Twiggy" and "Mighty Mouse," Harrelson was a formidable defensive player, winning a Gold Glove Award in 1971.
Offensively, Harrelson was less impressive, finishing his career with a .236 batting average and just seven home runs. However, his fielding prowess and leadership on the field were invaluable to the Mets. He was a two-time All-Star and part of the Mets' first-ever division-winning team in 1969. Harrelson's grit and determination made him a beloved figure in Mets history.
Jim Lampe: A Career Cut Short
Scouting Report: "Good power, fair fielder, strong arm. Needs coaching on hitting to get anywhere."
Career Overview:
Jim Lampe, a standout athlete at William Penn Charter School, signed with the Mets in 1964. Despite high expectations, his professional baseball career was cut short due to Achilles tendon injuries. Lampe played in the Mets' farm system for five years but never made it to the Major Leagues. After his playing days, he found success in the athletic-surfacing industry, working with companies like Astroturf and eventually founding his own business.
While his baseball career didn't pan out as hoped, Lampe's post-athletic career demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt. His contributions to youth sports and the athletic-surfacing industry left a lasting impact.
Dick Rusteck: A Brief Flash of Brilliance
Scouting Report: "Has had very little experience but his control is good and he keeps the ball low. Regarded as a real prospect."
Career Overview:
Dick Rusteck's Major League career was brief but memorable. After a successful minor league stint in 1965, he debuted with the Mets in June 1966, throwing a shutout in his first game against the Cincinnati Reds. Unfortunately, his subsequent outings were less successful, and he finished the season with a 1-2 record and a 3.00 ERA.
Rusteck spent the next eleven years in the minors, with his best season coming in 1971 when he went 17-8 with a 2.40 ERA for the Charlotte Hornets. Despite his early promise, he never recaptured his initial Major League success. Rusteck eventually retired after a stint in the independent leagues.
Conclusion
The 1966 Baseball Digest scouting reports for the New York Mets showcased a mix of promise and potential pitfalls. While some players like Buddy Harrelson exceeded expectations, others like Bill Denehy and Dick Rusteck had careers that fell short of their early promise. Jim Lampe's story is a reminder of how injuries can derail even the most promising careers. These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of baseball, where talent, opportunity, and a bit of luck all play crucial roles in shaping a player's destiny.
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