In our sixth installment, we travel back to 1967 a time when the New York Mets were ae the verge of shocking the World and Major League Baseball. With a roster filled with rookies and seasoned players alike, the Mets were a melting pot of talent, hope, and anticipation. Baseball Digest kept a close watch on these young prospects ,with scouting reports that sparked 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 1967 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.
1967 was distinctly different for the Mets. Three of the scouting reports that year focused on the team's top pitching prospects: Jerry Koosman, Tom Seaver, and Nolan Ryan. These three pitchers would go on to win a combined 857 games, appear in 22 All-Star Games, and have two first-ballot Hall of Famers among them. Their scouting reports from 1967 offer a fascinating glimpse into the early assessments of these legendary careers and underscore the importance of scouting in shaping the future of baseball. Join us as we delve into the stories behind these remarkable players and the scouts who recognized their potential.
Jerry Koosman: From Fair Fast Ball, Average Curve to Mets Hall of Fame
Scouting Report:"Fair Fast ball. Average curve. Control only fair. Needs curve ball and help in control. Needs to pitch more"
In a 1967 Baseball Digest scouting report, Jerry Koosman was described as having a "fair fastball," an "average curve," and only "fair control." The report emphasized his need for a better curveball and improved control, suggesting he required more experience on the mound. However, Koosman's actual career trajectory turned out to be far more impressive than this initial assessment indicated.
Jerry Koosman's Career Highlights:
New York Mets
Rookie Year (1968): Koosman defied his early scouting report by emerging as a standout pitcher. In his rookie season, he posted a remarkable 19-12 record with a 2.08 ERA, seven shutouts, and 178 strikeouts, setting franchise records. He earned a spot on the All-Star team and finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, showcasing control and skill far beyond what was initially predicted.
1969 Miracle Mets: Koosman played a pivotal role in the Mets' unexpected World Series victory. With a 17-9 record and a 2.28 ERA during the regular season, he was instrumental in their playoff success. His performance in the World Series, particularly his wins in Games Two and Five, solidified his reputation as a clutch pitcher.
Subsequent Seasons:
1970-1973: Despite some struggles, including arm issues in 1971, Koosman remained a key player for the Mets. In 1973, he set a Mets' record with 31 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings and helped lead the team to another NL East title and a World Series appearance.
Mid-1970s: Koosman continued to perform well, achieving a 21-win season in 1976 and finishing as the runner-up for the Cy Young Award. However, the team's decline in the late 1970s led to personal challenges, including a league-high 20 losses in 1977.
Later Career:
Minnesota Twins (1979-1981):After being traded, Koosman bounced back with a 20-win season in 1979 and continued to be effective through 1980. His performance remained solid despite the team's struggles.
Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies (1981-1985): Koosman maintained respectable numbers, contributing to the White Sox's 1983 AL West title and finishing his career with the Phillies.
Career Summary:
Koosman ended his career with 222 wins, a 3.36 ERA, and 2,556 strikeouts in 3,839 1/3 innings. He ranks third in Mets history with 140 wins, demonstrating his longevity and effectiveness far beyond the early scouting report's expectations. His number 36 was retired by the Mets in 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise's greats.
In conclusion, Jerry Koosman's career vastly exceeded the modest expectations set by his 1967 scouting report. His development into a key pitcher for the Mets, his crucial role in their 1969 World Series win, and his sustained success over an 18-year MLB career highlight his significant achievements and lasting impact on the game.
Nolan Ryan: Even as a Twenty Year Old His Fastball defined him.
Scouting Report: "Must be considered a major league future at this time. Fast ball good and poise better than average. Has added some weight since "65"
Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr., known as "the Ryan Express," far exceeded the expectations of his initial scouting report. Over a record-breaking 27-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB), Ryan played for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. He retired in 1993, then moved into sports management roles, including serving as CEO of the Texas Rangers and an executive advisor for the Houston Astros. In 1999, Ryan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and is often cited as one of the greatest MLB pitchers of all time.
Ryan's fastball, a key point in his scouting report, remained a defining feature throughout his career. He consistently threw pitches over 100 miles per hour, maintaining his speed well into his 40s. His repertoire also included a devastating 12-6 curveball.
Ryan's statistical achievements are legendary. He accumulated 324 wins against 292 losses and was an eight-time All-Star. His career total of 5,714 strikeouts is an MLB record, surpassing second-place Randy Johnson by 839. Despite leading the MLB in walks with 2,795, Ryan's opponents had a batting average of just .204 against him, another record. He is one of five Hall of Fame pitchers with more strikeouts than innings pitched, joining Pedro Martínez, Randy Johnson, Trevor Hoffman, and Sandy Koufax.
Notably, Ryan threw seven no-hitters, the most in MLB history, and tied with Bob Feller for the most one-hitters with 12. He also pitched 18 two-hitters. Despite these feats, Ryan never pitched a perfect game nor won a Cy Young Award, largely due to his high walk rate. He is one of only 31 players to have played in MLB games in four different decades.
Ryan’s impact extended beyond his playing career, with his number retired by three different teams, a distinction he shares only with Jackie Robinson and Frank Robinson. His contributions to baseball were not just about his skill but also his longevity and consistency at the highest level of the sport.
Tom Seaver: From Good, Fair and OK to Tom Terrific
Scouting Report: "Good fast ball. Curve only fair; control and fielding O.K. First year man with hard fast one. Best of futures on Jacksonville club."
Tom Seaver's scouting report depicted him as a promising young pitcher with a "good fast ball," a "fair" curveball, and control and fielding rated as "O.K." He was seen as a first-year player with potential, described as having the "best of futures on Jacksonville club." This early assessment provided a modest but optimistic view of Seaver's abilities, highlighting his fastball as his standout feature.
In contrast, Seaver's actual career far exceeded these initial evaluations, becoming one of the most illustrious in Major League Baseball history. Nicknamed "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise," Seaver played 20 seasons in the MLB, primarily with the New York Mets, but also with the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox from 1967 to 1986. He was instrumental in leading the Mets to their miraculous 1969 World Series victory and was a dominant force on the mound throughout his career.
Seaver's fastball, which was noted as good in his scouting report, indeed became one of his most effective weapons. It helped him achieve extraordinary strikeout numbers and establish himself as a feared pitcher. His curveball, initially described as "only fair," improved significantly over the years, complementing his fastball and making his overall pitch repertoire much more formidable. This development reflected his dedication and ability to enhance his skills beyond the early scouting evaluations.
Regarding control and fielding, which were rated as "O.K.," Seaver evolved to exhibit exceptional control, known for his precise pitch location and low walk rates. His fielding, although not often highlighted, was solid, further contributing to his effectiveness as a pitcher.
The scouting report's projection of Seaver having the "best of futures on Jacksonville club" was a considerable understatement. Seaver's career achievements included winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1967, three NL Cy Young Awards, and being selected as an All-Star 12 times. He retired with 311 wins, 3,640 strikeouts, 61 shutouts, a 2.86 ERA, and even a no-hitter in 1978. His induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992, with the highest percentage of votes ever recorded at that time, and the subsequent retirement of his No. 41 by the Mets, underscored his legendary status in baseball history.
In summary, while Tom Seaver's scouting report hinted at his potential, his actual career achievements were monumental, surpassing early expectations by a significant margin. Seaver developed into one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, demonstrating that initial scouting reports, while useful, can sometimes only scratch the surface of a player's true potential and future success.
The stories of Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan, and Tom Seaver serve as remarkable testaments to the unpredictability and potential within the world of baseball. Each began with scouting reports that highlighted their promise but also noted areas for improvement. Koosman was initially seen as a young player with significant potential but control issues. Ryan's early evaluation focused on his extraordinary fastball but also pointed out his lack of control. Seaver was recognized for his good fastball, but his curveball and control were deemed merely adequate. Despite these tempered early assessments, all three pitchers far exceeded expectations, two of them were first ballot Hall of Famers, all transcended their initial limitations to become some of the greatest pitchers in the history of the sport. Their careers were marked by incredible achievements, including numerous awards, records, and Hall of Fame inductions. Koosman, Ryan, and Seaver not only fulfilled their potential but redefined the standards of excellence in pitching, leaving indelible marks on the game of baseball and inspiring future generations of players.
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