In our twenty-third installment of *Hit or Error*, we continue our deep dive into the promising landscape of Mets prospects as highlighted by *Baseball Digest* in March 1985. By this time, the Mets' farm system had finally hit its stride, producing a steady stream of talent primed for Major League success. The publication spotlighted six young players who were seen as the team's bright future: Calvin Schiraldi, John Christensen, Roger McDowell, Bill Latham, Randy Myers, and a returning name from the 1984 edition, Kevin Mitchell.
For this installment, we'll focus on three of those players who would go on to play pivotal roles in the 1986 World Series: Calvin Schiraldi, Roger McDowell, and Randy Myers. These three not only represented the Mets' rising stars but were central to the drama that unfolded during that unforgettable Fall Classic. Interestingly, while Schiraldi was originally touted as part of the Mets' bright future, his significant role in the 1986 World Series came not in a Mets uniform but as a member of the opposing Boston Red Sox. As we revisit their careers, we’ll assess how they measured up to the lofty expectations set by *Baseball Digest* in 1985 and reflect on the twists and turns that shaped their paths in one of baseball’s most iconic championship series.
From College Glory to World Series Heartbreak: The Calvin Schiraldi Story
Scouting Report:"Hard throwing, young hurler, still learning to pitch; only two seasons of pro ball behind him. Coming very quickly. Former MVP in College World Series"
Calvin Schiraldi's 1985 scouting report from Baseball Digest highlighted him as a “hard-throwing, young hurler” who was “still learning to pitch” but progressing rapidly, with only two seasons of pro ball under his belt. He had already achieved MVP status in the College World Series, which suggested a bright future. This glowing assessment aligned with his early professional career, especially when he dominated the minors, posting a 17-4 record with a 2.59 ERA in 1984 for the Jackson Mets and Tidewater Tides. His ability to excel quickly appeared consistent with his scouting report, as he swiftly earned a call-up to the New York Mets later that year.
However, Schiraldi’s actual MLB career, particularly in high-pressure situations, diverged from the trajectory suggested by his initial potential. While he had some success, notably in 1986 when he became a key reliever for the Boston Red Sox and posted a 1.41 ERA with nine saves, his role in the infamous collapse during the 1986 World Series defined much of his legacy. In Game 6, he allowed the New York Mets to tie the game and set the stage for the Red Sox’s crushing defeat, followed by another rough outing in Game 7. His World Series ERA ballooned to 13.50, tarnishing what had otherwise been a promising season.
Schiraldi’s transition from a starting role with the Cubs in 1988, where he went 9-13 with a 4.38 ERA, back to a reliever reflected a career marked by inconsistency. His scouting report had hinted at potential greatness, but his MLB statistics—32 wins, 39 losses, and a 4.28 ERA over eight seasons—ultimately showed that while he had the tools, he never fully lived up to the early expectations of dominance. Nonetheless, his long tenure in the league and the ability to adapt from starter to reliever, even after the World Series heartbreak, demonstrated resilience, though his career lacked the star power that his scouting report once forecasted.
Scouting Success: The Roger McDowell Story
Scouting Report: "Elbow operation shelved him until August, then helped Jackson win league championship. Coming quickly, watch this young man!"
In 1985, *Baseball Digest* predicted a bright future for Roger McDowell, noting his recovery from elbow surgery and rapid progress in the minor leagues. The scouting report emphasized that McDowell was "coming quickly" and advised teams to "watch this young man." This expectation of a rising star would largely be proven correct, though McDowell's career unfolded with unexpected twists.
McDowell debuted in the majors in 1985, the same year of the optimistic scouting report. He quickly established himself as a versatile and dependable reliever for the New York Mets, posting a 2.83 ERA in his rookie season. His ability to pitch multiple innings made him invaluable, a quality that echoed the report's indication of his swift ascent. Despite the elbow surgery that had sidelined him earlier in his career, McDowell’s sinker ball became a signature pitch, and he would soon find himself in high-pressure situations.
The high point of McDowell’s career came in 1986 when he played a key role in the Mets’ World Series victory. He finished the season with a 14-9 record and a 3.02 ERA, demonstrating his ability to handle both middle relief and closer duties, often in crucial late-game moments. His five innings in the 16-inning NLCS Game 6 victory over the Houston Astros exemplified the resilience hinted at in his scouting report. He also earned the win in Game 7 of the World Series, cementing his place in Mets history.
However, McDowell's career was not without its down periods. In 1987, he struggled after missing part of the season with a hernia, finishing with an ERA over 4.00 despite recording a career-high 25 saves. While his scouting report hinted at potential greatness, the injury concerns that delayed his progress earlier would occasionally resurface throughout his career.
McDowell's post-Mets years were marked by ups and downs. After a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1989, he enjoyed immediate success, posting a stellar 1.11 ERA for the remainder of the season. However, his performances would fluctuate as he moved between teams, including the Dodgers and the Rangers. Though still capable of effective outings, McDowell's ERA rose above 4.00 in several seasons, diverging from the initial high expectations.
In the end, McDowell’s career matched the scouting report in its early promise and rapid rise, particularly with his pivotal role in the Mets' championship run. Yet, like many pitchers, injuries and inconsistencies marked his later years, making his career both a reflection of his initial potential and a testament to the unpredictability of a long MLB career. McDowell finished his career with a 70-70 record, showing both the successes and challenges that defined his time in the majors.
From Mets Hopeful to 'Nasty Boy': The Randy Myers Story
Scouting Report: "Best Left hand arm in Mets system. Gaining confidence, command and control rapidly. "Strikeout total impressive, Power type pitcher.
Randy Myers entered the New York Mets organization with high expectations, as reflected in his 1985 scouting report in *Baseball Digest*, which lauded him as the "best left-handed arm in the Mets system." The report praised his rapid development in confidence, command, and control, while emphasizing his power-pitching style and impressive strikeout totals. As Myers transitioned into his major league career, this evaluation proved to be largely accurate, though with a few twists along the way.
Myers debuted with the Mets in 1985 and eventually became part of the team's 1986 World Series-winning squad, though he wasn’t on the postseason roster. His strikeout ability and power pitching were in line with his scouting report, as he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the Mets' primary bullpen arms. By 1988, Myers had taken over closing duties, sharing the role with Roger McDowell. His strikeout totals continued to impress, reflecting the early promise noted by scouts.
His career truly flourished after being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1990. As part of the Reds’ formidable "Nasty Boys" bullpen trio, Myers posted dominant numbers, helping lead Cincinnati to a World Series championship that year. His scouting report’s emphasis on his power pitching was evident, as he consistently overpowered hitters and was selected as an All-Star in 1990.
However, the scouting report didn’t predict Myers' versatility. In 1991, the Reds attempted to convert him into a starter—a move that turned out to be a misstep as he struggled with a 6-13 record, far from his usual bullpen dominance. Despite this experiment, he returned to his closing role the following season, continuing to build his reputation as a power closer with teams like the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and Baltimore Orioles. His best season came in 1993 with the Cubs, where he set a National League record with 53 saves.
The control and command mentioned in his scouting report were also notable throughout his career, as he amassed 347 saves, ranking him among the all-time leaders in the category. His final seasons saw him closing games for the Orioles and the Blue Jays, with Myers recording 28 saves in his final season before shoulder injuries ended his career in 1998.
In summary, the initial scouting report was spot on in terms of Myers' strikeout potential and his rapid development into an elite arm. While his brief stint as a starter didn't match those early expectations, his success as a closer and his longevity in Major League Baseball more than validated the high praise he received early in his career.
As we conclude this twenty-third installment of *Hit or Error*, it’s clear that the 1985 *Baseball Digest* projections offered both insight and intrigue regarding the future of these Mets prospects. Calvin Schiraldi, Roger McDowell, and Randy Myers each carried the weight of high expectations, and while their careers unfolded in divergent ways, all three left indelible marks on the game. Schiraldi’s career will forever be tied to his heartbreaking 1986 World Series with the Red Sox, McDowell became a pivotal figure in the Mets' championship run, and Myers carved out an impressive legacy as one of baseball’s elite closers. These stories remind us that player development is anything but predictable, yet the promise and potential of young talent, as captured by scouts and publications like *Baseball Digest*, remains a captivating element of the game.
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