When The Dating Game debuted on December 20, 1965, it introduced a novel twist to television: pairing romance with playful intrigue. Created by Chuck Barris, the show became a cultural mainstay, continuing in various forms through the late 20th century. Contestants questioned three hidden suitors, choosing a date based on charm and wit rather than looks.
Originally hosted by Jim Lange, the series helped launch the careers of future stars like Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Andy Kaufman, Tom Selleck, and Suzanne Somers. Even celebrities and athletes joined in the fun, adding to its universal appeal.
Beyond its iconic place in pop culture, The Dating Game was known for offering moments of surprise and delight, often featuring unexpected contestants who would go on to achieve fame in other fields. From future governors to rising Hollywood stars, the show became a stage for a diverse array of personalities, providing a unique snapshot of the era’s vibrant pop culture.
One of the most memorable and unlikely crossovers came in 1970 when three members of the New York Mets—Ken Boswell, Wayne Garrett, and Rod Gaspar—stepped off the diamond and onto the set of The Dating Game. At the time, the Mets were fresh off their improbable and historic victory in the 1969 World Series, a triumph that had captured the hearts of fans and cemented the team’s place in baseball lore as one of the most iconic underdog stories in sports history. The "Miracle Mets," as they came to be known, were already on a national stage, having appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show just a few months earlier, becoming household names with their unlikely rise to glory.
So when Boswell, Garrett, and Gaspar joined The Dating Game in 1970, it wasn’t just a lighthearted diversion—it was another chapter in the growing legend of the Mets. This appearance wasn’t just a playful moment in pop culture, but a perfect reflection of the unique blend of humor, charm, and quirky appeal that defined the spirit of the era. The trio traded their baseball gloves for a chance at romance, bringing the same playful energy to the show that had captivated millions during their World Series run. For Mets fans, this was just another unexpected and delightful twist in a story that had already defied all expectations.
On October 16, millions of fans were glued to their TVs as the Mets clinched the title against the Baltimore Orioles. Just months later, three players from that storied team—Ken Boswell, Wayne Garrett, and Rod Gaspar—stepped off the diamond and onto the set of The Dating Game to show a lighter side of their personalities.
Introduced by host Jim Lang as representatives of the “amazing Mets,” the trio brought their charm and humor to the popular game show. Bachelor number one, Ken Boswell, was touted as a standout infielder and a Rookie of the Year candidate before an untimely injury. Bachelor number two, Wayne Garrett, the Mets’ only major league draft selection in 1968, showcased the same quick thinking that helped him excel on the field. Finally, bachelor number three, Rod Gaspar, the outfielder from Long Beach, California, was a World Series hero who had played a key role in the Mets’ championship run.
The players fielded playful and sometimes offbeat questions from bachelorette Lynette Martin, who was kept in a soundproof booth until her big reveal. Gaspar’s quick wit and humor ultimately won her over, earning him the title of Lynette’s chosen bachelor. When asked what he trained his muscles to do in emergencies, Gaspar quipped, “Run,” prompting laughter from the audience. Later, he reprised the song “You Gotta Have Heart,” the same tune the Mets had sung during their Ed Sullivan appearance after their World Series victory. His impromptu serenade following a hypothetical first kiss likely sealed the deal and added a touch of charm to the playful nature of the show.
While Boswell and Garrett weren’t chosen, their moments on the show were just as memorable. Boswell displayed a mix of humor and humility when asked why he was considered the “perfect baby,” replying, “I didn’t cry too much, but I did like affection.” Garrett charmed the audience with his laid-back demeanor, answering a question about turning off the lights by saying it was all about “setting the mood.”
After the game, Gaspar and Martin were introduced as the winning pair and informed of their dream date: a skiing spree to Rigi, Switzerland. The trip was a nod to the adventurous spirit of young people at the time, blending romance with the allure of the Swiss Alps.
The Mets’ appearance on The Dating Game was more than just a novelty; it was a testament to the team’s meteoric rise to fame. Just a year earlier, few outside New York knew their names. Now, they were celebrated not only for their on-field accomplishments but for their charisma and relatability off the field.
The episode offered fans a rare glimpse into the personalities of Boswell, Garrett, and Gaspar, proving that even amidst their baseball stardom, they were just regular guys enjoying life. For the Mets, 1969 wasn’t just the year they became champions—it was the year they became cultural icons.
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