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1970 Timeline

Mets Rewind Timeline
1970

The 1970 season marked the first time in Mets franchise history that the team came into a season defending a World Series title. Coming off a 100-win season and a championship, the Mets battled opponents — and themselves — in an effort to remain the best team in baseball.

January 14

Murphy suffers fatal heart attack
After suffering a heart attack two weeks prior, New York Mets GM Johnny Murphy passes away at age 61. One week later, the Mets name Bob Scheffing the team’s vice president and general manager.

January 31

Seaver named The Sporting News "Man of the Year"
On this day on 1970, The Sporting News named Tom Seaver "Man of the Year." The Mets ace was just a few months removed from a whirlwind season that included an All-Star selection, Cy Young Award and a World Series championship.

April 7

Mets finally win a season opener
After eight consecutive Opening Day defeats, the Mets finally win the first game of the season by beating the Pirates at Forbes Field in 11 innings, 5-3. New York becomes the first team to have won a World Series (1969) before prevailing in a season debut.

April 10

Mets trade Pfeil to Phils
The New York Mets trade a player to be named later to the Philadelphia Phillies for Ron Allen. The Mets completed the deal on May 26, 1970 when they sent Bobby Pfeil to the Phillies.

April 13

Sports Illustrated: Now the ones to watch are the Mets
http://www.si.com/vault/1970/04/13/614557/now-the-ones-to-watch-are-the-mets

April 18

Ryan fires one-hitter in 7-0 win over Padres
Denny Doyle's first-inning single is the only hit allowed by Nolan Ryan when he blanks the Phillies at Shea Stadium, 7-0. He ties Jerry Koosman's 1968 mark with 15 strikeouts, but Tom Seaver will break the short-lived record whiffing 19 Padres later in the week.

April 22

Seaver K's 19 Padres
On the day, he is presented with his Cy Young award, Mets' fireballer Tom Seaver ties a MLB record by whiffing 19 Padres, including the last ten he faces, to gain a 2-1 win at Shea Stadium. Jerry Grote sets the MLB mark with ten consecutive putouts in a game for a catcher.

May 7

Parker hits for cycle vs. Mets
At Shea Stadium, Wes Parker hits a triple off Jim McAndrew to beat the Mets in the tenth inning, 7-4. Parker's triple completes the cycle for the Dodger first baseman.

May 13

Gentry fires one-hitter vs. Cubs
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning at Wrigley Field, Gary Gentry gives up his only hit, a short fly hit by Ernie Banks that outfielder Dave Marshall gets a glove on, but he cannot hold on to the ball. Gentry settles for a one-hit complete game 4-0 victory over Chicago.

September 7

Sports Illustrated: A Mighty Met He is
http://www.si.com/vault/1970/09/07/611482/and-a-mighty-met-is-he

September 10

Mets acquire Herbel for Gaspar
The Mets traded a player to be named later to the San Diego Padres for pitcher Ron Herbel. On October 20, 1970 New York sent Rod Gaspar to the Padres to complete the deal.

November 21

Agee wins Gold Glove
Mets outfielder Tommy Agee becomes the first non-pitcher to win a Gold Glove in each league. Agee won the honor with the White Sox during his 1966 Rookie of the Year season and again with the Mets.
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