Although the Mets took a step back from the previous year, 1967 marked the debut of pitcher Tom Seaver. On July 19, at Shea Stadium he fired 10 strikeouts (The first of 62 games he would achieve that feat as a Mets uniform) in a 7-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.
For the season he recorded 16 wins and 170 strikeouts, a Mets record. He had 18 complete games and a 2.76 ERA also a Mets record. It all adds up to Seaver being named The National League Rookie of the Year, and a berth in the All-Star Game.
Mets manager Wes Westrum resigned with just two weeks left in the season. He explained that stress — “physical and mental strain,” he said — were the reason he decided to step away. Westrum added he was not looking forward to waiting on a decision about his future saying, “I had one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel.”
The season recap published above (in bold) is written and contributed by David Russell from his book, Fabulous to Futile in Flushing: A Year-by-Year History of the Mets. Do you love Mets history? Pick up this book online at your favorite bookseller and enjoy season-by-season historical recaps, Mets highlights and challenging trivia that will send you on a fun journey through the Mets rich franchise history.
1967 SEASON RECAP
RECORD
BATTING LEADERS
- Average: Tommy Davis (.302)
- Hits: Tommy Davis (174)
- Home Runs: Tommy Davis (16)
- RBI: Tommy Davis (73)
PITCHING LEADERS
- Wins: Tom Seaver (16)
- ERA: Ron Taylor (2.34)
- Starts: Tom Seaver (34)
- Innings Pitched: Tom Seaver (251)
- Saves: Ron Taylor (8)