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1971 Timeline

Mets Rewind Timeline
1971

The New York Mets took another step backwards in 1971, finishing 83-79 in third place in the National League Eastern division. The highlight of the season was Tom Seaver, who finished 20-10, a 1.76 ERA, 286 innings pitched and 21 complete games. Somehow, Seaver finished second to Ferguson Jenkins in the Cy Young Award vote.

March 31

Mets deal Swoboda to Expos
The Mets traded Ron Swoboda and Rich Hacker to the Montreal Expos for Don Hahn.

April 11

Grote hits home run in 11th
At Shea Stadium, Jerry Grote hits a walk-off homer in the 11th off Wayne Granger. The Mets catcher's game-ending round tripper accounts for the only run in the Mets' 1-0 victory over the Reds.

August 1

Banner Day in driving rain
Despite a driving rain at Shea Stadium, the Mets Banner Day parade goes on – rain or shine.

August 7

Mets establish franchise record
The New York Mets scored 20 runs against the Atlanta Braves, establishing a franchise record. Ken Boswell hit a grand slam home run and Donn Clendenon added a two-run shot in a 21-hit attack in Atlanta. The Mets won the game, 20-6.

December 10

Mets trade Ryan to Angels
The New York Mets trade Nolan Ryan and three prospects to the California Angels for infielder Jim Fregosi. Ryan would go on to set the all-time strikeout record (5,714), throw seven no-hitters and, later, become a member of the Hall of Fame. Fregosi spent less than two injury-plagued seasons with the Mets, hitting .232 during his tenure.
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Read about the Mets as we dig deeper into memorable moments in franchise history, including games, player profiles and the record books.