This day in NY sports history
THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY
Friday, April 1, 1966
Commissioner William Eckert pulled a "Mets" slip out of a hat and, with that, a 21-year-old Tom Seaver was awarded to the team for $50,000. Only the Mets, Phillies and Indians were in the drawing after Eckert voided the contract the pitcher had signed with the Braves in January. MLB deemed the signing illegal because USC, his college team, had played two exhibition games. As well, the NCAA ruled Seaver ineligible because he'd signed a professional contract. Eckert eventually ruled that the teams willing to match the value of the Braves' contract would enter a Seaver lottery. Seaver made his big-league debut a year later, and in 12 seasons with the Mets, the Hall of Famer had a 2.57 ERA with 198 wins.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
