34 Years Ago Today Seaver Traded to Reds

Source: ESPN.go.com

Well it was 34 years ago today that the New York Mets traded Tom Seaver, their most popular player in team history, to the Cincinnati Reds for Doug Flynn, Pat Zachry and two minor leaguers. Seaver, also known as The Franchise, led the Mets to victory in the 1969 World Series versus the Baltimore Orioles. Prior to his arrival in 1967 (he was Rookie of The Year), the Mets were considered a laughingstock but by 1969, no one was laughing at them any more as they won 100 games en route to their world championship. The Orioles were heavily favored to win the series and when the Mets took the series in five games, they were forever known as the Miracle Mets

But by 1977, the Mets were pathetic again and with free agency in its infancy, Seaver, whose contract was expiring committed the cardinal sin of asking for a contract more commiserate with his performance and years of service. But the Mets ownership were notoriously stingy and refused the budge on any significant raise in salary. Negotiations were strained and when a divisive article printed in the Daily News that suggested Seaver and his wife were greedy, he was furious. Things degenerated from there and on June 15, 1977, rather than honor and reward their future Hall of Fame pitcher, they traded him. Mets fans were fuming. The anger and outrage was palpable at the way their hero was treated by ownership. The target of every one's ire was M. Donald Grant who was the chairman and minority owner of the team.

Grant was highly opposed to free agency and there were those who believed (yours truly) that he traded Seaver out of spite. It was common knowledge that Grant had no clue about baseball or how to run a team and it showed both prior and subsequent to the trade. The Mets finished in last place in 1977. After another last place finish in 1978, thankfully Grant was fired and he sold his interest in the team.

In December 1982, Seaver was reacquired by the Mets and pitched one more season for them before being claimed off waivers by the White Sox in 1984. Seaver retired from baseball after the 1986 season.