2014 marks the 45th anniversary of the New York Mets 1969 “miracle” season. The 1969 Mets shocked the city of New York, along with the rest of the baseball world by winning the World Series. It was the club's first championship in their eighth season of existence.
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In remembrance of such a special season, Sports World News got an exclusive interview with Rod Gaspar, who was a rookie for the Mets that year.
Gaspar, who made his Major League debut on April 8 1969, wasn't supposed to be on the Mets' roster heading into the 1969 season.
“The original plan was for me to start the season in AAA,” said Gaspar. “Whitey Herzog was our director of player development and he wanted me to have one more season in the minors. And that was the plan until one of my teammates went down with an injury. I went on a 13 or 14-game hit streak in Spring Training and then they had to keep me!”
Gaspar found himself playing a key role for the 1969 Mets. He played in 118 games, serving as the team's pinch hitter and spot starter in the outfield. He hit .228, with one home run and 17 runs batted in. He struck out only 19 times in 250 plate appearances. In fact Gaspar walked 25 times, producing a .319 OBP, which was nearly 100 points higher than his batting average.
Gaspar proved his worth as a member of the 1969 Mets, especially with one moment in particular.
“I deserved to be on the roster and was proud of my season,” said Gaspar. “Let me tell you, there was one funny moment I had. I went out all night once, not expecting to play the next day. Well wouldn't you know Gil [Hodges] put me in the lineup. We were playing against the Giants. I had a huge headache that day and went hitless in my first three at bats.”
“Then it had to be in eighth inning, I got up and hit a home run against Mike McCormick,” Gaspar recalled. “We were down 3-1 when I hit the home run and that started a rally. We won the game and wouldn't you know that was my first and only Major League home run. Looking back, it's kind of a funny story.”
The Mets would go onto face the Baltimore Orioles in the 1969 World Series. Gaspar played in three of the five games, going hitless in two at bats. He did score a crucial run in game four of the series. The Mets won that game 2-1.
“I don't remember how nervous I was, but I'm sure I was a little nervous,” said Gaspar. During my first at bat in game one, the Orioles' catcher Elrod Hendricks was asking me 'aren't you nervous?' I knew he was trying to distract me, but I was too focused on what I had to do. The important thing is that we won the Series.”
Gaspar then went onto speak about Major League stars like Ernie Banks who “never won the World Series,” and said how lucky he was to win it in his first season.
It's not easy to make the Major Leagues, something Gaspar made a point of multiple times.
“Kids need to be realistic about making the Major Leagues,” stated Gaspar. “If you know you have the talent, then work hard and see what you can do. If you don't have the talent, then it's better to get out sooner so you don't disappoint yourself. Kids will find out anywhere from ages 12-18 whether they can make it in the pros. Honestly, it's easier to get to the Major Leagues then sticking in it. There's always someone looking to take your job and you have to be on guard all the time. I wasn't and that's why I didn't make it as long as I would've liked.”
Despite only playing four Major League seasons, Gaspar had a career most people could only dream of. He was a rookie on the most beloved team in the history of the Mets. He became a champion in his rookie season and will forever be apart of history.
“I still have my World Series ring,” said Gaspar. “At first I didn't wear it, but my business partner told me I should. I was kind of embarrassed to, but he told me that 'not many people have ever seen a World Series ring. You're doing them a favor by wearing it.' Ever since then, I've worn my ring more often than not.”
Think about it. Gaspar was a World Series champion in his rookie season with the 1969 Miracle Mets. Doesn't that have a nice “ring” to it?
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