They're the Topps

Everything I needed to know I learned on the backs of my baseball cards…

• Tom established himself as one of baseball's premier pitchers as he led the Mets to their amazing pennant and World Series triumphs.

• Won first game the Mets ever defeated Sandy Koufax, led I.L. in ERA in 1967, and also set strikeout record at 15.

• Paced club in Hits, Doubles, Walks & Stolen Bases last season.

• Won 2 games vs. Orioles in the World Series.

• His handling of Mets staff was a vital contribution to the championship effort.

• A strong hitter, Don has slugged 15 homers in the NL.

• Holds degree in engineering.

• The 54 consecutive errorless games Bud played, 1970, tied major league mark for shortstops.

• Donn was 2nd on the Mets in Homers & Batting in 1970 and set a new club mark for RBI's.

• Acquired by the Mets during September, Dean got his first taste of NL competition.

• In 3 years of Bronx Federation League competition, Ken hit .385, .365 & .425 with 36 homers.

• Co-holder of Mets' club mark with 23 consecutive scoreless innings, August, 1969, Jim is a veteran of Little League ball.

• Ray played baseball & basketball in high school & helped pitch team to undefeated season & prep title in 1958.

• Especially tough in clutch, he hits ball where it's pitched.

• The Dominican League's Rookie of the Year for 1967-68 season, Ted is fine utility man for Mets.

• On Sept. 7th he had distinction of becoming 34th centerfielder in Mets' history.

• The Mets' 7th pick in June, 1968 draft, Charlie was born within walking distance of Shea Stadium.

• Had 8 CG's in 1971.

• An able backup receiver behind Jerry Grote, Duffy hit dramatic 2-run Homer vs. Cubs in 10th inning, 6-23-70, to give Mets 5-game series sweep.

• Possessed with excellent speed, Don's defensive ability is 2nd to none.

• He & Tug McGraw give Mets fine righty-lefty bullpen duo.

• With newly-acquired Jim Fregosi slated to play 3rd base, they'll be contenders all the way.

• John was an all-state high school star in baseball, football and basketball.

• He was groomed for stardom the moment he became a pro, Jon had a remarkable high school career which included 8 no-hitters en route to a 22-1 record.

• A valuable man to have on a ballclub, Bill plays five positions.

• Ken was injured for a portion of 1972, he returned to action in the later part of the season and was one of the Mets' hottest hitters in September.

• Phil played semipro ball in the Kentucky-Indiana Collegiate League before signing with the Tribe.

• Hit 2 homers for Mets against Astros, August 21, 1972, to celebrate his 33rd birthday.

• One of Ron's hobbies is dancing.

• Ed was elected to his High School Hall of Fame.

• Tied record by going 6-for-6 in game vs. Giants, July 6, 1970.

• Harry likes to play handball.

• Rusty is a gourmet cook.

• Twice fanned 10 batters in one game for Braves, vs. Cubs in 1970 & vs. Phillies in 1971.

• George likes marshmallow milk shakes.

And the things I continue to learn…

• One of David's agents is former Mets infielder Keith Miller.

• In a 10-game stretch in May 2005, he legged out seven triples!

• Victor was the first Mets rookie ever with 10 RBI in April.

• Steve likes to start hitters off with a big, slow curveball.

• Aaron used April 15 to file a 1-hitter versus the Marlins at Shea. Only Luis Castillo's fourth inning infield single was exempt from the righty's masterful form.