The 1973 New York Mets Trivia Quiz

Answer: Yogi Berra

Yogi Berra was the manager who led the New York Mets to the 1973 National League title. The Mets only had a record of 82-79 during the regular season, but this result was good enough to win a title in the very mediocre National League East division. The Mets then upset the Cincinnati Reds, 3 games to 2, to capture the National League Championship Series. Berra managed the Mets from 1972 to 1975, compiling a regular season record of 292-296. Gil Hodges managed the 1969 Mets. Joe Pignatano and Eddie Yost were coaches on Berra's staff for the 1973 Mets.

Answer: Felix Millan

Felix "The Cat" Millan played second base for the 1973 New York Mets. However, he was not a member of the 1969 World Series champion Mets team. In 1969, Millan played for the Atlanta Braves. Millan was an important cog in the 1973 Mets' offense as he collected 185 base hits and had a solid .290 batting average.

In the NLCS victory over the Reds, Millan went 6-19 for a .316 batting average. The other players listed all won World Series rings with the 1969 Mets.

Answer: John Milner

John Milner, a slugging first baseman/outfielder, was nicknamed "The Hammer". Milner grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. As a child, Milner idolized "Hammerin' Hank" Aaron of the Braves. In 1973, Milner was the most prolific power hitter on the New York Mets. During the regular season, Milner slammed 23 home runs and knocked home 72 runs. "The Hammer" retired from the Major Leagues in 1982 with a career total of 131 round trippers.

Answer: Tug McGraw

McGraw's words became a rallying cry for the Mets in September as they climbed the NL East ladder from the cellar to the top spot in the division. McGraw, a relief pitcher, did more than merely talk. He backed up his words with solid pitching. McGraw compiled 25 regular season saves to lead the Mets' staff.

Answer: Willie Mays

Willie Mays, the immortal "Say Hey Kid", ended his big league career as a member of the 1973 New York Mets. Mays was acquired by the Mets from the San Francisco Giants during the 1972 season, and he played with New York until the end of the 1973 postseason. During the 1973 regular season, Mays batted only .211, with 6 HRs and 25 RBIs.

In the NLCS, Mays appeared in one game, going 1-for-3. In 1973, Henry Aaron played for the Atlanta Braves, and Willie McCovey was a member of the SF Giants. Ernie Banks retired from the big leagues with the Cubs in 1971.

Answer: The Stork

George Theodore was nicknamed "The Stork" because rather tall, he looked gangly in the outfield, all arms and legs. The Stork was loved by many Mets fans because he seemed so unusual. Unfortunately, Theodore's big league career was cut short after he suffered a fractured hip in a horrific outfield collision with teammate Don Hahn.

In 1973, Theodore played in 45 games, compiling a .259 batting average with 1 HR and 15 RBIs.

Answer: Tom Seaver

Tom Seaver was the ace of the 1973 New York Mets pitching staff. Seaver led the team in victories (19), innings pitched (291), and strikeouts (251). Seaver had a record of 19-10 with an ERA of 2.08. Tom Terrific also won a game in the NLCS against Cincinnati and compiled an ERA of 1.62. Jon Matlack and Jerry Koosman each won 14 regular season games. George Stone finished with 12 regular season victories in 1973.

Answer: Rusty Staub

Veteran outfielder Rusty Staub enjoyed a power surge in the NLCS against the Cincinnati Reds. Staub slugged three home runs and drove in five runs to help the Mets to the NL pennant. In the 1973 World Series, Staub batted .423 with another home run. In the 1973 regular season, Staub batted .279 with 15 HRs and a club-leading 76 RBIs. Ron Hodges and Duffy Dyer were catchers on the the 1973 Mets. Buzz Capra was a pitcher.

Answer: Pete Rose

On October 8, 1973, Bud Harrelson became a legendary figure in the history of the New York Mets when he became involved in a fight with Cincinnati's Pete Rose. Rose slid hard into second base with his elbows up (according to Harrelson) in an effort to break up a double play. Harrelson and Rose tumbled to the ground, and punches started flying.

Naturally, both team's benches emptied and a wild melee on the field ensued which lasted for several minutes. Order was finally established, and the Mets went on to a 9-2 victory. Neither Harrelson nor Rose was ejected from the game.

Answer: Oakland Athletics

The American League champion Oakland Athletics defeated the New York Mets, four games to three to win the 1973 World Series. The A's rallied from a three games to two deficit to capture the title. The Mets' manager was criticized by some pundits for pitching both Tom Seaver (game 6) and then Jon Matlack (game 7) on just three days rest when a well-rested George Stone could have started either game. Rusty Staub led the Mets' hitting attack, while Oakland's Reggie Jackson provided power for the victorious A's.