Average Sports Trivia: Tom Seaver

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What nickname was Tom widely known by?

Answer: Tom Terrific

He really was terrific, but all of the others could be used to describe him. It pretty much depended upon your point of view. If you were an opponent, Sir Tom and Tom the torturer would fit well.

2. Tom served in the military. Which branch did he serve in?

Answer: Marines

He credits the training with strengthening his legs, which made him such an effective pitcher, along with his pinpoint control.

3. What year did Tom first pitch in the Major Leagues?

Answer: 1967

His rookie season he went 16-13 with the Mets. They finished the season with a 61-101 record.

4. What was the last year Tom pitched in the Major Leagues?

Answer: 1986

He last pitched on September 19, 1986. End of an era. The sad thing was that it was for the Boston Red Sox, whom the Mets beat in 7 games to claim baseball's greatest prize, the World Series.

5. How many wins did Tom earn before retiring?

Answer: 311

Tom's record was 311-205 over 20 seasons. Another 300 game winner to the Hall in Cooperstown.

6. What MLB team originally drafted Tom?

Answer: Atlanta Braves

Tom was originally drafted by the Atlana Braves and actually signed a contract with them. The contract was voided by then commissioner William Eckert due to NCAA rules where he played with Fresno. The determination was to have a lottery which included the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Cleveland Indians who matched the original offer of the Braves.

The Braves were excluded because they broke the rules. The Mets won the lottery, quickly signed him, and reaped the reward of signing their most dominant pitcher.

7. Tom was the third original Met to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Answer: False

He was the first, and the honor is well deserved. Tom was the lamplight standard of pitching excellence on a team that was the laughing stock of the league in the early and mid '60s. A great competitor, he helped make the Mets "matter" in the National League in the late '60s and early '70s.

8. Tom was traded by the Mets on June 15, 1977. What well known name is given to this date by Mets fans?

Answer: Black Tuesday

A day of infamy for Mets fans. It took 3 years for Met fans to get over it, as attendance plummeted, and Shea Stadium became known as "Grant's Tomb" in reference to M. Donald Grant, then GM of the Mets who tried to play hardball with a team icon. As a Mets fan, I never totally forgave him for that.

9. Did Tom ever throw a no-hitter for the Mets?

Answer: No

A sick twist of fate for Mets fans as their greatest pitcher never threw a no-hitter for them, though he had 5 one-hitters, one of which came within 1 out of the ol' no-no. Tom eventually ended up throwing his gem with Cincinnati.

10. How many Cy Young awards did Tom win?

Answer: 3

He won the award in '69, '73, & '75. He succumbed in '71 (perhaps his finest season) to Ferguson Jenkins in what many consider a "sentimental favorite" win by the former Cub.

I truly hope that you enjoyed this quiz on one of my all-time favorite players in baseball. If you enjoyed this one, try my other quizzes.

Source: Author ncb1gdog

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Nightmare before going online.
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Average Sports Trivia: Tom Seaver | 10 Questions

Arguably the best pitcher the New York Mets ever had.

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