Early Seventies Mets Infield Prospect: Brian Ostrosser (1973-1974)

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Brian Leonard Ostrosser was born on June 17, 1949 in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. Ostrosser was signed as an amateur free agent in 1970 by the New York Mets.

The six foot left handed hitting Canadian infielder was scouted as an outstanding defensive shortstop that didn’t hit much. He had a good eye with an ability to draw walks which gave him decent on base percentages.

Unfortunately for him, he was a shortstop in the Mets organization during the Bud Harrelson era. There wasn’t much room on the big league squad, especially if he couldn’t hit well.

In 1972 he led all shortstops defensively in the Texas League, batting .262 with 71 walks & a .370 on base%. He earned a reputation with his glove & was promoted to AAA Tidewater. In 1973 at AAA Tidewater, he only batted .230 he posted a .354 on base % drawing 47 walks. Meanwhile as the the ’73 Mets were struggling through injuries, Ostrosser got a summer call up in early August.

He made his MLB debut on August 5th, 1973 against the St. Louis Cardinals at Shea Stadium. He replaced Ted Martinez at short stop & struck out twice against Cardinals pitcher Rick Wise. Ostrosser’s only start came on August 12 in San Francisco, batting in the eighth spot going 0-2.

He would play in only four career games for the Mets, getting five career at bats, going hitless. Defensively he was perfect (.100%) handling all five chances that came his way. Needless to say, he was not on the 1973 Mets post season roster.

In 1974 he was back at AAA Tidewater but only hit .192 and got traded away to the Cleveland Indians organization, never cracking the big league squad. He played in the minors through 1975 hitting .202 at AA Oklahoma. Ostrosser hit .236 lifetime in the minors with 17 HRs 67 doubles 18 triples 28 stolen bases & a .343 on base %. At short he posted a lifetime .954 on base % turning 219 double plays.

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