Remembering Mets History (1962) Al Jackson Pitches the First One Hitter in Mets History

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Al Jackson '62 Mets
Friday- June 22nd, 1962: This evening's matchup had two of the leagues expansion teams faced off in a memorable game at the Polo Grounds. It was the first game of a Friday night, twi-night doubleheader. This game was rescheduled from April 16th, due to cold inclement weather.

Manager Harry Craft's, Houston Colt 45's (30-35) were 14 games out of first place. But they were doing better than Casey Stengel's New York Mets (17-47) already 26 1/2 games out, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Back then there were no divisions, the National League consisted of 10 teams.

The Colt 45's were to become the Houston Astros in 1965.




Tonight, would be a historic evening for the young franchise & one the Mets fans would enjoy. Al Jackson (3-8 / 4.73 ERA) would pitch the first one hitter in Mets history. 

 In the top of the first, Al Jackson retired lead off man Bob Lillis & then surrendered a single to second baseman; Joe Amalfitano. It was to be the only hit Jackson allowed the rest of the game.

He struck out Roman Mejias for the second out, then Jackson walked Norm Larker putting two men on. He then struck out Carl Warwick to end the threat. 

Jackson would surrender just one more walk, the only other base runner Houston would have in the game. He would retire the next 22 batters he faced.

In the 9th inning, he walked pinch hitter Pidge Browne. He then retired Bob Lillis on a fly ball, then ended the game striking out Amalfitano & Roman Mejias.

Jackson struck out nine Houston Colt 45s on his way to his fourth win, a historic one hit shutout. 


In the home 1st, Mets leadoff hitter, Richie Ashburn, hit a solo HR off Houston pitcher, Turk Farrell. Ashburn would be the Mets first hitter to bat .300 in a season & would hit seven HRs on the year.



In the home 6th inning, Ashburn would lead off a walk. He would get moved over to second on a Charlie Neal sacrifice hit. Felix Mantilla then followed with a base hit, scoring Ashburn with the second & final Mets run in the 2-0 win.

The Mets would get romped in the second game of the double header, taking a 16-3 loss.

Trivia: This was the first of the 40 one hitters thrown in Mets history.

Comments

lanzarishi said…
Sometimes fate can be very cruel. After all he contributed to the original Mets and thru the 60s, it is a an absolute shame that Al was traded before the 'miracle' year finished. He should have been there and at least he was rostered in April of '69.
Thanks for your wonderful website!
December 26, 2013 at 8:34 AM
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