centerfield maz

Ronald Alan Swoboda was born on June 30, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents were John & Delores Swoboda. His father was a veteran of World War II who worked as a mechanic & teacher. His mother was a supervisor in social services. In high school Ron played baseball, basketball & soccer. He was goal tender & the captain of his soccer team. The six foot two right-handed hitting outfielder was signed out of Maryland University, as an amateur free agent in 1963. He signed for $35,000 after a strong AABA tournament performance. Swoboda only played minor league ball for one season, impressing a new Mets organization with his power. They were a team looking for a home-grown slugger to attract fans.  In 1964 he hit 14 HRs at AA Williamsport & then three more at AAA Buffalo in 22 games there.  Youth of America : He was called "Rocky" & "Swobo" becoming one of Casey Stengel's young Mets he called the "Youth of America". Othe...

Friday June 30th , 2000 :   A big crowd of 52,831 came out to Shea Stadium to see Bobby Valentines second place New York Mets (45-32) take on the Bobby Cox's first place Atlanta Braves (48-31). At this point in the exciting season, the Mets/ Braves rivalry was at its late 1990's peak. The Mets had just finished up a seven-game win streak, taking a loss to the Braves the previous night.  On the season the Mets & Braves played 13 games against each other, with the Braves winning seven & the Mets taking six. In 1999 the Braves beat the Mets in the NLCS. This year the two would not meet in the post season as the Braves were eliminated by the St. Louis Cardinals. The Mets beat the Cardinals in the NLCS. On this evening, the Mets Mike Hampton (7-5) took the mound against Atlanta's Kevin Millwood (5-6). In the top of the 1st inning, Mike Hampton was shaky, he gave up two singles, had a passed ball go by Mike Piazza, then hit Andres Galarraga with a pitch to load the ...