21. Tom Seaver
One of the best pitchers in the 20th century, Tom Seaver’s trade from the New York Mets is still bemoaned by Mets fans almost 40 years later.
Perhaps the best pitcher in the 1970’s, Seaver was a true star. He led the National League in strikeouts five times, and have over 200 strikeouts ten times. He won over twenty games five times, leading the league on three occasions, and was a three time ERA leader. Seaver won three Cy Young awards, and finished second twice, while making 12 All-Star Games.
In his career, Seaver posted a 311-205 record with a 2.86 ERA and a 1.121 WHiP, striking out 3,640 batters. He ranks 18th in wins, sixth in strikeouts and 34th in WHiP. A true workhorse, Seaver is 99th in complete games, and ranks seventh with his 61 shutouts.
For Mets fans, Seaver is remembered for his greatness during the late 1960’s and into the 1970’s, and his trade to Cincinnati. Sent to the Reds in exchange Pat Zachary, Doug Flynn, Steve Henderson and Dan Norman, his departure from Queens is still a sore point among older Mets fans.
Tom Seaver was a part of a Golden Age of pitching during the 1960’s and 1970’s, a true ace who helped the 1969 Mets shock the world as they won the World Series. Even without title, Seaver was still one of the true greats.
Next: A lonely nation turns its eyes to him