Call to the pen
Fansided

Philadelphia Phillies: Mark Appel busted number one pick

By Daniel R. Epstein

CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mark Appel
CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mark Appel /
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 28: Former Mets catcher Mike Piazza walks on the field in a post-game ceremony after the last regular season baseball game ever played in Shea Stadium against the Florida Marlins on September 28, 2008, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets plan to start next season at their new stadium Citi Field after playing in Shea for over 44 years. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /

Steve Chilcott

In 1966, the New York Mets held the top pick in the second ever baseball amateur draft. They had a very difficult decision between two exemplary prospects. One was an outfielder from Arizona State University (more on him later). The other was a lefty hitting high school catcher from California named Steve Chilcott.

"With a muscular 5-foot-11, 185-pound frame, a strong arm and a powerful left-handed bat, he was a scout magnet. -Jeff Fletcher, Los Angeles Times, August 20, 1994"

Chilcott started the 1967 season well enough, slashing .290/.365/.467 in A ball. However, he dislocated his shoulder diving into second base. The injury effectively ruined his career. He would toil in the minors through 1972, never playing above AA.

"“I thought I would be back to play in a short time,” -Steve Chilcott, speaking about his shoulder injury"

Following his playing career, Chilcott left baseball altogether and became a firefighter and contractor. However, he’ll always be known as the first, and perhaps biggest bust in MLB draft history.

As for the ASU outfielder? The Kansas City Athletics selected him with the second overall pick. He went on to hit 563 HR, win the 1973 AL MVP, the 1973 and 1977 World Series MVP, and became a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1993.

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