Richie Ashburn - His Mets Career 1962

Richie Ashburn, a former all-star with the Phillies, has the distinction of being the first hitter in New York Mets history, he flew out to centerfield against Larry Jackson of the St Louis Cardinals. He would later score the first run in franchise history when Charlie Neal singled him home in the third inning.

In the Mets inaugural season, a season in which the Mets set the record for futility by losing 120 games, Ashburn was one of the few bright spots. In 135 games as the Mets primary lead off hitter, he hit .306 and was selected to be the teams first all-star.

Unfortunately for the Mets Ashburn was at the end of his career and 1962 would be his only season with the Mets, as he retired from playing following the season.

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