Today we take at 1966 Outfield Topps Cup Selection Ron Swoboda
Ron came up in 1965 and led NL Rookies in Home Runs with 19. The outfielder did not receive any ROY votes likely due to his .228 batting average. Regardless his 1.6 WAR placed him 5th among 1965 rookies and was good enough to earn Swoboda Cup Honors.
For the most part Ron Swoboda's career was top loaded. His 19 Home Runs in 1965 was 6 better than any other season he would haveIn fact by the end of May Swoboda had 11 dingers, a number he would only exceed once during his remaining career.
The highlight of Ron Swoboda's career was being a member of the 1969 Mets. He played 4 games for the Miracle Mets in the series which was against his Hometown Baltimore Orioles.
1966 Topps #35 Ron Swoboda
Ron Swoboda wore #14 throughout the rest of his career but only as a rookie with the Mets. Following the 1965 season he turned it over to newly acquired Third Baseman Ken Boyer. Fourteen was also worn by Miracle Mets manager Gil Hodges for whom the number is now retired.
That is the entire history of the #14 for the Mets: Hodges (player), Swoboda, Boyer, Hodges (Manager) and retired.
The patch on Swoboda's left sleeve notes the Worlds Fair hosted in New York. The Worlds Fair opened in 1964 and ran through 65, the Mets wore the patch both years.
I also need to note it is nice to see the Yellow Font on the card which matches the colors of the cup trophy.
Toon Time
1966 Topps #35 Ron Swoboda (b-side)
The franchise rookie Home Record referred to in the comic was previously held by Jim Hickman
Mets Rookie HR Record
| Year | HR | Mets Rookie |
| 1962 | 13 | Jim Hickman |
| 1965 | 19 | Ron Swoboda |
| 1983 | 26 | Darryl Strawberry |
| 2019 | 53 | Pete Alonso |
The evolution of the Mets Rookie Home Run record consists of four players including members of each of the franchises World Series teams in 1969 (Swoboda) and 1968 (Darryl Strawberry). Could Pete Alonso add his name to that list....
Ron Swoboda Index
Reserved for future Swoboda Content
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