As Jewish sportscaster Len Berman today reminded readers of his web site, ThatsSports.com, April 11, 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the expansion New York Mets' first-ever game.
Former Jewish Major Leaguer Myron Nathan "Joe" Ginsberg was behind the plate that day in St. Louis (the Mets opened on the road against the Cardinals), a member of the starting 9 for the 1962 Mets.
Ginsberg played from 1948 through 1962 for the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox and Mets.
In addition to taking the field for the Mets on Day One of their existence, among Ginsberg's career highlights was catching one of Virgil Truck's no-hitters.
Ginsberg has a variety of memorabilia available for collectors, as indicated in this 2010 JewishSportsCollectibles.com posting.
Several years ago, I had success requesting a through-the-mail autograph from Ginsberg, who returned my cards signed in just a few weeks. Has anyone had luck recently?
What Ginsberg items do you have in your Jewish baseball collection?
According to BaseballReference.com, Ginsberg appeared in the Mets’ SECOND game, not the first (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=ginsbjo01&t=b&year=1962). That honor went to Hobie Landrith.
Ron —
Thanks for your feedback. I did some further research and found conflicting answers, however.
I used http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/roster.php?y=1962&t=NYN. Scroll down the page to the opening day lineup, which shows Ginsberg as catcher.
As you cited, Baseball Reference differs, and I’m willing to concede that Baseball Almanac may be wrong.
The Big Book of Jewish Baseball on page 70 states: “The opening home game, where Joe was the first player to take the field, was one of only two games Joe played with the Mets.”
The Boxerman’s Jews & Baseball Volume 2 on page 10 says: “Ginsberg played only two games for the Mets, but made history as the opening day catcher, he was the first Met to take the field.”
I must confess, I am confused! Thoroughly. Can anyone clarify?
— Josh
jsportscollectr@gmail.com