Jack Hamilton, 1938–2018

[Edgy MD]

Jack Hamlton, who joined the big leagues the same year as the Mets in 1962, became the Mets' swingman in 1966, and ultimately moved on (for Nick Wilhite) as part of Bing Devine's ongoing selloff in 1967, has died.

He sadly remains etched in history as the man who derailed the career of budding star Tony Conigliaro, hitting him with a pitch that compromised the eyesight of the Red Sox shortstop.

He died in Branson, MO, which hopes to someday displace Hilton Head and The Villages as the final residence of America.

[fimg=400:egqiia4u]https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8ShXsC7VYg/ULhT7SlWIxI/AAAAAAAAjwU/nEu7ozmUqFE/s1600/jack+mamilton+(2).jpg[/fimg:egqiia4u]

In retirement, Jack plied his trade as a Branson restauranteur. I believe his joint — Pizzazz (158 Pointe Royale Dr, Branson West, Branson, MO 65616-3406) — has closed, but I'm sure you can do a drive-by on your next tour of Mets shrines.

[RealityChuck]

I remember when he was the team's fireman, earning the nickname "Hairbreadth Harry." He'd come in a game nursing a one-run lead and then walking the bases full before getting a strikeout to get out of the inning. If he came in with a two-run lead, he'd let a run come in before shutting down the side.

It's tough that he'll be remembered for one bad pitch.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Born on Jesus' birthday and died on George Washington's birthday.

First Met to die in 2018.

[Guest d'Kong76]

Gary tells us that Jack was the last Met pitcher to launch a grand slam.

RIP

[G-Fafif]

As noted on today's telecast -- and as was the answer in a Fan Appreciation contest last September -- Jack was the last Met pitcher to belt a grand slam.

Started and won the game that gave the Mets their very first .500 record, a complete game five-hitter at Shea over the newly situated Atlanta Braves, April 16, 1966. Singled and scored in the bottom of the eighth, went out and finished off the Braves in the top of the ninth. Mets were 1-1. They'd move to above break-even the next day and take up residence in not last place that year, which was quite the move.

[Zvon]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Born on Jesus' birthday and died on George Washington's birthday. First Met to die in 2018.

Wow.

[fimg=400]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/S5Wnf2EPikhvXUiUbkONd9hygF_jmppo_EoHxQgjcVlCoNkzXxmW0R6tmUhAFsy7Yl_quy_DB8XPyLrdktfCGeXW2r3C_R8FeyowODagiOoLLWBCfGKL_HtoUR1cHZ-D4ZWeO6Z2jbvdlei2_CneazjXJqlPnkmGT01M8xmskthpMC_namdLqWD81iJMkpjm75J2Ws6bBB9svEj9jSmhk4SmeSq9H8GsvQmdBXlQVMApfNZQxO23b4oCJ_iJaDOFKgrgDbzVZJ5jonbaFrJ9EXxszaJ_oAargzMf2ZQcIUToS7xNGmAmlY_oZT7iheW-9hJ0tz-RdyCm7JW8EFeFENgYL2uqBcyxbL-fJtijGpEUHYTlpPMAaA3JyzMMI8D_oIZ5UHg7ilWe-ZWgxMqDJX88FCLpJNVaIZX9vszO8TTwB1-bP-4AWkhqas3npymYswzYyOLFSKe_5MsMHtvcnfDRK7oIy7su13oBoxFV5wi21FV7S1qCy2-Pi6AAfvwcIKP1l6ta0nP3clyjlWriUgje-LIHMz6TgjWdHR4v8YnTNISFhIMAhppZnzNcgLZt-_9a4i4zGAL6JVkApezYyT0e3BvxOUt22I06Dd8R=w637-h956-no[/fimg]

OE:Yikes, I forgot the autograph!