On April 3, 1966, the New York Mets sign University of Southern California star Tom Seaver to his first contract, including a $50,000 bonus. Seaver had been selected by the Atlanta Braves in the January draft, but Commissioner Spike Eckert voided the deal when he signed a contract after USC’s season had already begun. The Mets beat out the Indians and the Phillies in a lottery for Seaver’s services.
To celebrate listen to Seaver pitch the 10th inning of the 1969 World Series.