Tom Seaver Strikeouts Record
Tom Terrific: The Franchise who defined Mets greatness.
George Thomas Seaver (November 17, 1944 – August 31, 2020), nicknamed "Tom Terrific" and "the Franchise", was an American professional baseball pitcher who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox. Commonly described as the most iconic player in Mets history, Seaver played a significant role in their victory in the 1969 World Series over the Baltimore Orioles.
Quick Facts
- Player name
- Tom Seaver
- Role
- Starting Pitcher
- Team affiliation
- New York Mets
- Record status
- Franchise Leader (Career)
- Jersey number
- 41 (Retired)
Lore & Background
Widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Seaver won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1967 along with winning the NL Cy Young Award in 1969, 1973, and 1975. He was a 12-time All-Star and ranks as the Mets' all-time leader in wins. During his MLB career, Seaver accumulated 311 wins, 3,640 strikeouts, 61 shutouts, a 2.86 earned run average, as well as pitching a no-hitter in 1978. In 1992, Seaver was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving the highest percentage of votes ever recorded at the time. Along with Mike Piazza and Carlos Beltrán, he is one of three players wearing a New York Mets hat on his plaque in the Hall of Fame. Seaver's No. 41 was retired by the Mets in 1988, and New York City changed the address of Citi Field to 41 Seaver Way in 2019. Seaver is also a member of the New York Mets Hall of Fame and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.
Reader's Guide
Seaver was born in Fresno, California, to Betty Lee (née Cline) and Charles Henry Seaver. He attended Fresno High School and was a pitcher for the school's baseball team. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on June 28, 1962. He served with AIRFMFPAC 29 Palms, California, through July 1963. After six months of active duty in the reserve, Seaver enrolled at Fresno City College. He remained a part-time member of the reserve until his eight-year commitment ended in 1970. The University of Southern California (USC) recruited Seaver to play college baseball. USC sent him to pitch in Alaska for the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks in the summer of 1964. After a stellar season, USC head coach Rod Dedeaux awarded him a scholarship. As a sophomore in 1965, Seaver posted a 10–2 record for the Trojans, and he was selected in the tenth round of the 1965 Major League Baseball draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. When Seaver asked for $70,000, the Dodgers passed, only offering Seaver $2,000. In 1966, Seaver signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Braves, who had selected him in the first round of the secondary January draft, 20th overall. However, the contract was voided by Baseball Commissioner William Eckert because USC had played two exhibition games that year, although Seaver had not participated. After Seaver's father complained to Eckert and threatened a lawsuit, Eckert ruled that other teams could match the Braves' offer. The Mets were subsequently awarded his signing rights in a lottery drawing among the three teams (the Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Indians being the two others) that were willing to match the Braves' terms. In 1966, Seaver was 12–12 with a 3.13 earned run average pitching in Triple-A with the Jacksonville Suns. Seaver made the Mets' roster in 1967, was named to the 1967 All-Star Game, and got the save by pitching a scoreless 15th inning. In his rookie season, Seaver was 16–13 for the last-place Mets, with 18 complete games, 170 strikeouts, and a 2.76 earned run average. Seaver was named the 1967 National League Rookie of the Year. Seaver started for the Mets on Opening Day in 1968. He won 16 games again during that season, and recorded over 200 strikeouts for the first of nine consecutive seasons. In 1969, Seaver won a league-high 25 games, including nine consecutive complete-game victories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the New York Mets career strikeout record?
Tom Seaver stands as the franchise leader with the most strikeouts by a pitcher in team history. His performance established him as the definitive ace of the club's legacy.
What nickname is associated with this achievement?
Fans and historians refer to Seaver affectionately as 'The Franchise' due to his immense impact on the organization. This moniker reflects how his pitching defined a successful era for New York baseball.
During which years did he accumulate these strikeouts?
He built this record primarily during the late 1960s and throughout the entire 1970s. Much of this dominance was displayed while pitching at Shea Stadium.
What pitch contributed most to his strikeout totals?
Seaver relied on a signature slider that allowed him to overpower opposing hitters consistently. This skill was central to maintaining his status as the top strikeout artist in Mets history.
Is his jersey number retired by the team?
Yes, the organization has officially retired jersey number 41 in honor of his contributions. This gesture ensures his legacy remains permanently linked to the franchise's honors and records.
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