Duffy Dyer was a true Met. He ably served as Jerry Grote’s back-up and caught many of the Mets greatest pitchers. He played for the team from 1969-1974. He appeared in 375 games and accrued 1167 Pas.
He had one AB in the 1968 season but earned more playing time in 1969. He had one at bat in the 1969 World Series. He hit an Opening Day three-run pinch-hit HR at Shea Stadium in 1969. He kept earning additional playing time each year through 1972 when he achieved his career high of 363 total PAs.
Beginning in June of 1972, Dyer started more and more games behind the plate. He responded by hitting 8 HRs and knocking in 36 RBIs. In September, it was revealed that Grote had been dealing with bone chips in his right elbow. He earned NL player-of -the-Week from June 12-18 with a .364 BA, 2 HRs, and 7 RBIs. In 1972, he led NL catchers in baserunners caught stealing and double plays turned by a catcher. He finished second in assists and third in fielding percentage. He even managed to get in a game in rightfield for the team in 1972.
Although his playing time diminished in 1973 (he only amassed 204 PAs), he still contributed to the Mets drive for the pennant when, in September, he hit a dramatic two out, run-scoring, pinch-hit double against the Pirates to help win the game.
Following the 1974 season, he was dealt to the Pirates for Gene Clines. He went on to play for seven more years and retired from the game in 1981.
While writing this, I came across an article that his World Series ring had been stolen back in 2009. I couldn’t locate any closure on that story. So if you know where his ring is, its time to come forward with the details.
NOTE: I distinctly remember him batting clean-up during his 1972 hot-streak. Does anyone else?
According to Baseball-Reference, Dyer never batted fourth for the Mets. He was inserted in the fourth slot in the lineup once in 1973 but did not bat.
He did have two other appearances in the fourth spot after he was foolishly traded for that stiff Gene Clines. Not that I’m bitter or anything…
The only thing I like about Clines is that I’ve got his autographed Met card. Like I said, I distinctly remember it….but then again, that’s why I put it as a end note…,I couldn’t validate the memory.
I know Duffy well. He is a great man on and off the Diamond. He was a great Baseball player wherever he went. Every team he was on from Little League to the Major Leagues won Championships.
He is a solid guy, a wonderful husband, friend and Father.
They dont come any better.
Very cool post. Grote is my favorite all-time Met, and Duffy was his trusty side-kick. I credit them for bringing along a pitching staff and contributing to one of baseball’s most formidable rotations for years.
Duffy Dyer is a blast from the past!
Fun fact, from baseball-reference: Duffy stole 6 bases for the ’77 Pirates, without being thrown out once. I’ll leave the jokes about the greenies to someone else…
I love this!!! I am just now realizing how many fans Dad really had!! (Probably never would have known if not for Facebook!! What a priceless gift for me and my family!!!
#RememberingShea
Cami – thank you so much for dropping by! Your dad was my favorite player when I was growing up. How is he doing now and what is he up to these days?
Agreed! We love Duffy!
nice post. I always like Duffy, not sure why – he was never a star, I even picked his number to wear in little league. But then again back then, you didn’t pick numbers… it was whatever number came in your size. For some reason I thought he was traded to Philthies. But looking back I guess I confused him with Del Unser; and it was getting Del Unser and John Stearns – another one of my childhood favorites.