Catcher Harry Chiti spent 10 years in the major leagues including part of the 1962 season with the New York Mets. Today is his birthday; he was born on November 16, 1932. He was known for his defensive capabilities including his ability to handle a knuckleball pitcher.
On April 26, 1962, the Mets acquired Chiti from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a player to be named later.
He wore number 44. In 15 games at catcher for the Mets, he had 41 ABs and played a total of 92 innings. He had eight hits including one double. He struck out eight times and hit .195.
Where this all becomes interesting is that after those 15 games, on June 15, 1962, Chiti was returned by the Mets to the Indians. In effect, he became the first major league ballplayer ever traded for himself.
Since 1962, three other players have followed the Chiti model:
1980 – Brad Gulden (New York Yankees to Seattle Mariners – back to New York)
1987 – Dickie Noles (Chicago Cubs to Detroit Tigers – back to Chicago)
2005 – John McDonald (Toronto Blue Jays to Detroit Tigers – back to Toronto)
Although Chiti was twice acquired by the Indians (the first time from the Baltimore Orioles in 1961 and the second time from the Mets in 1962), he never actually played a game for them. In fact, after his departure from the Mets, he never appeared in another major league game.
Harry passed away in 2002 but we all can still raise a cheer in Harry’s honor tonight. Let’s all celebrate his birthday and his place in the team’s history. He helped the ‘62 Mets etch out a small place in baseball lore.
In fact, maybe we should rename our stadium ChitiField.
OK, I’m totally down with the ChitiField idea!
Reminds me of another early exchange. The inaugural Mets opened their 1st season with Frank Thomas in LF & Gus Bell in RF. Gus turned out to be the PTBLN in the deal that brought Thomas to NY.
At least we could have a Harry Chiti bobble head night!
Awesome article. When I was a kid, my dad used to refer to this trade and I always laughed at the idea of someone being traded for himself.
Another one from 62 was Marvelous Marv for Hobie Landrith. Landrith was the PTBNL, but played alongside Marv several times before being sent to the Orioles to complete the trade.
Hah! I didn’t know that about Landrith…Just another great twist of fate.
As I recall Landrith and Chiti wound up playing together on another team.
Look at the ’62 roster and all the catchers. Chiti couldn’t beat out Chris Cannizarro
or Choo Choo Coleman. Joe Pignatano was also in the mix for a short time.