Ultimate Mets Database - Memories of Willard Hunter

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Willard Hunter
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Memories of
Willard Hunter

Willard Hunter
Ultimate Mets Database popularity ranking: 396 of 1234 players

Willard Mitchell Hunter
Born: March 8, 1934 at Newark, N.J.
Died: February 3, 2021 at Omaha, Neb.
Throws: Left Bats: Right
Height: 6.02 Weight: 180

Willard Hunter was the most popular Ultimate Mets Database daily lookup on March 8, 2013, and January 16, 2019.

First Mets game: June 1, 1962
Last Mets game: October 4, 1964

Share your memories of Willard Hunter

HERE IS WHAT OTHER METS FANS HAVE TO SAY:

Scott
October 16, 2002
Lots of heart but little talent. Mets tried converting him from a starter to a reliever but to no avail. Never pitched again after 1964.

Ken Morrison
October 21, 2003
I recall watching the end of a game on TV from Wrigley Field-The Mets had just WON (on a Cliff Cook homer, I believe) and newcomer lefty Willard Hunter was the winning pitcher. I remember how fans and press alike jumped on the Hunter bandwagon, because, back then, ANY pitcher who got a win their first time out was perceived as the light who would lead us out of the losing darkness. Well, Willard dropped his next 6 decisions and became just another candle of hope extinguished with hurricane force that season. It was only 1 and 6, but was probably the 2nd greatest rise and fall that year, next to Craig Anderson, who was like 3-1 or 3-2 and dropped to 3-17

Bob P
July 4, 2005
Willard gave up a grand slam to Jim Davenport in his first appearance as a Met, which also happened to be the first game back in New York for the San Francisco Giants.

Kirk Cornwell
September 25, 2013
On a hot summer day in the early 50's, Willard was pitching semi-pro in Glens Falls, NY when a catcher's throw to second hit him square on the noggin. I remember the hush and the ambulance even though I was probably six or seven at the time. Willard had some serious small town heat.

William Budds
April 24, 2019
I remember August 1964 when Willard Hunter won both ends of a double header. A Met pitcher first. Also remember Murphy or Ralph mentioned his parents were at the game.