That Crazy Day in Queens: July 9

Born on this date:
George Stone (1946)

Transactions:
- Mets signed free agent Jerrod Riggan in 1998.
- Mets released Darryl Hamilton in 2001.

Games and Events:
1963 - Appearing in his seventh and final All-Star Game, the Mets' Duke Snider strikes out in his only at-bat in the National League's 5-3 win.

1964 - Batting for the first time in five weeks after suffering a glandular infection, Frank Thomas strokes a two-out, two-run, pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning to give the Mets a 4-3 win over St. Louis.

1967 - Ron Swoboda's bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning gives the Mets a 5-4 triumph over Atlanta.

1968 - Jerry Koosman and Tom Seaver combine to pitch 2 1/3 scoreless innings in the NL's 1-0 win in the All-Star Game. Koosman earns the save, and Jerry Grote went 0-for-2.

1969 - Tom Seaver hurls 8 1/3 perfect innings before Jimmy Qualls singles to break up his bid. Tom hangs on for a 4-0, one-hit shutout over the Cubs. The 24 year-old right-hander, who will take a no-hitter into the ninth inning will finally get his no-no in 1978 against St. Louis pitching for the Reds.

1973 - Board Chairman M. Donald Grant addresses the team prior to the game vs. Houston at Shea. Grant talks about confidence, faith and the club "believing in itself." Tug McGraw jumps to his feet and screams "Ya gotta believe, ya gotta believe." The Mets beat the Astros, 2-1, on Felix Millan's 12th-inning RBI single that night.