Mets first All-Star Richie Ashburn had two cracks at it in 1962

Richie Ashburn was the first New York Mets player to represent the Amazins in the All-Star Game. Unlike anyone else in franchise history, he had two opportunities in 1962.

Hall of Fame outfielder Richie Ashburn went to the 1962 All-Star Game as the lone representative of the ill-fated first-year New York Mets. It was a well-deserved honor for the man who had been there four times before.

Many may not recall, but from 1959-1962 the MLB would host two All-Star Games per season. Imagine that happening in the 21st Century. You couldn’t pay them enough to show up twice.

Ashburn hit .306 for the 1962 squad and reached base at a clip of .424. Amazingly, he also set a career-high with 7 home runs at the age of 35. In an almost otherwise bleak year, Ashburn’s star shined bright.

Unfortunately for Ashburn and his fans hoping to see him play in the first game, Whitey received a “Moonlight Graham” treatment.

Unlike Dr. Graham, Ashburn didn’t even get to play the field in his final All-Star Game. We watched from the bench as the National League took down the American League 3-1.

More from Rising Apple

• NY Mets Free Agent Retrospective: Daniel Murphy becomes an enemy
• NY Mets: 1 major award you didn’t realize the team has never won
• NY Mets: Trade market for starting pitchers feels non-existent
• NY Mets prospect Eric Orze has the stuff to become a future closer
• NY Mets Rumors: 1 big threat to steal 2 Flushing free agents

In this game, Roberto Clemente led the way for the National League with three hits. The MVP Award went to another MLB legend, Maury Wills.

There are a few similarities with the first of the two 1962 All-Star Games and the one we’ll see in 2018. Both years include one player from the Metropolitans. The host city is the same with Washington D.C. supplying the ballpark. Hopefully, the 2018 representative, Jacob deGrom, makes an appearance.

The second game turned out a little different for Ashburn. He picked up a pinch-hit single and scored a run.

The National League didn’t fare as well in this one, dropping the game to the American League 9-4.

Two years later, the Mets had their first All-Star starter. Ron Hunt took this honor in 1964. He picked up one single in three trips to the plate for the second hit in the franchise’s All-Star history.

History books will credit Ashburn as one of the premier Philadelphia Phillies of the 1950s. Mets fans know him better as their inaugural All-Star.

Next: Top five first baseman in Mets history

What’s your favorite All-Star moment involving a Mets player?