First NY Mets free agent signing in franchise history never had a hit for the team

Who was the first free agent signing in New York Mets history? Even though a more traditional free agency didn’t start until after the 1976 season, there were always players released by their clubs available to sign. Jeff Reardon was the first signed by the Mets after free agency became “a thing” but ahead of their inaugural 1962 season, the Mets did have some unsigned players added to their roster.

It wasn’t a loud offseason for the Mets who had a couple of expansion draft picks to trade away in the early months. But on January 30, 1962, they inked their first free agent.

Joe Ginsberg is the first Mets free agent signing in franchise history

A New York native with almost 700 games of big league experience under his belt, Joe Ginsberg signed with the Mets for $13,000. His career had been split with the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles with a few stops along the way before returning to his home city.

The year prior was spent with the Chicago White Sox and later the Boston Red Sox. Appearing in 25 games with 29 plate appearances with 6 singles credited to him, the 35-year-old was clearly nearing the end of his career.

It had already been a decade since Ginsberg was a regular for the Tigers. Over 100 games in 1951 and again in 1952, he never again received quite as much time on the field. This wouldn’t change with the rookie 1962 Mets. On May 1, after playing in just games 2 and 4 for the team, Ginsberg was released. He was hitless in all 5 plate appearances. He was pinch hit for in the second game after striking out in his first chance. Ginsberg wouldn't see action in the major leagues eve ag

Ginsberg’s biggest claim to fame is likely his presence behind the plate on May 15, 1952 for the Tigers with Virgil Trucks on the mound. In front of just over 2,000 fans, Trucks held Washington hitless for all 9 innings. He wouldn’t experience the same kind of history during his brief time with the Mets.