This Day in Mets History: The first walk-off grand slam in team history

The New York Mets were born in the 1962 season, and their early years were difficult. Despite lacking bright moments in the summer of 1963, something unexpected happened.

The Mets played against the Chicago Cubs, a team fighting for classification against a Queen's team, located in ninth place in the standing at that time. In that game on June 26, 1963, losing 6-4 in the bottom of the 14th inning, the Mets' came from behind to leave the Cubs on the field.

Tim Harkness hit the first walk-off grand slam in Mets history to leave the Cubs on the field

Thomas William Harkness (Tim) came to the Mets, in the 1963 season in a trade with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Harkness was a first baseman who occasionally saw playing time in the outfield.

Harkness isn't known for being a productive hitter. His season with the most games was precisely that of 1963 where he connected a career-high of 10 home runs, including his most famous in his tenure with the Mets.

Many old-school fans remember that famous game at the Polo Grounds in New York City, because of how hard-fought it was. The Mets achieved two comebacks in that game, but the best moment of all was experienced by Harkness in the bottom of the 14th inning.

The Mets had already lost the lead early in the inning and trailed by two runs. With the bases loaded from one hit, one error, and two walks, Harkness came to the batter's box prepared to make good contact on the ball. As if out of a dream or fairy tale in a 3-2 count, Tim connected hard and deep over the right field fence, clearing the bases and leaving the fearsome Cubs on the field of play.

Tim Harkness would have some great moments that season, notching another walk-off home run on September 1 and a three-stolen-base game on September 9. With this latest feat, Harkness presumably became the first Mets player to steal three bases in the same game.