Mets walk a previous franchise record 16 times against the Dodgers OTD in 1962

On June 29, 1962, the New York Mets set a franchise record that didn't fall until 2023. It was definitely a year for records in the worst way possible. The 1962 Mets remain one of the worst teams in MLB history.

However, on this day against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the offense managed to walk a record 16 times versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.

What happened and whose eye starred the brightest?

All 16 NY Mets walks on a record-setting day in 1962

It started with a leadoff walk to Richie Ashburn. Joe Moeller couldn’t have imagined the day would be short-lived with a fly out and then three more walks to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead. This was apparently enough. Moeller was pulled for pitcher Ron Perranoski who promptly walked Mets hitters Sammy Taylor and Felix Mantilla.

Six of the first seven Mets hitters walked and only one ball was put into play. Elio Chacon struck out for the second out. Jay Hook, the Mets pitcher, took notice and drew another bases loaded walk. This upped the total to 7 in the first inning alone.

Ashburn singled in two more before a Rod Kanehl pop out ended things. The Dodgers were already two pitchers deep with a bunch more walks left to go.

Hook walked again in the third for the eighth free pass. Taylor and Chacon each drew a free pass in the fifth. Kanehl was able to walk for the first time in the sixth. If you’ve lost count, we’re now up to 11.

The 12th walk was issued to Chacon in the top of the 8th. Kanehl and Marv Throneberry each saw ball four as well. The Mets then went into the top of the 9th where Chacon and Hook would each walk again.

Every Mets start drew at least one free pass in this game. The number eight hitter Chacon and pitcher Hook walked 3 times each.

A rare 1962 Mets win by a score of 10-4 probably wouldn’t have been possible without the wildness of the Dodgers pitchers. In fact, it’s almost guaranteed. They had only 4 hits. Ashburn had a pair of singles, Gene Woodling doubled, and Mantilla hit a solo home run.

An ugly record-setting day for the Mets at Dodger Stadium might have caught them off-guard for the next day. On June 30, 1962, Sandy Koufax struck out 13 and held the Mets hitless for all 9 innings. He did issue 5 walks, though. The humbling effort reminded the inaugural club where they stood in the standings.