Where Are They Now?

In the inaugural season in 1962, they were a stellar 0-9 before winning their first game. The benefactor of the first win in Mets history was Jay Hook, who defeated the Pirates on April 23, 1962 by a score of 9-1.

That might have been the highlight of Hook's brief career. Hook pitched for the Mets from 1962 – 1964. Before joining the Mets, Hook had pitched for the Cincinnati Reds from 1957-1961. Hook pitched his last game on May 3, 1964.

Hook left the Mets for a job with the Chrysler Corporation . Hook, who always had a passion for cars, had a degree from Northwestern in mechanical engineering. Once Hook reached a career length of five years and 10 days, enough to be eligible for a pension, Hook decided to hang up the spikes. He had a lifetime record of 29-62 in eight plus seasons.

Hook stayed with Chrysler for four years, until he left for work with Rockwell International, overseeing business operations that included production of heavy-duty truck parts and undercarriages for the New York and Atlanta subway systems.

Hook later was recruited by Masco Corporation to manage six of its companies. “Before leaving in 1992, Hook supervised 20 companies and estimates Masco -- now one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of products for the home and family (windows, faucets, cabinets, etc.) -- jumped from an annual $600 million in sales when he arrived to its current $10-12 billion a year. "

Hook, who had earned a lot of money, was able to teach manufacturing management classes at Northwestern.

Hook now lives on a “user friendly” farm in northern Michigan. He has 13 grandchildren, and his 12 year old grandson is as talented as Hook was at 12.

Hook is now 71, and is enjoying life. For more on this story, click Here