A Long Overdue Reunion

Sammy Drake was a 2B-3B player selected by the Mets from the Chicago Cubs on October 10, 1961. He had the proverbial 'Cup Of Coffee' with the Mets in 1962, their inaugural season.
His stats aren't one's that will ever be remembered: 25 games, 52 AB's, 10 hits, 7 RBI, 6 BB, 12 K's, 0 HR. His BA was .192.

Drake made his debut for the Mets on August 1, 1962. His final game for the Mets was that same year - September 30, 1962. It was also his final game as a major league player.

While 'surfing the net', I came across an interesting article about Drake which can be read here

C. Wayne Mitchell knew Drake 50 years ago when Drake was stationed at Fort Gordon in Georgia. Mitchell was the seven year old son of a career soldier returned from Germany.

Drake helped start the Fort Gordon Rams baseball team, and asked Mitchell, who was interested in baseball, to be the bat boy. From there a friendship was forged.

Mitchell and Drake would play catch, and talk. The difference in age was never an issue between the two baseball fans. They were kindred spirits. The difference in race wasn't an issue either.

After a year or two, Michell's father was transferred to Taiwan. When speaking of their parting, Mitchell said, "Of all the hello's and good-bye's, his was the one I remember most. I knew a thank-you would be in order."

Drake and Mitchell were re-united at a Met autograph session recently. When Drake saw Mitchell, he didn't recognize him. Says Drake, "When he started talking about Fort Gordon I knew right away."

The article, which I strongly urge all to read, goes on to tell of the racism he encountered during his time in baseball. He also tells how Pepper Martin tried to help him through the difficult times.

Drake and Mitchell said good bye Thursday morning, and started his journey back to Los Angeles. I'm sure it won't be another 50 years before the two 'friends' share a moment together.