John Stephenson (#522)

John Stephenson was a backup catcher who came up with the Mets in 1964.

This year, his card is in the high-number series, so there's an updated message that he was sent down on April 10th (opening day minus 1). In fact he didn't play for the Mets at all in 1967. On June 17th, he went to the Cubs as the throw-in in the Bob Hendley for Rob Gardner trade. He was released by the Cubs in April 1968, and quickly signed by the Giants. However, he spent most of 1967 to 1970 in the minors, before making a few appearances for the Giants in 1969 and 1970, and some more regular playing time with the Angels in 1971 to 1973.

John is most remembered (in the Philly area anyway) as striking out to wrap up Jim Bunning's perfect game on Father's Day in 1964. Local myth is that he said he would "get" Bunning for that.



You can also see his 1966 card here.
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