Bing Devine - Building The Miracle Mets

Building The Miracle Mets

Devine's departure was a cause-celebre in St. Louis, but the damage had been done. Although he landed on his feet as the successor to George Weiss, president of the Mets, Devine was forced to leave his hometown and the only team he had ever worked for at the pinnacle of his career. But, while Devine never moved his family to New York, he tackled his new job with gusto. On his watch, the Mets began to strengthen their farm system, signing and developing young pitching talent: Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan, Gary Gentry, Jim McAndrew and others. Meanwhile, Howsam left the Cardinals in January 1967 to become general manager of the Cincinnati Reds and Musial was named his successor.

In 1967, the Cardinals won 101 games and ran away with the National League race, winning the pennant by 10½ games, then bested the Boston Red Sox in a seven-game World Series. The core of the team was Devine's, but Howsam had contributed significantly to the roster with his 1966 acquisitions of NL MVP first baseman Orlando Cepeda and right fielder Roger Maris. At the other extreme, the Mets — most of their young pitching talent still ripening in the minors — lost 101 games and finished dead last. Baseball people took note of Devine's accomplishments in New York, however, and when Musial, a world champion GM in his maiden season, decided he did not want to continue in the role. Busch was able to secure Devine's release from the Mets, and brought him back to the Cardinals as executive vice president and general manager.