Price: $75.00

James Wesley Jay Hook Cincinnati Reds Autographed Signed OML Baseball COA New York Mets

~~THIS ONE IS A BEUATY!!

Great looking, single signed baseball by former Cincinnati Red pitcher...Jay Hook.

Jay began his career in 1957 with the Cincinnati Redlegs.  He played for the Redlegs 1957-58, Reds 1958-61 and New York Mets 1962-64.  During his career, he played in 166 games and registered a 29-62 won/loss record with a 5.23 ERA, 30 complete games, 2 shutouts, 1 save and 394 K's in 752.2 innings pitched.  Jay was the winning pitcher, the first time the New York Mets won a baseball game and played on the inaugural 1962 New York Mets.  Jay signed the sweet spot of this OML Allan H. Selig baseball with a blue ballpoint pen.  Jay signed this OML baseball on Saturday January 21, 2012.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia...

James Wesley (Jay) Hook (born November 18, 1936 in Waukegan, Illinois, United States) is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. From 1957 through 1964, Hook played for the Cincinnati Reds (1957–61) and New York Mets (1962–64). He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.[1]

In an eight-season career, Hook posted a 29-62 record with 394 strikeouts and a 5.23 ERA in 752.2 innings pitched.[1]

Jay attended high school at Grayslake Community High School (now Grayslake Central High School).[1]

A bonus baby signed by the Cincinnati Reds out of Northwestern University, Hook made his major league debut with Cincinnati in 1957. He joined the Reds regular pitching rotation in 1960 and had a 11-18 mark, including a two-hit shutout against the Milwaukee Braves.[2]

Ineffective in 1961, Hook was acquired by the New York Mets in the 1961 MLB Expansion Draft, along with Hobie Landrith, Elio Chacón, Roger Craig, Gil Hodges, Don Zimmer and Gus Bell, among others.

Hook started and won the first game in Mets franchise history. On April 23, 1962, he pitched a five-hit 9–1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field, giving his team their first regular-season victory after nine defeats. In that season he compiled an 8-19 mark for the Mets, and led the team in complete games (13) and games started (34).[1]

After receiving a master's degree in thermodynamics, Hook retired in 1964 at age 28 to take a job with Chrysler Corporation.

Lifetime guarantee in regards to this autographed baseball which also comes with a COA from Gearhart Enterprises, Inc. Member of the UACC. UACC Registered Dealer #RD189.