Ron Swoboda

Ron Swoboda, born in 1944, was a professional baseball player who enjoyed a notable career from 1965 to 1973. Primarily recognized as a position player, he played in a total of 928 games over his eight seasons in Major League Baseball. Swoboda's career was marked by his contributions as a solid outfielder and a reliable hitter, finishing with 624 hits, 73 home runs, and 344 RBIs. His batting average of .242, while modest, reflected the competitive nature of the era in which he played, a time that saw the transition from the deadball era to a more offensively driven game. Swoboda is perhaps best remembered for his defensive prowess and his iconic performance during the 1969 World Series with the New York Mets, where he made a spectacular catch that became a defining moment in the franchise's history. Throughout his career, he also showcased speed on the bases, accumulating 20 stolen bases. After his retirement on September 30, 1973, Swoboda’s legacy endured, particularly among Mets fans, where he remains a cherished figure for his contributions to one of baseball's most beloved underdog stories.