For every star rookie who fails to build on his potential, there are those who offer a glimpse into his future. Tom Seaver embarked on his big-league journey during the second day of the 1967 regular season. Seven months later, he was honored for his first-year success in the National League. Two years after that, he was lauded as a Cy Young Award winner and a World Series champion. Twenty-three years later: Cooperstown.

And to think — his arrival to the Mets was made possible by the luck of a draw.

After multiple attempts for other teams to draft Seaver fell through, Major League Baseball set up a special lottery for the University of Southern California product under one condition: pony up at least $50,000. The Mets and two other clubs (Phillies and Indians) were able to do so. Three pieces of paper—representing the teams vying for his services—went into a hat. From there, Seaver and the Mets were forever linked.

A mere 5,005 were on hand at Shea Stadium on April 13 to witness the start of something Terrific. Seaver allowed two runs over 5.1 innings in a no-decision. He’d notch win No. 1 in his next start at Wrigley Feld with 310 more awaiting. Before long, New York and those around baseball had taken notice of the right-hander from Fresno, CA.

The style and substance that defined Seaver’s persona was readily apparent with a maturity that belied his age and experience level.

“Even though he was a rookie, he was so far ahead of the hitters (mentally), it was unbelievable,” catcher Jerry Grote said.

During that time, first-year players were seen and seldom heard. Seaver tallied 16 wins on a team that totaled just 61. He posted an ERA of 2.76 and struck out 170. Seaver was the lone Mets representative in that year’s All-Star Game and wound up closing out a 15-inning NL victory. Seaver spoke to the media with eloquence and assurance, much like the way he pitched.

The voting for top rookie was between Seaver and two fellow pitchers. With 11 first-place votes, Seaver outpaced the Cardinals’ Dick Hughes and Cincinnati’s Gary Nolan.

Seaver’s initial year laid the foundation. What followed was 11 seasons of brilliance and permanent occupancy in the Mets record books.