New York, August 21 — The date was October 14, 1969, when Mets right fielder Ron Swoboda made one of the greatest catches in World Series history, robbing Brooks Robinson of the Orioles in Game 4 at Shea Stadium, a defining moment in the Amazins’ improbable world championship. Now, 40 years later, Mets fans and collectors alike can preserve that historic moment as the New York Daily News and Cirillo World present “The Catch of a Lifetime: Swoboda Saves the Day,” a limited edition memorabilia piece available for purchase, with part of the proceeds benefiting the Mets Foundation.
“After 40 years, I’m still thanking Brooksie for not hitting the ball right at me,” jokes Swoboda about the play.
Signed by both Swoboda, who has forever become a part of New York sports folklore, and Hall of Famer Robinson, this classic Frank Hurley photo from the Daily News archives is now available for purchase as a framed, limited edition memorabilia piece for $209.99 (plus tax, postage and handling).
Only 1,000 of this signed collector’s item are being made available to the public, by calling 212.972.5337, emailing [email protected], or logging onto the Daily News website at www.nydailynews.com/catch to get your collectible while supplies last.
A portion of the proceeds of each sale of “The Catch”; will benefit the New York Mets Foundation, which funds and promotes a variety of educational, social and athletic programs and other charitable causes. Founded in 1963, it continues its mission to invest in the future of the community, and to provide assistance to myriad organizations that benefit children and others in need.
Veteran New York sports public relations executive John Cirillo was 13-years-old when his boyhood idol made the eye-popping grab, and is now teaming with Swoboda on the project.
“I remember racing down the stairs at St. Mark’s School in Brooklyn, and sprinting the three blocks home to watch the end of the game,” says Cirillo, the former Knicks and Madison Square Garden exec who now runs Manhattan-based Cirillo World. “Like millions of Mets fans from that generation, the Catch has been indelibly etched in my mind’s eye for four decades.,” says Cirillo.
Adds Swoboda, “People are always asking me about it. I still have the glove. Did the play change my life? You bet it did.”
Submitted by Jerry Milani. Photo credit to the New York Daily News.
