Welcome to UnforMETable, an Amazin’ Avenue Audio show that looks back on less heralded, more obscure Mets players from the past.

The Mets signed Kevin Collins as a 17 year old in 1964. The infielder was rushed to the majors due to combination of baseball’s pre-draft era waiver rules and the young team’s many needs, and injuries and a lack of proper development time would soon stunt any opportunity for Collins to flourish.

Passed on the organizational depth chart by other youngsters such as Bud Harrelson, Collins transitioned to a role as a utility infielder. After missing out on an opportunity to claim a platoon role at third base in early 1969, the still young infielder would soon miss out on experiencing the Miracle Mets’ run, as he became a key component in the trade that brought eventual 1969 World Series MVP Donn Clendenon to New York.

If you’ve got an idea for a player to be featured on UnforMETable, let us know in the comments.

Make sure to follow Rob on Twitter (@WolffRR), and you can now follow the show, too (@unformetable). Tune in next week for another tale from the Mets’ past.

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