Pat Zachry, a player acquired by the Mets in the infamous trade involving Tom Seaver, passed away at the age of 71 in Waco, Texas, as confirmed by Mets public relations figure Jay Horwitz. Zachry had been battling illness for some time.
His former teammate, Johnny Bench, also confirmed Zachry’s death, remembering him as a remarkable teammate and key figure in the Tom Seaver trade. Zachry’s involvement in the trade earned him a place in Mets history, particularly remembered as part of the controversial “Midnight Massacre.”
The trade saw Seaver, a three-time Cy Young winner, moving to the Reds in exchange for Zachry, Doug Flynn, Steve Henderson, and Dan Norman. While Seaver enjoyed success with the Reds, Zachry’s career with the Mets included one standout season in 1978 when he was named the NL Rookie of the Year.
However, injuries plagued Zachry’s career, including an incident where he broke his foot in frustration, impacting his performance. Despite these challenges, Zachry’s tenure with the Mets showcased his resilience and dedication.
In his broader career, Zachry played for the Dodgers and had a brief stint with the Phillies in 1985, winning a championship with the Reds in 1976.
His former teammates fondly remember him as a great teammate and player, acknowledging his achievements despite the overshadowing legacy of the Seaver trade.