The popular "Piggy" was asked to come to spring training on special assignment to work with the Silver Bullet's catchers on fundamentals - from handling pitchers to handling pick-offs and pitch outs. There could be no better tutor than the former Big League catcher who was highly regarded for his knowledge behind the plate. After finishing up his playing career in 1964, Joe coached with the New York Mets for 14 years, where he divided his time between first base and the bullpen. It was in the Shea Stadium bullpen where Joe's green thumb first gained public attention as he tended his vegetable garden in between attending his duties. "Piggy" served under four Met's managers - Gil Hodges, Yogi Berra, Joe Frazier, and Joe Torre. Winning the World Series as a member of the 1959 Los Angeles Dodges is his biggest thrill. |
