Tom Seaver became the highest-paid pitcher in baseball pitcher on February 21, 1974 when he signed a one-year, $172,500 contract with the New York Mets. “He’s the best pitcher in baseball,” said Mets general manager Bob Scheffing, “and we’re paying him for what he is.” Seaver pitched in 32 games in 1974, posting an 11-11 record with a 3.20 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 236 innings pitched.
Tom Seaver (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)
