For more than a century, baseball’s Rule 5 draft has given minor league players a fast track to the big leagues. Some are able to take advantage of their lot and carve out long careers. Many more do not, and quietly return to the minors.
Bill Hepler took advantage of his chance. A Rule 5 draft pick by the New York Mets in November 1965, Hepler appeared in 37 games with the Mets the following season. He went 3-3 with a respectable 3.52 ERA in 37 games (three starts), totaling 69 innings pitched.
More news: Former Angels Third Baseman Passes Away
That would be the only MLB season of Hepler’s career in professional baseball. The left-handed pitcher, who died Tuesday at age 79, only spent seven years of his professional life as a left-handed pitcher.
After retiring as a player, Hepler pursued a career in construction, where he served as a senior superintendent, according to an online obituary.
A standout pitcher at Covington (Va.) High School, Hepler signed with the Washington Senators out of high school. He spent two seasons in their minor league system, advancing as high as Class-A.
More news: Legendary MLB Coach, Scout Who Starred in Japan Passes Away
Hepler went 13-10 with a 3.85 ERA for the minor league Geneva (N.Y.) Senators in 1965, using his curveball to help rack up 219 strikeouts in 208 innings. The Mets took a chance on him in the Rule 5 draft. They were coming off a 112-loss season and were building a young team with an eye on the future.
With the Mets, Hepler would shared a clubhouse with youngsters including Ed Kranepool, Ron Swoboda, Tug McGraw and Nolan Ryan, among others.
More news: Former Mets Pitcher Traded for Hall of Fame Manager Passes Away
After his lone season in the Mets’ bullpen, Hepler played Winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Although he made it back to the big leagues in spring training, Hepler would spend the next three years at Double-A without getting another regular-season promotion to the Mets.
Hepler was acquired by the Kansas City Royals for cash after the 1969 season, but never appeared in a game for them. He went back to the organization that originally signed him, and finished his playing career with five games for Class-A Burlington (N.C.) Senators in 1970. Hepler’s playing career was over before his 25th birthday.
Hepler is survived by his wife, Mary, three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
The post Former Mets Pitcher Passes Away appeared first on Newsweek.
