'Billy the Kid' Denehy Rages On

摘要

In 1967,I had every reason to be optimistic about my future. The year before, I had pitched for Double-A Williamsport, and had a 9-2 record with a 1.97 earned run average. I had been named Pitcher of the Year in the Eastern League. I was promoted to Triple-A Jacksonville and, even though I had not pitched very well there, I was sure I would make it to the majors. I was cocky, though I never saw it as cockiness. I felt I was self-confident. Everyone else said I was cocky. I wondered why the New York Mets had bothered to send me to the minors at all. I had some trouble getting my breaking ball over but, in my mind, I felt I had big league talent and already should have started my professional career with the big boys.