April 3, 1966, Tom Seaver picks the Mets’ name from a hat in a lottery, signing with the team for a reported $50,000 bonus. Tom’s father had threatened a lawsuit, necessitating the special draft, after his son’s contract with Atlanta was voided by Commissioner William Eckert because the right-hander’s college team, USC had played two exhibition games, but signing a pro contract also prevents the future Hall of Famer from playing on the collegiate level. he Mets beat out the Indians and the Phillies in a lottery for Seaver’s services.