Willard Mullin - 1963 Baseball Cartoon with Mets, Colt 45s and Ted Kluszewski

The Mets and Colt 45s (later the Astros) were the two expansion teams in 1962.  Both teams had pretty forgettable first seasons, but in 1963 drew this piece depicting big Ted Kluszewski giving some advice to the kids.  Kluszewski, one of the most feared hitters in baseball, was with the Angels in 1961, and while he was on the team in 1962, he didn't play due to injury, which resulted in his early retirement.  Out of all of Mullin's sports work, his baseball and boxing cartoons remain my favorite.  Growing up a Mets fan, I fondly recall Mullin's wonderful illustrations gracing the covers of the Mets yearbooks.  And I always loved his kid Met character.  I'll post a detail in the additional images section.