Grote's temper nearly cost him his career

"I hesitate to imagine where the Mets would have been without Jerry (Grote). He is invaluable. He's intense and fights to get everything he can." - Gil Hodges

Jerry Grote was an exceptional defensive catcher; lauded for his ability to manage a young, talented pitching staff. But Grote also had a glaring character flaw: his short fuse. His reputation preceded him and it nearly cost him his career in New York.

In 1968, when Gil Hodges arrived as the New York Mets manager, he requested a brief on every Mets player. When he got to Grote, he was alarmed by Grote’s report.