Timo Perez signs with the Ducks
Mets outfielder Timo Perez cracks a smile during spring training drills. (Feb. 23, 2003) Credit: Kathy Kmonicek
Coming to a Ducks game near you: a chance to relive Timo Perez's infamous lack of hustle.
Perez signed with the Ducks on Friday after spending 2011 in the Tigers' minor league system. He has a .269 career average in eight seasons with the Mets, White Sox, Cardinals and Tigers.
Perez was a member of the 2005 White Sox squad that won the World Series. But he'll likely always be remember around these parts for a botched play during Game 1 of the 2000 World Series against the Yankees.
With Perez on first base, Todd Zeile hit what looked to be a sure home run. Perez slowed down as he rounded the bases thinking he was assured of scoring. Only one problem--Zeile's ball never left the park, hitting the outfield wall instead. By the time Perez turned the jets back on it was too late and he was gunned down at home plate.
The Mets ended up losing by one run, 4-3, in extra innings.
