Tom Veryzer

Induction Year: 1995

Category: Baseball

Location: Islip

Upon graduation from Islip High School in 1971, Veryzer was immediately drafted in the first round (eleventh pick overall) of the MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers.

He batted just .225 with four home runs and twenty RBIs in his first professional season with the Bristol Tigers, but his slick globe earned him Appalachian League MVP honors. He was called up to the majors in 1973 at just 20 years old. He was given limited playing time behind All-star Ed Brinkman at shortstop.

He also played for the Cleveland Indians, the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs before retiring in 1985. He ended his career having played in 996 Major League games, with a career batting average of .241 with 687 hits, 231 RBIs and 14 home runs.

Veryzer passed away on July 8, 2014 after suffering a stroke the previous week. He was survived by his wife and three children.