George Heard Stone (born July 9, 1946) is an American former Major League Baseballpitcher. He is likely best remembered for his 1973 season with the New York Mets, when he went 12–3 with a 2.80 ERA -- leading the National League in winning percentage -- to help the Mets to the 1973 World Series.
After starting the 1968 season in the minors, Stone reached the majors again that July. Though he had been used primarily as a starting pitcher in the minors, he was used primarily out of the bullpen when he first joined the Braves. By August, however, he had earned a spot in the starting rotation, and went 7–3 as a starter his rookie season.
Stone was acquired with Félix Millán by the New York Mets from the Braves for Gary Gentry and Danny Frisella on November 1, 1972,[3] one of the best trades in Mets history. As with the Braves, Stone began his career with the Mets as a relief pitcher, going 1–0 with a save and a 0.60 ERA before being added to the starting rotation. Though he lost his first two starts, Stone proved an invaluable addition to the Mets' starting rotation, winning his last eight decisions, as the Mets came from 12.5 games back to win the National League East.
Stone started game four of the 1973 NLCS, going 6.2 innings and giving up one run before giving way to the bullpen. The Cincinnati Reds won the game in twelve innings;[4] however, the Mets won game five to head to the World Series. Stone was used out of the bullpen in the 1973 World Series, appearing in games two and seven, and he was on the mound for.a successful save in the former (a 10-7 victory).[5]
In 1974 and 1975, Stone was unable to match his early success with the Mets, going 5–10 with a 5.04 ERA, and ended up tearing his rotator cuff. Following the 1975 season, he was traded to the Texas Rangers for Bill Hands. Stone (and Hands) retired from baseball instead.
