Shamsky tied a major league record by homering in four consecutive at-bats for the Reds on August 12 and 14 of 1966. He finished the year with 21 HR in only 96 games. He became a favorite of Jewish fans in New York after his 1967 trade to the Mets and his .300 performance as a fourth outfielder and lefthanded pinch hitter for the beloved 1969 World Champions. His seven hits led all batters in the 1969 LCS. Nagging back problems hastened Shamsky’s departure from the game in 1972.
