For more than a century, baseball's Rule 5 draft has given minor league players a fast track to the big leagues. Some are able to take advantage of their lot and carve out long careers. Many more do not, and quietly return to the minors.

Bill Hepler took advantage of his chance. A Rule 5 draft pick by the New York Mets in November 1965, Hepler appeared in 37 games with the Mets the following season. He went 3-3 with a respectable 3.52 ERA in 37 games (three starts), totaling 69 innings pitched.

Former Angels Third Baseman Passes Away

That would be the only MLB season of Hepler's career in professional baseball. The left-handed pitcher, who died Tuesday at age 79 , only spent seven years of his professional life as a left-handed pitcher.

After retiring as a player, Hepler pursued a

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