NEW YORK, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Doug Mientkiewicz, who has refused to surrender the baseball used in the final out of the World Series, was traded Wednesday to the New York Mets.
Mientkiewicz was dealt from Minnesota to Boston at the trade deadline last season and hit just .215 with 10 RBI in 49 games with the Red Sox.
But he recorded the final out in Boston's World Series victory over St. Louis, a win that ended the Red Sox' historic championship drought.
The Red Sox have made it clear they think the ball is the property of the franchise, but Mientkiewicz has maintained possession.
He was traded to the Mets in exchange for cash considerations and minor league first baseman Ian Bladergroen.
"Doug Mientkiewicz will solidify our infield with his brilliant defense and brings a .363 career on-base percentage to our line-up," said Mets General Manager Omar Minaya.
