I think this is the original article from 1985
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/cover/news/2000/07/24/finch_flash/
If you have a couple minutes, read it and remember it was posted in the Sports Illustrated Magazine with pictures and everything.
There wasn't any reason at the time not to believe it....especially because Dwight Gooden was pitching for the Mets at the time as well.
You have to put yourself in the mindset we had at the time....there was no internet....no computers (like we have today), all we had were newspapers, week-end sports shows (no SportsCenter) because most of the country didn't even have cable TV. At least Mizzou didn't have it at the time.
So our information about Spring Training and scores were either on the Sports segment on Local news, or listening to games on the radio or Game of the Week on Saturday.....It was a different time.
The Story wouldn't have a chance in today's world, but back then.....22 years ago....it was a phenomenon.....completely took country by storm.