The New York Mets announced the passing of Jerry Koosman, a legendary player for the team, who died at the age of 83. Koosman is remembered as the winning pitcher in Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, leading the Mets to their first World Series championship. That squad was famously known as the “Amazin” or “Miracle” Mets.
Jay Horwitz, a longtime employee of the team, mentioned on social media that Koosman had been dealing with “multiple illnesses.”
Jerry Koosman of the New York Mets pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during Game 5 of the 1969 World Series on Oct. 16, 1969, at Shea Stadium in Queens, New York City. (Getty Images)
The Mets began their journey in 1962, facing challenges in their first few years. The team never had a winning record after the first nine games in any of their initial seven seasons. However, the “Amazin’s” showed early promise and clinched the National League East title in August 1969.
On August 13 of the same year, the Mets were trailing the Chicago Cubs by 10 games in the NL East. But, within a month, they surged ahead and claimed the division title, aided by the notorious black cat incident.
Koosman boasted an impressive 2.28 ERA in the 1969 season, ranking second on the team after Cy Young Award winner Tom Seaver.
Over his career, Koosman played 12 of his 19 seasons with the Mets, having a 3.09 ERA during his tenure in New York before moving on to pitch for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. He narrowly missed winning the 1979 NL Cy Young Award, finishing second to Randy Jones.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio presents Jerry Koosman of the 1969 Mets championship team with a key to the city during the Mets’ 50th Anniversary Celebration against the Braves at Citi Field on June 29, 2019. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
In 2021, Koosman’s number 36 was retired by the Mets, becoming the third player in franchise history to receive this honor, following Seaver and Mike Piazza. Since then, the Mets have retired six more numbers.
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