Jerry Koosman, who was an integral member of the New York Mets’ miraculous 1969 World Series-winning squad, passed away on Sunday. He was 83.
The Mets announced the sad news a short time ago, with longtime PR director Jay Horwitz saying Koosman died in Wisconsin surrounded by his family after battling “multiple illnesses.”
A franchise legend
Koosman debuted with the Mets in 1967 and spent 12 seasons with the club. The left-handed hurler later played for the Minnesota Twins (1979-81), Chicago White Sox (1981-83) and Philadelphia Phillies (1984-85).
Koosman made the NL All-Star team in 1968 and 1969, going 36-21 during those two seasons. He went 2-0 with a 4.03 ERA in three postseason starts as the “Miracle Mets” won the franchise’s first World Series.
Four years later, Koosman again went 2-0 in three postseason starts, posting a 2.55 ERA as the Mets came within one win of another title, losing the Fall Classic to the Oakland A’s in seven games.
Koosman was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1989, and in 2021, he became the third Met to have his number retired, following Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza. His No. 36 is one of six numbers retired by the organization.
More on Koosman
For his career, Koosman posted an overall record of 222-209 with 17 saves in 612 games (527 starts). He finished with 2,556 strikeouts and a 3.36 ERA in 3,839.1 innings pitched.
Koosman was a 21-game winner for the Mets in 1976, finishing as the National League Cy Young Award runner-up behind Randy Jones of the San Diego Padres.
He also won 20 games with the Minnesota Twins in 1979, finishing sixth in voting for the American League Cy Young Award.
