Miracle Mets Pitching Legend Jerry Koosman Dies At 83

Legendary Pitcher Passes Away

Jerry Koosman, the All Star left hander who threw the final out of the 1969 World Series, died Sunday at 83 years old. Team spokesperson Jay Horwitz said Koosman had been sick for about a year and died in Osceola, Wisconsin, surrounded by his children.

Koosman pitched across 19 major league seasons, finishing his career with 222 wins, 209 losses, and a 3.36 ERA. He threw 140 complete games and recorded 33 shutouts. He was a two time 20 game winner who relied mostly on fastballs and curveballs.

The 1969 Championship Run

The Mets had never posted a winning record before 1969. That season, Koosman went 17 wins and 9 losses with a 2.28 ERA in 32 starts, helping New York finish first in the National League East with 100 wins and 62 losses.

During the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles, Koosman allowed just one run over eight and two thirds innings in a 2-1 Game 2 win. In Game 5, he threw a five hitter to seal the title. A flyout to left fielder Cleon Jones ended the series, sending thousands of fans onto the field at Shea Stadium.

Koosman also played a role in a famous moment earlier in Game 5 when New York trailed 3-0. After a pitch bounced near the dugout, manager Gil Hodges instructed Koosman to wipe the ball against his shoe. Hodges showed the shoe polish mark to the umpire, who awarded Jones first base. Donn Clendenon followed with a two run homer in the eventual 5-3 victory.

From Fort Bragg to New York

Born in Minnesota in 1942, Koosman played baseball in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg. His catcher was the son of a Shea Stadium usher, who passed the word to the Mets front office. New York signed Koosman in 1964 for $1,600.

He made his big league debut in 1967 and earned a full time spot in 1968, finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting. Koosman played for the Mets through 1978, recording 140 wins and 137 losses with a 3.09 ERA. He later pitched for Minnesota, the Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia.

The Mets retired his number 36 in 2021. He is survived by his three children.