Legendary Pitcher Passes Away
Former New York Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman has died at the age of 83. The team confirmed that he passed away on Sunday in Osceola, Wisconsin, after dealing with illness for about a year. He was surrounded by his children when he died.
Koosman was a top left handed pitcher who spent 19 seasons in the major leagues. He is best remembered for helping the Mets win the 1969 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles.
The 1969 Miracle Season
Before 1969, the Mets had never recorded a winning season since starting in 1962. That changed when they went 100-62 and reached the postseason. Koosman was the number two starter behind Tom Seaver, posting a 17-9 record with a 2.28 ERA during that regular season.
In the World Series, Koosman delivered two major victories. He allowed just one run in Game 2 as the Mets won 2-1. He then pitched a complete game in Game 5 to secure the title, getting the final out on a fly ball to left field.
A Career Built On Hard Work
Koosman started playing baseball while serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg. He signed with the Mets in 1964 for $1,600 and worked his way through the minor leagues.
Across his 19 years in the majors, he posted a 222-209 record with a 3.36 ERA. He threw 140 complete games and won 20 games in two separate seasons. He left the Mets after 1978 and later played for Minnesota, the Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia.
Remembering His Legacy
Koosman once stated in an interview that he feared losing and did not want to be looked upon as a loser. His famous celebration jumping onto catcher Jerry Grote on the mound remains an iconic image in baseball history.
The Mets retired his number 36 jersey in 2021. He is survived by his three children, Michael, Shawn, and Danielle.
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