Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Atrás
Jerry Koosman, hero of the 1969 'Miracle' Mets World Series championship run, dead at 83

The left-hander pitched to a 2.28 ERA that season, second only to Cy Young Award winner Tom Seaver

New York Mets legend Jerry Koosman died Sunday at age 83, the team announced.

Koosman was the winning pitcher in Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, which gave the franchise its first World Series title. That year's squad was dubbed both the "Amazin'" and "Miracle" Mets.

Longtime team employee Jay Horwitz said on social media Koosman had been battling "multiple illnesses."

Jerry Koosman pitches for the New York Mets against the Baltimore Orioles.
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, whose first season was in 1962, had never been above .500 after just nine games in any of their first seven years in existence. But the Amazin's showed promise early and ran away with the National League East in August.

On Aug. 13 that year, the Mets were 10.0 games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL East, but in less than a month, they took over first place and wound up running away with the division en route to the title (with the help of the infamous black cat).

Jerry Koosman stands at Citi Field in New York City.
New York Mets former pitcher Jerry Koosman at Citi Field on Aug. 28, 2021. (USA TODAY Sports)

Koosman pitched to a 2.28 ERA that season, second on the team only to Cy Young Award winner Tom Seaver.

The left-hander spent 12 of his 19 seasons in Queens before spending time with the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. In New York, he had a 3.09 ERA. He also finished in second place in the 1979 NL Cy Young Award vote, losing to Randy Jones.

Bill de Blasio presents Jerry Koosman with a key to the city at Citi Field.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio presents Jerry Koosman of the 1969 Mets championship team with a key to the city as part of the Mets' 50th Anniversary Celebration before a game against the Braves at Citi Field on Saturday, June 29, 2019. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

His number 36 was retired by the Mets in 2021, becoming the third player in franchise history to have his number retired after Seaver and Mike Piazza. Six others have since followed.

You may like

Legendary MLB Pitcher Dies at 83

thedailybeast.com hace 2 horas

Where Boston Bruins Sit in NHL Standings Entering November

si.com hace 3 horas

3 Underrated Free Agents the White Sox Should Target This Winter

si.com hace 5 horas

Padres Pitcher Exercises Player Option for 2027 Season: Here's What it Means

si.com hace 6 horas

Brewers Face Tough Free-Agent Decision on Jake Bauers Following 2026 Breakout

si.com hace 3 horas

Kochetkov makes 26 saves, Walker scores twice as Hurricanes beat Jets 7-0

aol.com hace 2 horas

Christmas Came Early for the Reds, but Their Biggest Moves Are Still Ahead

si.com hace 28 minutos

Why the Angels Should Target Jake Bauers in Free Agency Following His Breakout Season

si.com hace 2 horas

Surprise Free Agent Reliever Could Bolster Blue Jays Bullpen

si.com hace 3 horas

Nationals Listed as Possible Landing Spot for Recent World Series Champion

si.com hace 58 minutos