Aug 28, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Former New York Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman acknowledges the fans after having his number retried prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Jerry Koosman, one of the driving forces of the Mets’ first World Series crown in 1969, died on Sunday, the club announced.
Koosman was 83 years old. He had been battling “multiple illnesses,” Mets vice president of alumni relations Jay Horwitz said in a statement.
The southpaw began his career with the Mets in 1967 before earning back-to-back All-Star selections in 1968 and 1969.
Koosman was an integral part of the Miracle Mets’ starting rotation, as they defied the odds on their way to the World Series crown. He won Game 2 against the Orioles and secured the title with a nine-inning performance in the title-clinching victory in Game 5.
The left-hander also helped the Mets secure the National League pennant in 1973, claiming a victory in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Reds before extending the World Series against the Athletics with 6⅓ scoreless innings in a Game 5 win before the Mets fell in seven games.
Koosman had his No. 36 retired by the Mets during the 2021 season. He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1989. Twelve of Koosman’s 19 seasons were spent in Flushing. With the Mets, he amassed a 140-137 record with a 3.09 ERA and 1,799 strikeouts in 2,544⅔ innings.
The Minnesota native finished as the runner-up for the 1976 NL Cy Young behind the Padres’ Randy Jones. That season, Koosman was 21-10 with a 2.69 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 247⅓ innings.
Koosman’s final seven seasons were spent with the Twins, White Sox and Phillies. He closed his career with 222 wins and 2,556 strikeouts.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com.
