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Former Mets Pitcher Jerry Koosman Dies at 83
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In Short: Former New York Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman, who played a key role in the team's 1969 World Series victory, has died at the age of 83.
Jerry Koosman, a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher who spent the majority of his career with the New York Mets, passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday morning in Osceola, Wisconsin.
Koosman, known for his contributions to the Mets' 1969 World Series win, was a key player during the team's championship run. He threw a complete game in Game 5, securing a 5-3 victory that clinched the franchise's first championship.
The Mets announced the news, expressing their condolences to Koosman's family and fans. 'We are saddened to share the news that Jerry Koosman has passed away,' the team stated.
Koosman's career spanned 19 years, from 1967 to 1985, during which he played for the Mets, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. He compiled a record of 222-209 across 612 total appearances, including 527 starts.
During his time with the Mets, Koosman was a dominant force, earning a 3.09 ERA and 140 wins, ranking third on the Mets' all-time leaderboard. He was also a two-time All-Star and threw 263 ⅔ innings with a 2.08 ERA as a rookie in 1968.
Koosman's contributions to the 1969 Mets were significant. He pitched to a 2.28 ERA that season, second only to Cy Young Award winner Tom Seaver. His five complete game victories in September 1969 helped seal the National League East title.
Longtime team employee Jay Horwitz revealed that Koosman had been battling multiple illnesses. 'Jerry Koosman, the steady lefty who played “Sundance” to Tom Seaver’s “Butch Cassidy” as the dynamic duo pitching leaders of the 1969 and ’73 Mets championship teams, died Sunday morning,' Horwitz said.
Koosman's legacy includes his 2,556 strikeouts, 3,839 innings pitched, 140 complete games, and 527 games started. He was inducted into the Mets' Hall of Fame in 1989.
The Mets organization paid tribute to Koosman's impact on the team. 'The 1969 Miracle Mets were filled with heroes, and the special southpaw from Appleton, Minnesota, was central to their success. His legendary performance in the World Series helped the Mets secure their first Championship in team history,' the Mets stated.
Koosman's contributions to the Mets and his legacy as a key member of the 1969 World Series team will continue to be remembered by fans and the baseball community.
What this adds
Koosman's career highlights include his rookie year performance and his pivotal role in the 1969 World Series victory.
The Mets organization and fans are mourning the loss of a beloved player and a key figure in the team's history.
What's confirmed
- Former MLB starting pitcher Jerry Koosman, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Mets, has died at the age of 83.
- New York Mets team Hall of Famer and two-time All-Star Jerry Koosman died Sunday morning in Osceola, Wisconsin, the team announced.
What's still developing
- The left-hander owned a 3.09 ERA during his Mets tenure before he was eventually traded to the Twins in exchange for relief pitcher Jesse Orosco in 1978.
- The Mets discovered Koosman while he was pitching for the United States Army and signed him to a contract in August 1964.
- Koosman threw 263 ⅔ innings with a 2.08 ERA as a rookie in 1968, which earned him an All-Star Game selection and MVP votes, and a second-place finish in the Rookie of the Year voting behind Hall of Famer Johnny Bench.
- “Every time he came to me he offered $100 less and by the time it got down to $1,200 I figured I’d better take it or else I’d be owing them money,” Koosman said.
- Murff liked what he saw and initially offered Koosman a $2,000 bonus, which Koosman turned down.
- He was also a solid contributor to the Mets' 1973 NL pennant.
- His baseball resume while pitching for the Mets speaks volumes.