Mets' 1969 champion pitcher Jerry Koosman dies at 83

Jerry Koosman, the left-handed pitcher who retired Davey Johnson to seal the New York Mets' 1969 World Series victory, died on Sunday in Osceola, Wisconsin. He was 83 years old.

Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz stated that Koosman had been ill for approximately one year. He passed away surrounded by his children after suffering from multiple illnesses.

Three key details define the final chapter of Koosman's career and his legacy in baseball history. First, his role in the 1969 championship was definitive. He pitched Game 5 against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing five hits while the Mets trailed 3-0 in the sixth inning. After a disputed ball-off incident involving Cleon Jones, Koosman retired future Mets manager Davey Johnson on a flyout to left field. The image of Koosman jumping onto catcher Jerry Grote on the mound at Shea Stadium became one of the most recognizable pictures in the sport.

Second, his statistical record was consistent over two decades. Koosman compiled a 222-209 record with a 3.36 earned run average across 19 major league seasons. He threw 140 complete games, including 33 shutouts, and was a 20-game winner twice. His primary pitches were fastballs and curves. He spent the majority of his career with the Mets from 1967 to 1978, finishing with a 140-137 record and a 3.09 ERA for that club.

Third, his path to the major leagues was unconventional. Born in Appleton, Minnesota, on December 23, 1942, Koosman played baseball while stationed with the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. His catcher, John Luchese, was the son of a Shea Stadium usher. Luchese mentioned his skills to his father, who passed the information to Mets front office executive Joe McDonald. Koosman signed a contract on August 27, 1964, for $1,600. He worked through the minor leagues before making his debut on April 14, 1967, at Philadelphia's Connie Mack Stadium.

Context from Koosman's own words reveals his mindset. In a 2019 interview with broadcaster Howie Rose, he said, "I feared losing. I didn't want to be looked upon as a loser by anyone." Regarding the final out in 1969, he told Rose, "I turn around and look at Cleon and I see Cleon going back and, uh, the first thing is the heart stops.. now you know it's OK. Now the only other thing is: Don't drop the ball."

The 1969 Mets were an expansion team that had lost 100 games in five of their first seven seasons. That year, they won 38 of their final 49 games to finish 100-62. Koosman posted a 17-9 record with a 2.28 ERA in 32 starts. After his time with New York, he pitched for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets retired his number 36 in 2021. He is survived by sons Michael and Shawn, and daughter Danielle. His marriage to LaVonne Sorum ended in divorce.

Koosman also made two starts in the 1973 World Series against Oakland, earning a win in Game 5. He told the Mets after the 1978 season he would retire unless traded. The team dealt him to the Twins in December 1978. He later moved to the White Sox in 1981 and the Phillies in 1984 before finishing his career.