Jerry Koosman, who got final out in the 1969 Miracle Mets' World Series victory, dies at 83
NEW YORK (AP) — Jerry Koosman, an All-Star left-hander who got the final out of the Miracle Mets' shocking 1969 World Series victory over the Baltimore Orioles, died Sunday.Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said Koosman had been sick for about a year and died of multiple illnesses in Osceola, Wisconsin, surrounded by his children.
Jerry Koosman, the All-Star left-handed pitcher who secured the final out in the Miracle Mets' 1969 World Series triumph over the Baltimore Orioles, has passed away at the age of 83. Koosman, a key member of the Mets' historically dominant 1969 season, succumbed to multiple illnesses in Osceola, Wisconsin, surrounded by his children. His iconic image is that of him jumping onto catcher Jerry Grote as they embraced on the Shea Stadium mound following the decisive play.
The Mets, who had never finished with a winning record prior to 1969, reached unprecedented heights that year. Koosman, known for his fastball and curveball, went 17-9 with a 2.28 ERA in 1969. His pivotal performance included allowing only one run over 8 2/3 innings in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series and pitching a five-hit game in Game 5, where he retired future Mets manager Davey Johnson on a flyout to left fielder Cleon Jones.
Koosman's journey in baseball began with the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, where he played while stationed. Drafted into the major leagues in 1964, he made his debut on April 14, 1967, with the Mets. Over 19 major league seasons, Koosman compiled a 222-209 record with a 3.36 ERA. His resilience and dedication were evident in his testimony, stating, "I feared losing. I didn't want to be looked upon as a loser by anyone."
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