Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman dies at 83 after long illness
The left-hander won all three starts in the 1969 World Series and finished his career with 222 victories.
By Elena Menon ·
Jerry Koosman died on Monday at the age of 83. The former New York Mets pitcher passed away in Osceola, Wisconsin, surrounded by family after a battle with multiple illnesses, according to PIX11.
Koosman was a central figure in the Mets' 1969 championship run. He started three games in that World Series against the Baltimore Orioles and won all three, including the decisive Game 5. His performance helped secure the title for the New York club.
The left-hander from Appleton, Minnesota, spent 12 seasons with the Mets. He made All-Star teams in 1968 and 1969. In 1973, he helped the team return to the World Series, winning two starts against the Oakland Athletics.
Koosman finished his career with a record of 222 wins and 209 losses. He struck out 2,556 batters and recorded 140 complete games. His durability allowed him to pitch for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies before retiring in 1985.
The Mets retired his number 36 jersey in 2021. He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1989. In 1976, he finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting after posting a 21-10 record.
Jay Horwitz, the Mets vice president of media relations, called Koosman one of the biggest heroes of the 1969 team. Horwitz wrote in a statement, "Rest in peace, Kooz."
Source: WGVL
