Jerry Koosman, Mets' 1969 closer, dies at 83

Jerry Koosman, the left-handed pitcher who secured the final out in the New York Mets' 1969 World Series win, died on Sunday at age 83. He was in Osceola, Wisconsin, where Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz confirmed the death. Horwitz stated that Koosman had been ill for approximately one year and died of multiple illnesses, surrounded by his children.

Koosman's most enduring image in baseball history is his leap onto catcher Jerry Grote on the Shea Stadium mound following the 1969 World Series conclusion. The Mets had never finished a season with a winning record prior to that year. In Peter Golenbock’s 2002 book, “Amazin’: The Miraculous History of New York’s Most Beloved Baseball Team,” Koosman recalled the moment by saying, “We were so choked up with emotion we couldn’t talk.”

Over 19 major league seasons, Koosman compiled a record of 222 wins and 209 losses with a 3.36 earned run average. He threw 140 complete games, including 33 shutouts, and recorded 20-game winning seasons twice. His arsenal relied heavily on fastballs and curveballs. He posted a 140-137 record and a 3.09 ERA with the Mets from 1967 to 1978. He later pitched for the Minnesota Twins from 1979 to 1981, the Chicago White Sox from 1981 to 1983, and the Philadelphia Phillies from 1984 to 1985.

The 1969 season marked the franchise's first appearance at the top of the standings. The expansion team, which had lost 100 games in five of its first seven years, won 100 games and finished with a 100-62 record. They took first place in the new National League East on Sept. 10 of that year after a 10-game winning streak. Koosman served as the number two starter behind Tom Seaver, going 17-9 with a 2.28 ERA in 32 starts.

In the National League Championship Series, Koosman exited the second game against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning. The Mets rallied to win that game and swept the best-of-five series. In the World Series, Baltimore defeated Seaver and the Mets 4-1 in Game 1. Koosman then allowed one run over eight and two-thirds innings to secure the victory in a 2-1 win in Game 2.

Game 5 provided the climax of the series. Baltimore led 3-0 in the sixth inning before Cleon Jones claimed a pitch from Dave McNally hit him. The ball bounced to Koosman, who was seated in the dugout with manager Gil Hodges. Hodges instructed Koosman to rub the ball against his shoe, then showed it to plate umpire Lou DiMuro. DiMuro awarded Jones first base. Donn Clendenon followed with a two-run home run, starting the Mets' comeback in a 5-3 victory. Koosman pitched a five-hitter and retired future Mets manager Davey Johnson on a game-ending flyout to left fielder Cleon Jones.

Koosman told broadcaster Howie Rose in a 2019 interview that he feared being seen as a loser. “I turn around and look at Cleon and I see Cleon going back and, uh, the first thing is the heart stops,” Koosman said. “Well, then you see him slow down, oh, God, now you know it's OK. Now the only other thing is: Don't drop the ball.”

Born in Appleton, Minnesota, on Dec. 23, 1942, Koosman played ball with the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A catcher named John Luchese, son of a Shea Stadium usher, tipped the Mets front office to Koosman. The team signed him on Aug. 27, 1964, for $1,600. He made his major league debut on April 14, 1967, at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia, throwing two and two-thirds hitless innings in relief. He was selected to the All-Star team in 1968 and 1969. The Mets retired his number 36 in 2021.

Koosman is survived by his sons, Michael and Shawn, and his daughter, Danielle. His marriage to the former LaVonne Sorum ended in divorce. He was honored with a parade upon his return to Morris, Minnesota, after the 1969 World Series victory.