New York Mets Hall of Famer and two-time All-Star Jerry Koosman died Sunday morning in Osceola, Wisconsin, at the age of 83, the team announced. Koosman had been battling multiple illnesses.
Koosman was a central figure in the "Miracle Mets" 1969 World Series championship, starting Game 5 and throwing a complete game to clinch the title against the Baltimore Orioles. He allowed three runs and recorded all but one out in his two World Series starts.
Signed by the Mets in 1964 after pitching for the United States Army, Koosman debuted in 1967. His rookie season in 1968 saw him post a 2.08 ERA over 263⅔ innings, earning an All-Star selection and a second-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting behind Johnny Bench. He was an All-Star again in 1969 with a 2.28 ERA over 241 innings.
From 1968 to 1976, Koosman maintained a 2.94 ERA and averaged 223 innings per season. The Mets traded him to the Minnesota Twins for Jesse Orosco in December 1978. He finished his career with the Twins (1979-81), Chicago White Sox (1981-83), and Philadelphia Phillies (1984-85).
Koosman retired after the 1985 season with a 222-209 record and a 3.36 ERA. He ranks 35th all-time in strikeouts (2,556), 40th in starts (527), 48th in innings (3,839⅓), and 77th in pitching WAR (57.0). He finished second in the 1976 Cy Young Award voting.
The Mets inducted Koosman into their Hall of Fame in 1989 and retired his No. 36 in 2021. His 140 wins are the most by a left-hander in franchise history and third overall behind Tom Seaver (198) and Dwight Gooden (157). He is second in team history in innings pitched and third in strikeouts.
