The New York Mets family is in mourning today after the passing of Jerry Koosman, one of the greatest pitchers ever to wear the orange and blue. He was 83.
Koosman, a Minnesota-born southpaw, died over the weekend after a series of health battles. His loss hit hard in Queens, where he spent 12 of his 19 big-league seasons and cemented himself as a cornerstone of the 1969 Miracle Mets.
From 1967 to 1978, Koosman was as dependable as they come. He made two All-Star teams, helped the franchise capture two National League pennants, and racked up 140 wins—still the most by a left-handed pitcher in Mets history. But his crowning moment came in the 1969 World Series, when he won two games, including the clinching Game 5 that delivered the franchise's first championship.
After leaving New York, Koosman pitched for the Twins, White Sox, and Phillies before retiring at 42. The Mets honored him with a spot in their Hall of Fame in 1989, and in 2021 they retired his No. 36.
Fans and former colleagues flooded social media with tributes, remembering not just the pitcher but the man.
"This breaks my heart a bit … Jerry Koosman was a hero of my childhood self, the great pitcher in the shadow of the 🐐 Seaver," wrote Lou DiBella. "I have always believed that he was a hall of fame caliber pitcher. Godspeed, Kooz. Thanks for the memories."
Longtime Mets broadcaster Howie Rose echoed that sentiment. "This is a tough one to process," Rose said. "He had been in and out of the hospital during the summer, but it still hurts to realize that the winningest left handed pitcher in the history of the New York Mets, their greatest 'money pitcher,' the man who won two games in the 1969 World Series including the clinching game five, and always the life of the party is gone."
Rose added: "What an honor to have known him and called him a friend. He was as tough as they come. Rest easy, number 36. You will be missed, but lovingly remembered. RIP."
Other fans kept it simple: "Such a huge part of the Miracle Mets. So sad. RIP." Another wrote, "Hope the team wears a patch for him. Mets legend."
Koosman's impact on the Mets and on baseball in New York can't be overstated. He was the quiet force behind one of the most improbable championship runs in sports history, and his legacy will live on every time a lefty takes the mound at Citi Field.
As the baseball world grieves, Koosman's memory will be cherished by those who loved him and the fans who cheered him on. He was 83.
