Jerry Koosman, Mets pitcher who started 1969 Game 5, dies at 83

Jerry Koosman died Sunday morning in Osceola, Wisconsin, at the age of 83. The New York Mets announced the news, stating that the former pitcher battled multiple illnesses before his death.

The Mets identified Koosman while he was pitching for the United States Army. They signed him to a contract in August 1964. He made his Major League debut in April 1967 and became a full-time rotationer in 1968.

In that rookie season, Koosman threw 263 two-thirds innings with a 2.08 earned run average. He earned an All-Star selection and placed second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Johnny Bench. He returned to the All-Star Game in 1969 with a 2.28 ERA over 241 innings.

Koosman served as the second starter for the 1969 Mets, backing up Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan. He made two starts in the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles. In the Game 5 clincher, he threw a complete game and allowed three runs. He recorded all but one possible out across his two postseason appearances.

From 1968 through 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, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Koosman retired after the 1985 season with a 222-209 record. His 3.36 career ERA ranks 39th among pitchers with at least 3,500 innings. He holds 2,556 strikeouts, placing him 35th all-time. The Mets inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 1989 and retired his number 36 in 2021.

His 140 wins lead all left-handers in Mets history. He trails only Tom Seaver and Dwight Gooden in total wins for the franchise. The Baseball Writers Association of America dropped him from its Hall of Fame ballot in 1991, his first year of eligibility.