NewsWPLG Local 10November 2, 2026Miami-Dade County
Jerry Koosman, pitcher who secured final out for 1969 Miracle Mets, dies at 83
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Jerry Koosman, the All-Star left-hander who secured the final out of the New York Mets' 1969 World Series victory, died Sunday at age 83 in Osceola, Wisconsin. Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz reported that Koosman had been ill for about a year and passed away from multiple illnesses surrounded by his children. Koosman recorded a 222-209 career record with a 3.36 ERA across 19 major league seasons, playing for the Mets, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The death marks the passing of a central figure from one of the most celebrated underdog championships in Major League Baseball history.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationChicago White Sox“Major League Baseball team Koosman pitched for from 1981 to 1983.”PersonTom Seaver“Future Hall of Fame pitcher and teammate of Koosman on the New York Mets.”PersonIrv Goldfarb“Author of Koosman's biography for the Society for American Baseball Research.”PersonHowie Rose“Mets broadcaster who interviewed Jerry Koosman in 2019.”PersonJoe McDonald“Member of the Mets' front office who received information about Koosman.”OrganizationBaltimore Orioles“Major League Baseball team that played against the New York Mets in the 1969 Wor”PersonMichael Koosman“Son of Jerry Koosman.”PersonJohn Luchese“Catcher at Fort Bragg whose father was a Shea Stadium usher, helping connect Koo”OrganizationPhiladelphia Phillies“Major League Baseball team Koosman pitched for from 1984 to 1985.”PersonDavey Johnson“Future Mets manager who made the final out in Game 5 of the 1969 World Series.”OrganizationSociety for American Baseball Research“Organization featuring a biography of Koosman written by Irv Goldfarb.”OrganizationU.S. Army“Military branch where Koosman played baseball at Fort Bragg.”PersonJohnny Bench“Cincinnati catcher who won NL Rookie of the Year over Koosman in 1968.”PersonLaVonne Sorum“Former spouse of Jerry Koosman.”PersonDonn Clendenon“Mets player who hit a two-run home run in the 1969 World Series.”PersonDave McNally“Pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles in the 1969 World Series.”PersonDanielle Koosman“Daughter of Jerry Koosman.”OrganizationNew York Mets“Major League Baseball team for which Koosman played.”PersonCleon Jones“Left fielder for the New York Mets who caught the final out of the 1969 World Se”PersonDon Cardwell“Pitcher in the 1969 Mets rotation.”PersonLou DiMuro“Plate umpire during the 1969 World Series.”PersonCarl Yastrzemski“Player struck out by Koosman for the final out in the 1968 All-Star Game.”PersonShawn Koosman“Son of Jerry Koosman.”PersonPeter Golenbock“Author of the 2002 book 'Amazin': The Miraculous History of New York's Most Belo”PersonGary Gentry“Pitcher in the 1969 Mets rotation.”PersonGil Hodges“Manager of the 1969 New York Mets.”OrganizationMinnesota Twins“Major League Baseball team Koosman pitched for from 1979 to 1981.”PersonNolan Ryan“Pitcher who played alongside Koosman on the Mets.”PersonJay Horwitz“Mets spokesman who announced Koosman's passing.”PersonJerry Koosman“All-Star left-hander who pitched for the New York Mets and recorded the final ou”PersonJim McAndruw“Pitcher in the 1969 Mets rotation.”