Mets legend Jerry Koosman passes away at 83

New York Mets former pitcher Jerry Koosman at Citi Field. USA TODAY Sports

Mets legend Jerry Koosman passes away at 83

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 1, 2026 2:30 PM ET

Former New York Mets left-handed pitcher and legend Jerry Koosman has passed away at the age of 83. Koosman was a key member and hero of the Mets' 1969 World Series team.

He won two games in the Fall Classic and a pitched a complete game in Game 5 that helped clinch the team's first ever World Series title. He was also a solid contributor to the Mets' 1973 NL pennant.

His baseball resume while pitching for the Mets speaks volumes. He spent 12 of his 19 seasons in MLB with the Mets from 1967-1978 and recorded 140 wins while ranking near the top of the league in several categories, including strikeouts (2,556), innings pitched (3,839 and 1/3 innings), complete games pitched (140) and games started (527).

He also earned two All-Star selections (1968, 1969) and was a Cy Young finalist, finishing second in votes in 1976, following his sparkling 2.69 ERA with 21 games won.

We are saddened to share the news that Jerry Koosman has passed away. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family. https://t.co/8zriJmxCBe
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 1, 2026

Jerry Koosman's iconic career made him a legend

Following his tenure with the Mets, he also pitched for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies before wrapping up his successful baseball career.

In his career, he logged an impressive 222-209 record along with a solid 3.36 ERA while racking up 2,556 strikeouts.

In 1989, he was inducted into the Mets' Hall of Fame and his No. 36 jersey was retired in August 2021. He will continue to be remembered as one of the most iconic Mets pitchers in franchise history and a Miracle Mets hero.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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