Mets retire Koosman's 36 five decades after '69 heroics

NEW YORK (AP) — With Jerry Koosman on the mound, it was never too late for the 1969 New York Mets.

More than five decades later, the franchise rewarded the big-game left-hander with its highest distinction.

Koosman became the fifth player or coach to have his jersey retired by the Mets on Saturday night, with his No. 36 unveiled alongside placard's honoring Mike Piazza, Tom Seaver, Gil Hodges and Casey Stengel.

“Humbly thankful that they thought that much of me to retire my number,” Koosman said. “I know I’m joining a great crew that’s already had their numbers retired.”

The 78-year-old Koosman was supposed to be honored last season, but the ceremoney was postponed due to the pandemic. Instead, he was welcomed by “Kooz!” chants on a cool night in Queens ahead to Saturday's game against Washington.

His No. 36 was posted all around Citi Field, including on the pitcher's mound and the home-run apple in center field. The iconic photo of him leaping into catcher Jerry Grote's arms after the final out of the 1969 World Series was superimposed over his No. 36 on the videoboard.

Koosman was joined by 11 family members, including his four grandchildren, as well former teammates Wayne Garrett, Ed Kranepool and Art Shamsky. Piazza, whose No. 31 was the previous number retired by the Mets in 2016, was the last to speak before Koosman's number was revealed atop the grandstands down the third-base line.

“Jerry, welcome home,” Piazza said. “This is your home, and this is your family.”

Koosman and his close friend Seaver both debuted with the Mets in 1967 and quickly helped turn the franchise from laughingstock to World Series champs.

The pair combined to go 11-1 with a 1.63 ERA and 11 complete games in 14 starts in September of 1969 as the Mets went 24-8 to make up a 4 1/2-game...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Mets-retire-Koosman-s-36-five-decades-after-69-16419061.php