Jerry Koosman, a renowned Major League Baseball pitcher and World Series champion, has passed away at the age of 83 after a prolonged battle with multiple illnesses. Known primarily for his 12 seasons with the New York Mets, Koosman was instrumental in the 1969 Mets’ unlikely World Series victory, notably winning games 2 and 5 of the series. His death, announced by longtime Mets public relations representative Jay Horwitz, was confirmed by the Mets in a memorial post noting that Koosman died in Osceola, Wisconsin, surrounded by family.

Koosman’s storied career began to define itself with the Mets, where he formed a formidable pitching duo with Tom Seaver and earned two All-Star selections in 1968 and 1969. His number 36 jersey was retired by the Mets, and he remains a key figure in the franchise’s Hall of Fame due to his significant contributions. The 1969 championship elevated his status not just with Mets fans but across the baseball community.

After his impactful run in New York, Koosman continued his career with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox before concluding his professional journey with the Philadelphia Phillies in the mid-1980s. Though his time with the Phillies came at the tail end of his 19-year career, which included 222 wins, 2,556 strikeouts, and a 3.36 ERA over 612 appearances, it allowed Philadelphia fans to embrace a player who had been a rival stalwart.

Koosman’s legacy is remembered not only for his impressive statistics but for the pivotal role he played in some of baseball’s most memorable moments, especially the Mets’ rise from underdogs to champions. His presence on both the Mets and Phillies, two notable National League teams, highlights the breadth of his impact on the sport during his nearly two-decade-long career.