Mets to retire Koosman’s number

The New York Mets will retire former pitcher Jerry Koosman’s number on Aug. 28, 2021.  Photo via Wikimedia Commons/New York Mets

By Jacob Kaye

The New York Mets will retire former pitcher Jerry Koosman’s number 36 later this month.

The unveiling to honor one of the Mets’ first great pitchers – in a line of many – will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28.

Koosman made Mets history during his rookie year in 1968 when he became the first pitcher in the franchise to record a win in a Mets home opener. That year, he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and appeared in the All Star game.

The Kooz was also a staple of the “Miracle Mets” 1969 team, the first to win a World Series in franchise history.

Throughout his 12 seasons with the team from Flushing, Koosman was largely overshadowed by fellow pitcher Tom Seaver, who remains arguably the best pitcher in franchise history.

Nonetheless, Koosman tossed 140 regular season victories for the team and, as a rookie, set the franchise record for wins, shutouts and ERA, beating out Seaver in all three categories.

After a dozen seasons with the Mets, Koosman played with the Twins, White Sox and Phillies before his retirement in 1985.

Koosman will join Casey Stengel, Gil Hodges, Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza as the only Mets players to have their numbers retired. Jackie Robinson’s number 42, which is retired across baseball, is also retired and honored with a plaque at the top of Citi Field.