Jerry Koosman, pitcher on the 1969 'Miracle' Mets, dies at 83

Jerry Koosman, who helped lead the 1969 New York Mets to their first World Series title, has died at 83, the team announced.

Koosman died surrounded by family in Osceola, Wisconsin, according to a statement shared by the Mets. The team said he had been battling multiple illnesses.

The pitcher won Game 2 of the 1969 World Series and then secured the victory in Game 5, which clinched the championship for New York.

Koosman’s former teammate Ron Swoboda remembered him as a protector of the team. “Jerry was our protector. Any time the opposition threw at our guys, Jerry took care of it,” Swoboda said.

Alongside his World Series title, Koosman was selected to two All-Star Games.

Sources: TMZ.