Overview
- The New York Mets announced that Jerry Koosman died on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Osceola, Wisconsin, and team spokesman Jay Horwitz said he had battled multiple illnesses and died surrounded by his children.
- Koosman was a key figure in the 1969 “Miracle Mets,” winning Game 2 and pitching a complete-game victory to clinch Game 5, a moment pictured as him leaping into catcher Jerry Grote’s arms.
- Over a 19-year major league career he compiled a 222-209 record with a 3.36 ERA and 2,556 strikeouts and still holds many Mets franchise marks for left-handed pitchers, including 140 wins for New York.
- The Mets inducted Koosman into their team Hall of Fame in 1989 and retired his No. 36 on Aug. 28, 2021, honors that cemented his place in franchise history.
- In later life Koosman faced health struggles and sold memorabilia in 2026 and in 2009 pleaded guilty to misdemeanor tax evasion and served six months in federal custody, facts that press accounts have noted while teams and fans prepare public tributes.