Minnesota Native and Former Twins Pitcher Jerry Koosman Dies at 83

[Cody Christie]

The baseball world lost a memorable figure on Sunday when Jerry Koosman passed away at 83 years old. While Koosman will forever be remembered for his role in the New York Mets' improbable 1969 World Series championship, his story also has a special connection to Minnesota. The Appleton, Minnesota, native eventually returned to his home state to pitch for the Minnesota Twins, delivering one of the finest seasons of his career.

Koosman was born in Appleton on December 23, 1942. His path to professional baseball wasn't exactly traditional. After being drafted into the Army in 1962, he continued playing baseball while stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas. One of his teammates recognized his pitching ability and helped get his name in front of the Mets organization. New York eventually signed the left-hander in 1964 for just $1,600.

He made his major league debut in 1967 before becoming a full-time member of the Mets' rotation the following season. Koosman quickly established himself as one of baseball's best young pitchers, winning 19 games with a 2.08 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 1968. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting and earned his first All-Star selection.

His place in baseball history became cemented during the 1969 season. Koosman won 17 games and posted a 2.28 ERA before helping New York capture its first World Series championship. He won Game 2 and then delivered a complete-game victory in the deciding Game 5 against Baltimore. He spent the next decade as one of the Mets' most dependable starters, including a 21-win campaign in 1976 that helped him finish second in National League Cy Young voting.

However, after the Mets struggled through the 1978 season, Koosman requested a trade. New York eventually sent him to Minnesota in December 1978, giving the Appleton native an opportunity to pitch closer to home.

A Minnesota Homecoming

Koosman's arrival immediately paid dividends for the Twins. In 1979, he put together an outstanding season, becoming one of the American League's most productive starting pitchers. He finished with a 20-13 record, a 3.38 ERA, 157 strikeouts, and 263 2/3 innings pitched across 37 appearances.

That performance earned Koosman a sixth-place finish in American League Cy Young voting. He also recorded 10 complete games, demonstrating the durability that had made him such a valuable pitcher throughout his career.

Koosman followed that performance with another productive season in 1980. He won 16 games, struck out 149 batters, and logged 243 1/3 innings. His ERA increased to 4.03, but he remained a dependable presence in Minnesota's rotation.

His final season with the Twins came in 1981. He appeared in 19 games, making 13 starts, and posted a 3-9 record with a 4.20 ERA before being traded to the Chicago White Sox. Koosman finished his Minnesota career with 39 wins, 35 losses, and a 3.77 ERA across 601 1/3 innings.

Although his time with Minnesota lasted only two and a half seasons, Koosman gave the Twins a memorable return to his home state. He eventually finished his 19-year major league career with 222 victories, 2,556 strikeouts, and 53.6 bWAR.

Koosman's legacy will always be connected to the Mets, where he became a Hall of Famer and had his No. 36 retired. However, Minnesota baseball fans also have a reason to remember the Appleton native. Before his career came to an end, he returned home and showed that the same left-handed pitcher who helped deliver a championship in New York could still compete among baseball's best.

Koosman is survived by three children and four grandchildren. His passing marks the loss of a remarkable baseball player and a Minnesota native who made his mark on the national stage.

 

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