Amazin' Date 10/6/1969: Mets Sweep Braves To Capture National League Pennant

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME THREE

Braves   4

Mets       7

FINAL

METS WIN NATIONAL LEAGUE PENNANT

Sweep Three Games From Atlanta Braves;

Punch Ticket to World Series

With fans reveling on the playing field, underneath the stands at Shea Stadium Mr. Charles Shipman Payson during an euphoric post-game locker room celebration expresses his greatest tragedy is that his wife Joan was unable to attend and witness what her team had just accomplished.  While the Mets matriarch is indeed feeling under the weather, her National League club is toast of the town and will represent New York in this season's Fall Classic.

FIRST EVER PLAYOFF GAME AT SHEA STADIUM

In speaking with Ralph Kiner manager Gil Hodges acknowledges the irony of his team being predicated on strong pitching yet handily out-slugging the heavy hitting Atlanta Braves.  And for good reason as the Mets strike for 37 hits, and out score Atlanta by a 27-15 margin through three games.

THREE HOME RUNS POWER METS TO CLINCHING VICTORY

• GAME THREE: Monday, October 6, 1969 - BR

The Mets merely pick up where they leave off on Sunday.  But not before Hank Aaron short circuits an electrified crowd at Shea Stadium in the first inning when he connects on his third home run of the series giving the Atlanta Braves a prompt 2-0 lead.  Soon after center fielder Tony Gonzalez leads off the third with a single to right, and Hank Aaron doubles to left.  With two runners in scoring position manager Gil Hodges risks nothing.  He pulls rookie starter Gary Gentry in favor of flame thrower Nolan Ryan.  The strategy works.  When action resumes Rico Carty strikes out swinging.  After first baseman Orlando Cepeda is issued an intentional pass Ryan catches Clete Boyer looking at strike three for out number two.  Bob Didier then flies harmlessly to left ending the threat.  Tommie Agee punctuates his manager's maneuvering in the bottom half of the frame with a home run off Braves starter Pat Jarvis.  Ken Boswell likewise belts a two run home run in the fifth, again off Jarvis.  However Orlando Cepeda's go ahead two run home run off Ryan in the top of the fifth quickly changes the complexion of the game.  But Atlanta's lead is short lived as Wayne Garrett's two run blast and Ken Boswell's RBI hit in the bottom half of the frame gives the Mets a 6-4 lead.  An inning later Tommie Agee's run batted in makes it a 7-4 game and final margin of victory.  Gary Gentry pitches into the third allowing two earned runs on five hits and one walk with a strikeout.  Nolan Ryan comes up huge for the Mets yielding two runs on just three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts through seven innings pitched for the victory.

New York will face the Baltimore Orioles whom defeat the Minnesota Twins in the America League championship series.  Game one is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium.