Amazin' Date: 10/16/1969: New York Mets Are World Series Champions

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME FIVE

Orioles    3

Mets        5

FINAL

SHEA STADIUM

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS

NEW YORK METS

From National League welcome mat to World Series champion, eight years into their existence the New York Metropolitans are best in all the land.  An amazing baseball journey piloted by Gil Hodges lands softly in the waiting glove of left fielder Cleon Jones on this historic Autumn afternoon at Shea Stadium.

• GAME FIVE: Thursday, October 16, 1969 - BR

If you want something done, sometimes you have to do it yourself.  Just ask Dave McNally.  With Orioles hitters mired in an awful slump, Baltimore's starting pitcher opens the scoring in the third inning with a two-run home run.  Two outs later Frank Robinson follows suit with his second home run of the series and first since game one, giving the Birds a 3-0 lead.  McNally makes it stand through the fifth.

Leading off the bottom half of the sixth, Cleon Jones appears to get hit with a pitch on his back (right) foot.  However, home plate umpire Lou DiMuro sees it differently.  Both Jones and on deck batter Donn Clendenon protest DiMuro's call to no avail until manager Gil Hodges emerges from the dugout with a baseball bearing black shoe polish.  DiMuro inspects the ball and awards Cleon Jones first base to the great dismay of Orioles manager Earl Weaver.  Clendenon then steps into the box and deposits McNally's fifth offering into the loge section in left field.  It's Clendenon's third home run of the series.  In the seventh, Al Weis homers off McNally tying the game at three.

With Eddie Watt pitching the eighth in relief of McNally, Cleon Jones leads off with a double off the left/center field wall.  After Clendenon is retired, Ron Swoboda doubles home Jones.  With two outs, Jerry Grote bounces to first.  However, Boog Powell mishandles the play and Watt does not cleanly handle the toss from Powell.  In the meantime Swoboda scampers home making it a 5-3 Mets lead.  Both Watt and Powell are charged with errors on the play.

Leading off the top half of the ninth Jerry Koosman issues a base on balls to Frank Robinson, then retires the next three batters in order.  Cleon Jones secures the final out in left field and the miracle is complete.

Ecstatic fans pour onto the field in jubilant celebration.

Jerry Koosman goes the distance, allowing three earned runs on five hits and just one walk with five strikeouts en route to his second victory of the series.  Don Clendenon captures World Series MVP honors, starting four of five games and going 5 for 14 (.357) with a double, three home runs, and four runs batted in.

Thank you for following my replay of the 1969 season.

Happy Anniversary, guys!

#LGM

Amazin' Date 10/15/1969: Tom Seaver Goes Ten In Game Four Victory

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME FOUR

Orioles   1

Mets       2

10 INNINGS

SHEA STADIUM

TOM SEAVER TEN INNING GEM LIFTS METS TO 3-1 SERIES LEAD OVER BIRDS

The unflappable Gil Hodges and his amazin' Mets are one victory away from clinching baseball's world championship.

• GAME FOUR: Wednesday, October 15, 1969 - BR

In a rematch of game one, Tom Seaver toes the rubber at Shea Stadium opposed by Baltimore's Mike Cuellar.  If you recall it was Seaver making an early exit from the series opener at Baltimore, and Cuellar going the distance for the win.  This time it is Cuellar making an untimely exit while Seaver pitches triumphantly through the tenth.

Also getting his second look at Cuellar is Donn Clendenon who goes 2 for 4 with a double in game one.  On Wednesday leading off the second Donn hits his second home run in his last three games.  Cuellar exits after seven innings having yielded the lone run on seven hits and no walks with five strikeouts in a no-decision effort.  Meanwhile the score remains unchanged through eight.  With one out in the top half of the ninth Tom Seaver yields consecutive singles to Frank Robinson and Boog Powell.  Then with runners on the corners Brooks Robinson strokes a low sinking liner to right field.  Ron Swoboda racing furiously to his right makes a full extension backhanded diving catch for the out.  Frank Robinson tags and scores the tying run from third.  But anything less than Swoboda's amazing catch means that ball bounces all the way to the wall.  Seaver then fans Elrod Henricks ending the threat.

Into extra-innings they go ...

Manager Hodges sends his ace back out for the tenth inning.  Tom Seaver obliges with another scoreless frame.  Leading off the bottom half of the inning against Orioles reliever Dick Hall, Jerry Grote flares an excuse me double up along the left field line.  Al Weis is intentionally walked, and the Orioles then summon reliever Pete Richert.  Pinch-hitting for Seaver, J.C. Martin pushes a bunt up along the first base side.  Richert fields it, but his attempted throw to first hits Martin.  Pinch-runner Rod Gaspar rounds third and when the ball gets away he hustles home scoring the winning run.

Tom Seaver puts forth New York's third straight dominant performance against a seemingly over matched Baltimore lineup.  He faces 38 batters, allowing just one earned run on six hit and two walks with six strikeouts through ten full innings pitched.  The Mets have now limited Baltimore to just a pair of runs and twelves hits over their last three games.  New York's defense also should not go under spoken.  Superlative glove work from Tommie Agee, Bud Harrelson, Cleon Jones, and Ron Swoboda, no doubt have had a deflating effect upon Orioles hitters.

Amazin' Date 10/14/1969: Tommie Agee and Gary Gentry Star in Game Three Victory Over Birds

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR.MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME THREE

Baltimore Orioles    0

New York Mets        5

FINAL

SHEA STADIUM

METS WIN FIRST EVER WORLD SERIES GAME AT SHEA STADIUM; TAKE 2-1 LEAD OVER BIRDS.

TOMMY AGEE TAKES FOOD FROM THE BIRDS

• GAME THREE: Tuesday. October 14, 1969 - BR

Six months after crushing perhaps the most majestic home run of his career, Tommie Agee puts forth arguably the greatest performance of his career in game three of the World Series at Shea Stadium.  The Mets lead-off batter puts New York on the board straightaway when he deposits Jim Palmer's fourth offering of the game far beyond the center field wall for a prompt 1-0 New York lead.  His domination of game three continues not at the plate, but in the field.  With two outs and runners on the corners in the fourth, Agee races far to his right making a running backhand stab of Elrod Hendrick's deep fly to left/center field.  Then with two outs and the bases loaded in the seventh, Tommie Agee this time runs far to his left punching the palm of his glove twice before making a remarkable diving catch of Paul Blair's liner hit towards the right/center field gap.

Mets starter Gary Gentry helps his own cause in the second inning with a two-out double scoring Jerry Grote and Bud Harrelson giving the Mets a 3-0 lead.  Jerry Grote's run scoring double in the sixth, and Ed Kranepool's home run in the eighth give the Mets a 5-0 final margin of victory.

Gary Gentry limits the Birds to just three hits through 6.2 scoreless innings pitched, with five walks and four strikeouts.  Nolan Ryan fans three while yielding just one hit through 2.1 scoreless innings in relief of Gentry.  In taking a 2-1 series lead, Mets pitchers have limited the Orioles to just one run on six hits over their last two games.

Game Four Starters: Mike Cuellar (23-11; 2.38) vs. Tom Seaver (25-7; 2.21)

Amazin' Date 10/12/1969: Al Weis and Jerry Koosman Lift Mets to Game Two Victory at Baltimore

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME TWO

New York Mets     2

Baltimore Orioles  1

FINAL
MEMORIAL STADIUM

Mets Draw Even With The Birds on Jerry Koosman's Gem

• GAME TWO: Sunday, October 12, 1969 - BR

Baltimore's Dave McNally and Jerry Koosman duel to a one all tie through eight innings in game two Sunday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.  Donn Clendenon connects on a long home run to right off McNally in the fourth.  Jerry Koosman's bid for a no-hitter is broken up by Paul Blair's base hit leading off the seventh.  Brooks Robinson similarly ruins Koosman's bid for a shutout with a game tying single scoring Blair.  With two outs in the top of the ninth, Orioles manager Earl Weaver allows McNally to yield three straight hits from the bottom of the Mets line-up.  Ed Charles and Jerry Grote slash consecutive singles to left.  Al Weis then plates Charles with the go-ahead run on yet another base hit to left.  With two outs in the last half of the ninth, Koosman issues consecutive base on balls to Frank Robinson and Boog Powell.  Gil Hodges then emerges from the dugout summoning Ron Taylor from the bullpen, who induces Brooks Robinson into a game ending ground ball to third.  Jerry Koosman earns the first ever World Series victory in Mets history, allowing just one run on two hits and three walks with four strikeouts. 

The series now shifts to Shea Stadium, Queens, for game three.  Baltimore's Jim Palmer and Gary Gentry are Tuesday's scheduled starters.

• GAME ONE

Mrs. Babe Ruth throws out the ceremonial first pitch.

Amazin' Date 10/11/1969: Mets Bow to Mike Cuellar and the Birds in Game One at Baltimore

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME ONE

NEW YORK METS           1

BALTIMORE ORIOLES    4

FINAL

MEMORIAL STADIUM

Just as pundits anticipated, the Mets bow to the mighty Baltimore Orioles in game one of the 1969 Fall Classic at Memorial Stadium.

• GAME ONE: Saturday, October 11, 1969 - BR

Baltimore southpaw and 23-game winner Mike Cuellar stays true to form, limiting the visiting Mets to just one earned run on six hits and four walks with eight strikeouts through nine complete innings pitched.  Cuellar also helps his own cause at the plate with a hit and a run batted in.  Otherwise left fielder Don Buford leads the Birds with a double, home run, and two runs batted in.  Shortstop Mark Belanger accounts for the Orioles fourth run batted in.  Baltimore makes the most of their opportunities going 3 for 4 with runners in scoring position.  The Mets on the other hand leave eight runners on base and bat just 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  They score their lone run in the seventh on a sac fly from Al Weis plating Donn Clendenon.  Suffice it to say the afternoon does not go well for Tom Seaver.  He yields four earned runs on six hits and one walk with three strikeouts through five innings pitched.  Don Cardwell and Ron Taylor quiet down the Orioles over the final three frames.

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.

Amazin' Date 10/5/1969: Slugging Mets Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Atlanta Braves

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME TWO

Mets    11

Braves  6

FINAL

New York scores early, often, and late, en route to an 11-6 victory, and two game lead against the Atlanta Braves in this best of five National League championship series.

• GAME TWO: Sunday, October 5, 1969 - BR

The Mets knock Braves starter Ron Reed out of the box with haste.  Ed Kranepool's clutch two-out hit with the bases loaded in the first plates Tommie Agee for the game's first run.  In the second Reed issues a base on balls to counter-part Jerry Koosman.  It brings up Tommie Agee whom makes Reed pay dearly with a home run hit deep into the seats in left.  Cleon Jones keeps the line going with a double to left, and Art Shamsky strokes a single to right scoring Jones.  Manager Lum Harris can stand no more and yields to his bullpen before the second inning is through.

The Mets continue pressing for three more runs against relievers Paul Doyle and Milt Pappas.  First baseman Orlando Cepeda finally gets Atlanta on the board in the fourth.  But Cleon Jones' second hit of the game in the top of the fifth stakes the Mets to a 9-1 lead.  Hank Aaron's three run home run and Clete Boyer's two run single in the bottom half of the frame cut the Braves deficit to three.  That is, until Cleon Jones puts the game out of reach in the seventh with a two run home run off reliever Cecil Upshaw.  Jerry Koosman takes his lumps, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and four walks with five strikeouts before yielding to Ron Taylor with two outs in the fifth.  Taylor pitches through the sixth.  After which Tug McGraw closes out the game with three scoreless innings for the save.

Cleon Jones goes 3 for 5 with a double, home run, and three runs batted in.  Ken Boswell homers and drives in a pair.  Bud Harrelson drives in his third run of the series.  Art Shamsky goes 3 for 5 with a run batted in, and Tommie Agee goes 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs batted in.  The Mets generate 21 hits and 22 runs through two games at Atlanta.

The series now shifts to Shea Stadium for game three on Monday.

Amazin' Date 10/4/1969: Mets Surge Past Braves in Opening Game of National League Championship Series

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

New York Mets   9

Atlanta Braves   5

FINAL

New York Mets Defeat Atlanta Braves in Game One of First Ever National League Championship Series.

• GAME ONE: Saturday, October 4, 1969 - BR

The New York Mets overcome a 4-5 deficit with five runs in the eighth inning en route to an opening game victory over the Atlanta Braves.  With Phil Niekro on the mound, a passed ball by catcher Bob Didier in the second, and errors by first baseman Orlando Cepeda and center fielder Tony Gonzalez in the eighth inning pave the way for five unearned runs.  Otherwise neither starter is particularly sharp Saturday afternoon at Atlanta.  Tom Seaver yields five earned runs on eight hits and three walks with two strikeouts through seven innings.  He surrenders home runs to Tony Gonzalez in the fifth and to Hank Aaron in the seventh.  Wayne Garrett doubles leading off the eighth inning, and Cleon Jones promptly drives him home with a hit to center.  Art Shamsky then follows with a hit to left.  After which the Braves defense betrays Phil Niekro.  Tom Seaver is the beneficiary.  Ron Taylor throws two scoreless innings in relief of Seaver with two strikeouts to earn the save.  Bud Harrelson goes 1 for 3 with a triple and two runs batted in.  J.C. Martin also drives home two runs.  Ed Kranepool and Cleon Jones drive in one run apiece.

Amazin' Date 10/2/1969: Mets End Regular Season With Split at Wrigley Field

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

End Regular Season
New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs
Wrigley Field

METS WIN 100th GAME OF SEASON

• GAME #161: Wednesday, October 1, 1969 -BR

The Mets rub salt into the wounds of 10,000 some odd Cubs fans in attendance Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field.  After Tommie Agee gives the Mets a 5-3 lead in the top of the ninth, Chicago scores two runs off Nolan Ryan in the bottom portion of the inning sending the game into extra innings.  Bud Harrelson doubles leading off the 12th inning, and comes around to score on Art Shamsky's one out hit to right.  In relief of Ron Taylor, Bob Johnson retires the Cubs in the bottom of the frame to secure the New York Mets National League leading 100th victory of the season.  Starter Jerry Koosman takes a no decision.  He yields three runs on six hits and one walk with a pair of strikeouts through five innings.  He ends the season with a 17-9 record and 2.28 ERA.  Ron Taylor earns his ninth victory against four losses with a 2.72 ERA.  Cleon Jones is 1 for 5 and falls to .339 in the batting race with a game left to play.  Bud Harrelson is 2 for 6 with two runs batted in.


NEXT STOP: ATLANTA

• GAME #162: Thursday, October 2, 1969 - BR

Chicago defeats the Mets on the final day of the regular season to gain a consolation series split with the post-season bound New York Mets.  Making his 35th and final start, Gary Gentry yields just one run on two hits and no walks with four strikeouts through five innings pitched.  He exits on the winning side of a 3-1 game but not before surrendering a home run to third baseman Ron Santo.  Chicago goes on to score four more times against Don Cardwell whom allows five hits including Ernie Banks 23rd home run of the season.  Cardwell finishes the season with an 8-10 record and a 3.01 ERA.  Cleon Jones goes 2 for 5 and drives in his 75th run of the season but his club record .340 average falls short of clinching the National League batting title.  The Mets will open the first ever National League Championship Series on Saturday at Atlanta.  The series shifts to Shea Stadium after game two.

• FINAL RECORD: 100-62 (.617)
• N.L. EAST: First Place; 8 Games Up
• NEXT GAME: Saturday, October 4, 1969 @ Atlanta Braves

Amazin' Date 9/28/1969: Mets Spin Third Straight Shutout Against Phillies

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #160: Sunday, September 28, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
Connie Mack Stadium

Mets pitchers complete a trifecta of sorts registering their third straight shutout over the Philadelphia Phillies en route to a series sweep at Connie Mack Stadium.

Making the start in center field Jim Gosger drives in a run with a double and starter Gary Gentry drives in a another as part of a two run second inning.  Gentry, Nolan Ryan, and Ron Taylor, take care of the rest.  Rookie Gary Gentry finishes the regular season with a winning 13-12 record and 3.45 ERA.  He allows the Phillies just three hits and no walks with five strikeouts through five innings pitched.  Ryan allows just one hit and fans three through three innings in relief of Gentry.  Ron Taylor closes out the game with a scoreless ninth for his 13th save of the season.

In an effort to get his left fielder more at-bats, manager Hodges bats Cleon Jones lead-off to no avail as Jones goes 0 for 3 at the plate.  In fact, Phillies starter Jerry Johnson and reliever Lowell Palmer limit the Mets to just three hits all game.  Wayne Garrett accounts for two.  Otherwise with just two games left, Jones (.340) remains in close contention with Pete Rose and Roberto Clemente for this season's batting title.

The Mets return home for Monday's annual Mayor's Trophy game versus the New York Yankees, the proceeds of which are dedicated to New York City sandlot baseball.  After which the Mets close out the regular season with two games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

With Sunday's victory over the San Diego Padres, the Atlanta Braves clinch the N.L. West title.  The first ever National League championship series commences on Saturday, October 4, at Atlanta Stadium.

Amazin' Date 9/27/1969: Tom Seaver Wins 25th Game of Season

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #159: Saturday, September 27, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
Connie Mack Stadium

The Mets Amazin' Duo Strike Again

Making his final start of the regular season, Tom Seaver punctuates his candidacy for this year's Cy Young award with a masterful 1-0 performance against the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium.  This comes on the heels of Jerry Koosman's complete game shutout effort on Friday.  It is Seaver's second shutout in his last three starts and his fifth of the season.  He yields three hits and two walks with four strikeouts en route to his major league leading 25th win of the season against seven losses with a 2.21 ERA, and 208 strikeouts.

Seaver's counterpart also pitches effectively.  Philadelphia's Grant Jackson allows the game's lone run on Bobby Pfeil's two out base hit in the eighth.  Otherwise he allows just five other hits with six strikeouts through eight innings pitched.

Cleon Jones (.343) continues his pursuit of the batting title with two more hits in four at-bats.

It's the Mets seventh straight win and their 22nd of September against just seven losses.  They improve to 98-61 (.616) and increase their division lead over the Cubs to eight games with three left to play.

• NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST: NEW YORK METS
• NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST: The Atlanta Braves win their eighth in a row.  They hold a 2.5 game lead ahead of the San Francisco Giants with three games left to play.

Amazin' Date 9/26/1969: Koosman Whitewashes Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium

From the desk of: HEADBUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #158: Friday, September 26, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
Connie Mack Stadium

Jerry Koosman Hurls Seventh Shutout of Season

The National League East champs open their final road trip of the season at Philadelphia.  Making his 31st start of the season, Jerry Koosman wins his fifth straight decision, and tosses his third shutout in his last four starts.  He allows just four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in a complete game whitewashing of the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium.  Its his seventh shutout of the season.  Jerry    Koosman improves to 17-9 with a 2.21 RA.

The Mets inflict all their damage against Phillies starter Woodie Fryman who allows five runs, four earned, on six hits and three walks with four strikeouts through five innings pitched.  In the first inning Donn Clendenon hits his third home run in his last two games giving the Mets an instant 2-0 lead.  Duffy Dyer doubles and comes around to score in the second.  In the fifth Amos Otis and Bobby Pfeil each drive in a run apiece en route to a 5-0 Mets victory.

It's the Mets sixth straight win and their 97th of the season.  Four games remain on the schedule.

• Mets Record: 97-61
• N.L. East: 7 Games Up

Amazin' Date 9/24/1969: New York Mets Clinch N.L. East Pennant

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #157: Wednesday, September 24, 1969 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

NEW YORK METS 
CLINCH NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST PENNANT

GARY GENTRY HURLS SHUTOUT AGAINST ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

JUBILANT FANS UPROOT PLAYING FIELD IN SHEA STADIUM CELEBRATION

"Goodbye, Leo, we hate to see you go!"

... the anthem of New York's summer.

Despite Chicago's afternoon victory over Montreal at Wrigley Field, the Cubs no longer are a matter of concern to the Amazin' Mets whom defeat the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday evening to clinch the first ever National League East pennant before a raucous crowd at Shea Stadium.

Donn Clendenon gets the party started straightaway in the first inning with a long three run home run to right/center off Cardinals starter Steve Carlton.  After Ron Swoboda follows with a base on balls, Ed Charles connects on New York's second home run of the inning knocking Steve Carlton outta the box.  

Pandemonium ...

With one out in the fifth Donn Clendenon goes the other way for his second home run of the night giving the Mets a 6-0 lead and ultimate margin of victory.

Bedlam ...

Rookie Gary Gentry winds up with the great fortune of hurling the Mets division clincher.  Making his 33rd start of the season, Gentry allows the St. Louis Cardinals just four scattered hits and two walks with five strikeouts in a brilliant complete game shutout performance.  With one out and runners on first and second in the top of the ninth, Gil Hodges sticks with his man.  Gentry rewards his manager by inducing Joe Torre into a game ending 6-4-3 double play.

"... ground ball to short, this could be it.  There's one; there's two; the game is over.  At 9:07 on Sept. 24th the Mets have won the Eastern Division of the National League ... Look at that scene!"  -  Lindsey Nelson

Fans instantly pour on to the field in wild elation as New York's triumphant heroes scatter towards the safety of their locker room.

"I knew I got it all.  I didn't think there was any ball park in the world that would hold that one.  I knew it was gone."  -  Donn Clendenon on his first inning home run.   

The game marks New York's fifth straight win, and their 20th of the month against just seven losses.

• METS RECORD: 96-61 (.611)
• Clinch National League East Division Title
• Six Game Lead Over Chicago Cubs

YouTube: Game Highlights; Clubhouse Celebration

Amazin' Date 9/23/1969: Mets Clinch Tie for N.L. East Division Title

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #156: Tuesday, September 23, 1969 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

METS CLINCH A TIE FOR NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST TITLE

Bud Harrelson Drives Home Game Winning Run Off Bob Gibson in 11th Inning at Shea

With Tuesday's victory over St. Louis, the New York Mets increase their division lead to six games over the Cubs with six games left in the season, assuring themselves of at least a tie for the N.L. East pennant.  Meanwhile fading Chicago loses to the Expos at Wrigley Field.  It's their 15th loss in their last 21 games.

Jim McAndrew and Tug McGraw duel Bob Gibson for eleven innings.  The Mets open the scoring in the third on Wayne Garrett's run batted in.  Ken Boswell's error in the fourth contributes to a pair of unearned St. Louis runs in the fifth.  But the Mets tie the game at two on Art Shamsky's base hit scoring Tommie Agee in the eighth.

Into extra innings they go.  Bob Gibson stays in the game to pitch a scoreless tenth.  Tug McGraw retires the Cardinals in order in the top of the eleventh inning.  With one out in the bottom half of the frame, Ron Swoboda and Jerry Grote each reach on consecutive singles.  Buddy Harrelson then slaps a third straight single against Gibson scoring Swoboda from second base.

Jim McAndrew allows no earned runs on nine hits and no walks with three strikeouts.  Tug Mcgraw earns his ninth victory of the season in relief of McAndrew, allowing just three hits through four scoreless innings.

It's the Mets fourth straight victory and their 19th of September against just seven losses.

• Mets Record: 95-61 (.609)
• N.L. East: Clinch Tie for First Place
• Magic Number: ONE

Amazin' Date 9/22/1969: Victory Over Cards Reduces Mets Magic Number to Three

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #155: Monday, September 22, 1969 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

TOM SEAVER WINS 24th GAME OF SEASON

The Mets welcome St. Louis to Shea Stadium where they defeat the Cardinals 3-1 and reduce their magic number to clinch the N.L. East flag to three games.  Tom Seaver limits the Redbirds to just one late run in the eighth on four total hits and no walks with four strikeouts through nine complete innings for his 24th victory of the season against seven losses with a 2.28 ERA.  Seaver also helps himself out at the plate with his sixth run batted in of the season.  Tommie Agee and Art Shamsky drive in a run apiece for a 3-1 Mets victory.  Art Shamsky has 18 hits and ten runs batted in over his last 18 games.  The Cubs were idle, and so the Mets increase their lead to five games over Chicago with seven left to play.

• Mets Record: 94-61
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 5 Games Up
• Magic Number: 3

Amazin' Date 9/21/1969: Mets Closer to Clinching with Twin Bill Sweep Against Bucs

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Mets
Double-Header
Shea Stadium

New York Mets Snap Three Game Skid;
Sweep Double-Header From Pirates at Shea Stadium

MAGIC NUMBER

4

• GAME ONE: Sunday, September 21, 1969 - BR

Jerry Koosman improves to 16-9 with a 2.30 ERA after limiting the Pirates to three earned runs on six hits and four walks with seven strikeouts in a complete game performance.  Pirates third baseman Jose Pagan homers off Koosman in the fourth, whom also yields runs batted in by Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell.  Ron Swoboda is 2 for 4 with two runs batted in.  Duffy Dyer also drives in a pair.  Art Shamsky caps off the scoring in the seventh with his 14th home run of the season.

• GAME TWO: Sunday, September 21, 1969 - BR

Don Cardwell pitches a gem in game two.  He allows seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts through nine complete innings.  Willie Stargell's home run in the fourth accounts for Pittsburgh's only run.  The Mets score three in the first en route to a 6-1 victory and a Sunday sweep.  The Pirates commit four errors in the field and wind up surrendering four unearned runs.  Cleon Jones marks his return to action with a run batted in as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning.  Wayne Garrett and Art Shamsky drive in a run apiece.

New York extends their first place lead to 4.5 games over the Cubs who were victorious over the Cardinals at Wrigley for only their fifth win in their last 19 games.

• Mets Record: 93-61
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 4.5 Games Up
• Magic Number: 4

Amazin' Date 9/20/1969: Pittsburgh's Bob Moose Tosses No-Hitter at Shea Stadium

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #152: Saturday, September 20, 1969 - BR
Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Pittsburgh hands New York their third straight loss at Shea Stadium.  Yet the Chicago Cubs seem disinterested in taking advantage as they fall to the Cardinals at Wrigley.  It marks the Cubs 14th loss over their last 18 games.  Despite Pittsburgh Pirates starter Bob Moose's stellar near perfect no-hitter Saturday afternoon at Shea the Mets lose no ground in the standings and one step closer to clinching the division flag.

Mets starter Gary Gentry yields three earned runs on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts through six innings.  However, he suffers a meltdown in the fourth, yielding a hit and two walks, hitting a batter, and unleashing two run scoring wild pitches.  Gentry sees his record fall to 11-12 for the season with a 3.67 ERA.  Tug McGraw also gives up a run on two hits and one walk with three strikeouts through three innings pitched.  He too unleashes a wild pitch in the top of the ninth permitting Bob Moose to score Pittsburgh's fourth run of the game.

Bob Moose, Pittsburgh's young 27-year old right-hander, improves to 12-3 with a 2.99 ERA.  He faces three batters over the minimum while allowing no runs, no hits, and just three walks with six strikeouts.  The Pirates commit no errors.

• Mets Record: 91-61
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 4 Games Up

Amazin' Date 9/19/1969: Bucs Sweep Twin Bill at Shea Stadium

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Mets
Double-Header
Shea Stadium

The Pittsburgh Pirates refuse to go down quietly evidenced by their double-header sweep over the Mets at Shea Stadium on Friday.  Despite entering the day in fourth place and twelve games out of first, they appear no less determined to impact this season's first ever chase for a N.L. East division flag.  In town for a five game weekend set, next week they play the Chicago Cubs in the penultimate series of the regular season at Forbes Field.

• GAME ONE: Friday, September 19, 1969 - BR

Starter Nolan Ryan is knocked out of the box with haste as Pittsburgh takes a 3-0 lead in the second.  With the bases loaded in the seventh reliever Cal Koonce strikes Willie Stargell with a pitch with the bases loaded forcing in Pittsburgh's fourth run.  Amos Otis finally gets New York on the board in the bottom half of the frame with an RBI hit through the middle.  But the Pirates pile on with two runs in the eighth and two more in the ninth against Mets reliever Les Rohr.  Ken Boswell drives in the Mets second and last run of the game in the bottom half of the ninth making it an 8-2 final in favor of Pittsburgh.

• GAME TWO: Friday, September 19, 1969 - BR

In a make-up game dating back to April Pirates starter Luke Walker allows no runs on just six scattered hits and four walks with three strikeouts in a complete game shutout performance.  Mets pitchers yield another eight runs, seven by starter Jim McAndrew.  Making his 15th start of the season, McAndrew allows seven earned runs on eleven hits and one walks with five strikeouts though five innings pitched.  He is tagged with his seventh loss of the season against six victories with a 3.66 RA.  This marks Cleon Jones ninth game missing from the line-up.

The Chicago Cubs split a twin bill with the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley.  They gain one game on the Mets cutting their deficit to four.  Chicago has nine games left in their season, but New York still has eleven games left to play.

Advantage Mets.

• Mets Record: 91-60
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 4 Games Up

Amazin' Date 9/18/1969: Tom Seaver Whitewashes Expos for 23rd Victory of Season

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #149: Thursday, September 18, 1969 - BR
New York Metss @ Monteal Expos
Parc Jarry

Following Jerry Koosman's performance on Wednesday, Tom Seaver hurls the second of back to back Mets shutouts against the Expos at Montreal.

With two outs in the first inning, Ed Kranepool singles home Tommie Agee with the game's first run.  Kranepool then hits his eleventh home run of the season in the sixth off Expos starter Bill Stoneman giving the Mets a 2-0 lead.  Tom Seaver takes care of the rest.  He allows no runs on five hits and three walks with nine strikeouts for his 23rd victory of the season.

The Cubs lose to the Phillies at Wrigley Field.  Chicago has now lost 12 of their last 16 games.  Meanwhile the Mets are now 15-4 in September and own a five game lead over the Cubs with 13 games left in the season.

The Mets return home for their final home stand of the regular season.  They will host the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals before ending the season on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies and Leo Durocher's fading Chicago Cubs.

• Mets Record: 91-58
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 5 Games Up

Amazin' Date 9/17/1969: Jerry Koosman Whitewashes Expos at Parc Jarry

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #148: Wednesday, September 17, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Montreal Expos
Parc Jarry

After a day of travel and well deserved rest, the Mets enter the last stage of their road trip with two games against the Expos at Montreal's Jarry Parc.

Kerry Koosman Hurls Second Straight Complete Game Shutout

Making his 27th start of the season Jerry Koosman hurls his second straight shutout and his third straight complete game victory.  He allows Montreal no runs on six hits and four walks with three strikeouts to earn his 15th win of the season against nine losses with a glistening 2.27 ERA.  New York posts three runs in the fourth off Expos starter Gary Waslewski, whom allows five hits and four walks with four strikeouts through five innings pitched.  The Mets score single runs in the seventh and ninth innings against Montreal's bullpen en route to a 5-0 final score.  Wayne Garrett is 2 for 3 with two runs batted in.  Ron Swoboda, Jerry Grote, and Al Weis, each drive in a run apiece.  Due in part to yesterday's off day and Chicago's victory, the first place Mets end business this Wednesday evening four games ahead of the Cubs.

However, every Mets victory at this point merely adds to this season's growing franchise record.  Today they win their 90th game of the season with 14 games left to play.

• Mets Record: 90-58
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 4 Games Up