A Metsian Podcast: Gathering Round the Hot Stove With Director Phil Maillard

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

With SAM, RICH & MIKE

The band was back together again

GUEST

The return of video director, media content creator, Mets fan, and co-founder of

TUMARO MEDIA ~ PHIL MAILLARD

109 minutes

Special focus on Cleon Jones, his charitable work in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, and his efforts toward the education and preservation of Africatown.

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 10/5/1969: 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 9/21/1969: 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 9/19/1969: 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 9/11/1969: First Place Mets Win Seventh in a Row

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #142: Thursday, September 11, 1969 - BR
Montreal Expos @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

New York completes a three game sweep of Montreal.  Thursday afternoon's 4-0 whitewashing of the Expos at Shea Stadium is the Mets seventh straight win and ninth of September against just three losses.  Meanwhile the Chicago Cubs lose to the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium and fall two games back of the first place Mets.

Gary Gentry puts his last few appearances behind him by tossing a gem, surrendering no runs on six hits and just two walks with nine strikeouts in a complete game shut out performance.  He evens his record at 11-11 with a 3.62 ERA.  The Mets score three times against Montreal starter Jerry Robertson, and once more off reliever Claude Raymond.  Tommie Agee scores on a passed ball in the third.  Ken Boswell's double in the fifth plates Cleon Jones.  And in the sixth Cleon scores all the way from first base on Art Shamsky's line single to right.  Rod Gaspar caps the scoring in the eighth with a single and run batted in.

• Mets Record: 85-57
• N.L. East: 1st; Up 2 Games

Amazin' Date 9/10/1969: Mets Overtake First Place

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Montreal Expos @ New York Mets
Double-Header
Shea Stadium

The New York Mets overtake Chicago in the National League East standings.  The Mets!  They're in first place for the first time in their history.

With an extra-inning victory over Montreal in Wednesday's first game of a twi-night double-header, coupled with Chicago's seventh straight loss, the Mets amazingly take a one game lead over the Cubs in the N.L. East standings with just 21 games remaining in the regular season.

LOOK WHO'S NUMBER ONE!

• GAME ONE: Wednesday, September 10, 1969 - BR

After trading runs in the first, the Expos take a 2-1 lead in frame two.  However Montreal loses their bearing in the bottom of the fifth.  With two outs Tommie Agree reaches safely on Coco Laboy's error at third and Wayne Garrett's single puts runners on the corners.  Cleon Jones then draws a walk to load the bases.  With Art Shamsky at the plate, Expos starter Mike Wegener commits a balk plating Agee from third and knotting the game at two.  They remain tied through the ninth, and into extra-innings they go.  After dueling for eleven innings Jim McAndrew and Expos starter Mike Wegener finally exit to no decisions.  McAndrew allows two earned runs on just four hits and five walks with seven strikeouts.  Ron Taylor in relief of McAndrews retires Montreal in the top of the twelfth in order.  Then with two outs in the bottom of the frame Ken Boswell comes through with a two out base hit plating Cleon Jones with the game winning run.  Ron Taylor is credited with his eighth victory of the season.  With still another game to play, bedlam breaks loose in the stands led by club matriarch and chief booster Joan Payson.

• GAME TWO: Wednesday, September 10, 1969 - BR

New York takes the nightcap and sweeps Wednesday's double-header at Shea.  The victory is the Mets sixth in a row.  Making only his seventh start Nolan Ryan hurls his first complete game victory of the season.  He yields one run on just three hits and four walks with a season high 11 strikeouts, improving his record to 6-1 with a 2.95 ERA.  Bud Harrelson's error in the second leads to Montreal's lone run of the game.  Jerry Grote's double leading off the third kick starts a six run outburst.  Ken Boswell is 3 for 4 with a triple and a run scored in the seventh, and a run batted in.

• Mets Record: 84-57
• N.L. EAST: FIRST PLACE; ONE GAME UP

Amazin' Date 8/27/1969: Koosman's Gem Caps Series Sweep at San Diego

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #126: Wednesday, August 27, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ San Diego Padres
San Diego Stadium

The amazingly hot Metropolitans complete a sweep of the Padres and extend their winning streak to six.

San Diego jumps out to an early lead on Ollie Brown's first inning home run off Jerry Koosman.  However, they do not again cross home plate as Koosman turns in his latest gem of the season, allowing the one run on just two hits and two walks with six strikeouts for his 12th victory and a stellar 2.24 ERA.

With two outs and two on in the third Cleon Jones clears the bases with a double to right.  Art Shamsky's double and Ken Boswell's base hit in the sixth gives the Mets a 4-1 lead and final margin of victory.

New York has now won 12 of their last 13 games and improve to 19-8 in August.  With Chicago losing to Cincinnati at Wrigley the Mets close to within 2.5 games of first place.  It's the closest to first place they've been since being two games back on April 12th.  On July 7 they were again within 3.5 games of first, but then stumble mightily.  As recently as Aug. 13 the Mets were a season high ten games out of first.  In the meantime Chicago loses their fourth in a row and their eighth in their last twelve games.  Tables are turning in the N.L. East.

The victory also sets an organizational record, surpassing last year's season total of 73 victories.

• Mets Record: 74-52
• N.L. East: 2nd; 2.5 GB

Amazin' Date 8/26/1969: Mets Sweep Double-Header at San Diego

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

New York Mets @ San Diego Padres
San Diego Stadium
Double-Header

After closing out a stellar 9-1 home stand, the Mets are back on the west coast where on Tuesday they opened a three game series with a twi-night double-header against the Padres at San Diego Stadium.

• GAME ONE: Tuesday, August 26, 1969 - BR

Bolstered by eight runs Tom Seaver wins his 18th decision of the season against seven losses.  He limits the Padres to three earned runs on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts through nine complete innings.  Padres center fielder Cito Gaston inflicts the most damage going 2 for 3 with a triple, home run, and three runs batted in.  The Mets get home runs from Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda.  Tommie Agee is 2 for 3 with two walks, two runs scored, and a run batted in, and Cleon Jones plates his team leading 70th run batted in of the season.

• GAME TWO: Tuesday, August 26, 1969 - BR

New York sweeps the night away with a 3-0 whitewashing of the Padres.  Jim McAndrew and Joe Niekro duel through five scoreless innings until Al Weis finally breaks through with an RBI hit in the sixth.  Art Shamsky makes it a 2-0 game with an RBI single in the seventh.  Cleon Jones scores from third on a passed ball charged to catcher Chris Cannizzaro in the ninth giving the Mets a 3-0 final margin of victory.  McAndrew turns in perhaps his finest outing of the season allowing no runs on just five hits and no walks with six strikeouts.

The Mets are now an amazing 21-games above the .500 mark.  With their double-header sweep of the Padres they gain two full games on the Cubs whom on Tuesday lose their second straight against the Cincinnati Reds.  Chicago has now lost ten of their last 18 games.

• Mets Record: 73-52 (.576)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 3.5 GB

Amazin' Date 8/24/1969: Mets Complete Sweep Over Dodgers at Shea

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #123: Sunday, August 24, 1969 - BR
Los Angeles Dodgers @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

What, you ask, could possibly top Jerry Grote's two out game-winning double in the ninth inning yesterday afternoon at Shea?  The amazin' Mets answer that question by completing a three game sweep of the reviled Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

Making his 26th start of the season Gary Gentry opposes Dodgers hurler Don Sutton.  First baseman Wes Parker homers in the third, and center fielder Willie Davis puts the finishing touches on Gentry's afternoon with a two out run scoring hit in the fifth.  The Mets rookie exits on the losing side of a 4-2 game.  Jack DiLauro enters in relief of Gentry and douses the fire.  Tommie Agee's RBI double off Sutton in the fifth makes it 4-3 in favor of the Dodgers.  When Sutton yields consecutive singles to Cleon Jones and Art Shamsky leading off the seventh Walter Alston summons Jim Brewer from the pen.  Ken Boswell's bunt single loads the bases.  Ron Swoboda then clears the bases with a double to left/center, and Jerry Grote's follow-up hit scores Swoboda giving the Mets a 7-4 lead and ultimate margin of victory.  Cal Koonce closes out the game with three scoreless innings of two-hit ball with two strikeouts in notching his sixth win of the season.

The Mets close out their ten game home stand with an outstanding 9-1 record, which includes sweeps of the Padres and the aforementioned Dodgers.  Their lone loss comes against the Giants in extra-innings on Thursday.  Otherwise the Mets are now winners of 16 of their last 24 games and since falling ten games back just two short weeks ago have clawed their way back to within 5.5 games of the Cubs.  Chicago (79-48) is 5-5 in over their last ten games.

• Mets Record: 71-52 (.577)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5.5 GB

Amazin' Date 8/22/1969: Koosman Gets Mets Back On Track Against Dodgers

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR.MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #121: Friday, August 22, 1969 - BR
Los Angeles Dodgers @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

The Mets score early against the Los Angeles Dodgers starter Bill Singer during Friday's opening victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Shea Stadium.

Ron Swoboda's two run home run in the second opens all scoring.  An inning later Art Shamsky drives in a run, and a passed ball charged to catcher Jeff Torborg allows a fourth Mets run to cross the plate.  After which it becomes a matter of Jerry Koosman and the Mets holding on.  Torborg atones for his mistake behind the plate with an RBI hit in the fourth.  When Jerry Koosman yields two singles in the seventh, manager Hodgers summons Tug McGraw from the bullpen whom surrenders consecutive RBI hits to Willie Davis and Wes Parker making it 4-3 game.  Cleon Jones' RBI hit in the eighth gives the Mets a two run cushion.  McGraw then retires the Dodgers in order in the ninth for his ninth save.  Jerry Koosman allows three earned runs on ten hits and no walks with five strikeouts in earning his eleventh victory of the season.

The announced crowd of 50,460 is the Mets sixth largest of the season.  They've won six of their last seven, and gain another game on the Cubs who lose to the Houston Astros at Wrigley.

• Mets Record: 69-52
• N.L. East: 2nd; 6 GB

Amazin' Date 8/19/1969: Tommie Agee Spoils Juan Marichal Gem in 14th Inning

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #118: Tuesday, August 19, 1969 - BR
San Francisco Giants @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

New York City fans old and new pack Shea Stadium once again for game one of a mid-week series against the San Francisco Giants.  They do not leave disappointed, although they may have arrived home a little late.  That's because the Mets and Giants battle into the 14th inning Tuesday evening before a victor is decided.  Both Gary Gentry and Giants starter Juan Marichal work over time.  Gary Gentry allows no runs on just four hits with four walks and five strikeouts through ten innings pitched.  He does not factor in the decision.  However, his mound opponent does.  Juan Marichal whitewashes the Mets through the game's first 13 innings of play.  With one out in the bottom half of the 14th Marichal yields only his sixth hit, but it's a game ending home run off the bat of Tommie Agee.  Tug McGraw completes the shutout in relief of Gentry with four innings of one-hit ball to earn his sixth victory of the season.  Cleon Jones lifts his average back upwards of .350 with three hits in five at-bats, accounting for half of the Mets six hits.  Since getting swept at Houston the Mets are winners of five in a row.  This game ties for their second longest of the season.

The first place Chicago Cubs blank the Atlanta Braves and improve to 12-4 in August.

• Mets Record: 68-51
• N.L. East: 2nd; 8 GB

Amazin' Date 8/16/1969: Mets Sweep Twin Bill Against San Diego at Shea Stadium

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

San Diego Padres @ New York Mets
Double-Header
Shea Stadium

The Mets return home from a disappointing 4-7 road trip.  They now open a ten game home stand beginning with this weekend's duel twin-bills against the San Diego Padres.

• GAME ONE 8/16/69 - BR  #114

Back atop the mound at Shea Stadium Tom Seaver hurls eight scoreless innings allowing San Diego just four hits and two walks with four strikeouts through eight innings pitched.  Ron Taylor pitches a scoreless ninth to seal Saturday's opening game shutout victory along with earning his eleventh save of the season.  Tom Seaver helps his own cause in the fifth with a successful sacrifice bunt which advances Bud Harrelon into scoring position.  Tommie Agee then delivers home Harrelson with the only run Seaver would need.  Bobby Pheil drives in an insurance run in the seventh.  Making the start at third base Bobby Pheil goes 3 for 4, and Bud Harrelson goes 2 for 3 with a run scored.  Together the two account for five of the Mets nine hits.  Tom Seaver wins his 17th decision of the season against seven losses with a 2.55 ERA.

• GAME TWO 8/16/69 - BR  #115

San Diego takes an early one run lead on Larry Stahl's home run in the second inning.  However the Padres would muster nothing more against starter Jim McAndrew and Tug McGraw.  The Mets tie the game at one when Cleon Jones connects off Padres starter Dick Kelley in the fourth.  Jerry Grote provides insurance in the seventh with an RBI hit scoring Ron Swoboda.  Jim McAndrew allows one run on just three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts through seven innings for his fourth victory.  Tug McGraw picks up his eighth save with two scoreless innings in relief of McAndrew.

The Mets are back in second place.  However despite sweeping Saturday's double-header they gain but one game on the Cubs whom with Saturday's victory over San Francisco have now won 11 of their last 14 games.

• Mets Record: 64-51
• N.L. East: 2nd; 9 GB

Amazin' Date 8/10/1969: Three Mets Pitchers Join to Whitewash Braves

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #110: Sunday, August 10, 1969
New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Stadium

New York takes game four by a 3-0 margin over the Braves and clinch the series victory at Atlanta Stadium.  Three Mets pitchers join forces in whitewashing the Braves.  Nolan Ryan makes an abbreviated start allowing no runs and no hits with just one walk through 2.1 innings pitched.  Don Cardwell then pitches the bulk of the game yielding just four hits through four innings.  He earns his fourth win of the season with a 3.75 ERA.  Tug McGraw follows throwing one hit ball through the final 2.2 innings to earn his seventh save of the season.  Tommie Agee gives the Mets a 1-0 lead in the fourth when he connects off Braves starter Jim Britton on his 19th home run of the season.  The Mets score twice more in the top of the ninth on RBI singles from Cleon Jones and Wayne Garrett.  In related action, the Cubs lose to the Dodgers at Los Angeles and thus the Mets gain a full game on the N.L. East leaders.

• Mets Record: 62-48 (.563)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 7.5 GB

Amazin' Date 8/9/1969: Seaver Edges Out Braves for Victory Number Sixteen

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

Game #109:  Saturday, August 9, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Stadium

On the strength of Tom Seaver's right arm and a 13 hit attack the Mets take game three of their weekend series at Atlanta.  New York jumps out to a 3-0 lead in the third on a home run from Tommy Agee and Wayne Garrett's two RBI single plating Bobby Pheil and Cleon Jones.  In the bottom half of the frame the Mets are reminded whom exactly they're up against when both Hank Aaron and Orlando Cepeda connect on back-to-back home runs off Seaver.  Atlanta then ties the game in the fourth when Seaver's throwing error permits Hank Aaron to score all the way from first.  But Seaver makes up for his misplay with a lead-off base hit in the top of the seventh, then scoring via Cleon Jones' base hit to left.  The Mets pick up an insurance run in the eighth when Braves reliever Paul Doyle issues Ron Swoboda a bases loaded walks en rout to a 5-3 final score. Tom Seaver improves to 16-7 on the season with a 2.66 ERA.  He yields three runs, two earned, on six hits and five walks with three strikeouts through 7.1 innings pitched.  Cal Koonce picks up his seventh save with 1.2 scoreless innings of one-hit ball with a strikeout for his seventh save of the season.  Tommie Agee is 3 for 4 with with a RBI and run scored.  Jones is 2 for 3 with two walks and a double, and a run scored.  Cleon Jones drives home his team leading 65th RBI of the season.

• Mets Record: 61-48
• N.L. East: 2nd; 8.5 games back

Amazin' Date 8/8/1969: Mets Split Twi-Night Double-Header at Atlanta

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

August 8, 1969 - Double Header

New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves 

Atlanta Stadium

GAME ONE - BR #107
Jerry Koosman Silences Braves; Lowers ERA Below Two.

Jerry Koosman toes the rubber in game one of Friday's twi-night double-header at Atlanta and is opposed by crafty veteran Milt Pappas.  J.C. Martin drives in the first run of the game with a hit to left scoring Wayne Garrett from second base.  The game remains a one run affair through the eighth.  But with Pappas out of the game by the ninth, the Mets rally for three runs against Atlanta's bullpen.  Cleon Jones and Donn Clendenon drive in runs, while J.C. Martin drives home Wayne Garrett for a second with a single to right.  With two outs in the bottom of the ninth Braves catcher Bob Tillman connects on his eleventh home run of the season ruining Jerry Koosman's shutout bid.  Otherwise Koosman goes the distance allowing the one lone run on seven hits and three walks with five strikeouts.  He improves to 9-7 for the season with a stellar 1.98 ERA.  Three Atlanta relievers join in surrendering three earned runs on four hits and a walk with no strikeouts in the ninth.  Yet, Milt Pappas takes the loss.  The Braves starter allows just one earned run on six hits and no walks with five strikeouts through eight innings.

GAME TWO -BR #108
Atlanta's Ron Reed Pitches Ten Inning Whitewash to Salvage Night Cap.

In game two Gary Gentry faces off against Ron Reed.  Neither yields a run through nine innings of play.  Gentry faces 32 batters allowing just four hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts.  Braves manager Lum Harris sends his starter Ron Reed out for the tenth.  Reed responds with yet another scoreless inning pitched.  In the bottom half of the frame, Atlanta loads the bases against Ron Taylor pitching in relief of Gentry.  With one out Felipe Alou lines a single through the middle plating Clete Boyer with the game winning run.

The Mets are 5-5 in their last ten, but gain back a half-game on the Cubs.

• Mets Record: 60-48
• N.L. East: 2nd; 8.5 GB