N.Y. Mets: Introducing The Mets Hall of Pretty Damn Good

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

THE METS HALL OF PRETTY DAMN GOOD

On Sunday we had on the podcast author Brian Wright who has a new book out: THE NEW YORK METS ALL-TIME ALL-STARS, The Best Players At Each Position For The Amazin's

AMAZIN’ quarantined podcast brought 2 u by @BrianWright86! Breaking down his all time #Mets great is very emotional, but fantastic distraction to this surreality we currently live in. Thank U. @BTB_MikeII @Metfanrich LISTEN TO ARCHIVE NOW! https://t.co/US0E3Wjgwd #Mets #LGM @LFGM

— A Metsian Podcast with Sam, Rich and Mike (@AMetsianPodcast) March 16, 2020

Brian Wright selects 30 starting players and reserves, with 18 additional honorable mentions.  He also selects a manager, two coaches, a general manager, and owner.  It is with little hesitation that I say he nails it.  The book is a smooth read with not a single dead spot.  All his player selections receive their own narrative which took yours truly on a journey through many Metsian memories and joyous moments in time.  A very enjoyable read indeed.

What follows is my roster comprised of players not mentioned in Brian Wright's book.


PITCHERS

• R.A Dickey - Nolan Ryan - Craig Swan - Frank Viola - Al Jackson - Matt Harvey
• Ron Taylor - Skip Lockwood - Billy Wagner - Turk Wendell

CATCHERS

• Starter: Paul LoDuca
• Reserve: Mike Fitzgerald

FIRST BASE

• Starter: Lucas Duda
• Reserve: John Milner
• Reserve: Willie Montanez

SECOND BASE

• Starter: Ken Boswell
• Reserve: Jose Valentin
• Reserve: Doug Flynn

SHORTSTOP

• Starter: Asdrubal Cabrera
• Reserve: Rafael Santana

THIRD BASE

• Starter: Hubie Brooks
• Reserve: Lenny Randle
• Reserve Ray Knight

OUTFIELD

• Starters: Frank Thomas, Lance Johnson, Curtis Granderson
• Reserves: Cliff Floyd, Joel Youngblood, Tommy Davis

STARTING LINE-UP
 1) Lance Johnson
 2) Paul LoDuca
 3) Hubie Brooks
 4) Lucas Duda
 5) Frank Thomas
 6) Curtis Granderson
 7) Asdrubal Cabrera
 8) Ken Boswell
 SP) Matt Harvey


THE MANAGER

• Casey Stengel

COACHES

• First Base: Joe Torre
• Third Base: Willie Randolph
• Bench: Yogi Berra
• Pitching: Rube Walker

FRONT OFFICE

• Johnny Murphy, Joe McDonald, Bing Devine, Omar Minaya

OWNER

• Nelson Doubleday 

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 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 9/11/1969: 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 9/9/1969: Black Cat and Mets Sweep Durocher and the Cubs

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #138: Tuesday, September 9, 1969 - BR
Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

METS SWEEP CUBS; JUST HALF GAME OUT OF FIRST!

In the seven years since the gates first opened in 1964 there's never been a more surreal game at Shea Stadium.  The most creative minds of Hollywood could not have better scripted the events of Tuesday evening.

On Aug. 13 the Mets lagged ten game behind the first place Cubs.  But Leo Durocher's club has since faltered posting a 10-14 record, while New York goes on to win 19 of their next 25 games, including Monday's game one 3-2 victory over the Cubs, to pull within 1.5 games of first place.

Game two features a match-up between aces.  First time 20-game winner Tom Seaver is opposed by  Fergie Jenkins, whom enters Tuesday's action one victory shy of achieving his third straight 20-win season.  Seemingly with all the momentum of the world and a raucous home crowd at the ready the Mets strike for two runs in the first inning.  Fergie Jenkins does himself no favors by walking Tommie Agee and Cleon Jones.  Ken Boswell makes Jenkins pay with a two run double to right.  Donn Clendonon's two run home run in the third stakes Tom Seaver to a commanding 4-0 lead.

Don Kessinger looks at strike three leading off the top of the fourth.  Second baseman Glenn Beckert then doubles to left/center.  With slugger Billy Williams at the plate a black cat suddenly appears from under the stands behind home plate.  Shea's resident feline takes a direct route toward on deck batter Ron Santo.  At first it circles the Cubs third baseman before nearing the edge of Chicago's dugout for a closer inspection of manager Leo Durocher.  As quickly as it appears, the cat wraps up its business with the Cubs bench and scatters back under the stands.  Somewhat superstitious, Ron Santo still manages to drive home Beckert for the Cubs first run.

That is quickly negated as Tom Seaver helps his own cause with a double off Jenkins leading off the bottom of the fourth.  Tommie Agee advances Seaver to third, and Wayne Garrett plates him with a sac-fly to center for a 5-1 Mets lead.  Art Shamsky leads off the fifth with his 13th home run of the season, and Jerry Grote caps off the scoring with a two run double in the seventh.  By then over 51,000 fans packing Shea Stadium begin serenading the familiar Chicago manager (from his days in New York City) with "Goodbye Leo, we hate to see you go!" on through the conclusion of the Mets 7-1 victory.  They continue singing down the ramps and into the parking lots ... and maybe all the way home.

Fergie Jenkins yields seven runs, five earned, on three walks with nine strikeouts through seven innings.  He is denied his bid at New York's expense for a third straight 20-win season.  Tom Seaver allows the Cubs just one run on five hits and one walk with five strikeouts en route to his 21st victory of the season against seven losses with a 2.43 ERA.  Tommy Agee, Ken Boswell, and Jerry Grote continue their hot hitting, joining on 6 for 12 at the plate, with two doubles, and three runs batted in.

No heel clicking for Ron Santo either; at least not at Shea Stadium.  The Mets sweep two games from the Cubs and close within one-half game of first place.  The Cubs meanwhile lose their sixth in a row.  Black cats seem to be the least of their problems, although Leo the Lip may beg to differ.

For the 1969 Mets, another amazin' night at Shea!

• Mets Record: 82-57
• N.L. East: 2nd; 0.5 GB

Amazin' Date 9/2/1969: Donn Clendenon Powers Mets to Victory Over Dodgers

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #132: Tuesday, September 2, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium

New York bounces back with a 5-4 victory in game two at Los Angeles to even their series with the Dodgers at one.  Gary Gentry pitches a strong game until tiring in the ninth.  He allows three late runs on eight hits and three walks with four strikeouts through 8.1 innings pitched.  Ron Taylor relieves Gentry with great difficulty until Gil Hodges summons Tug McGraw whom settles things down to earn his tenth save of the season.  Gentry earns his tenth win.  The Mets muster four earned runs on six hits and three walks against Dodgers starter Don Sutton.  Donn Clendenon is 3 for 4 with a home run off Sutton in the first, and another off Sutton in the fourth.  Ron Swoboda is 1 for 3 with a double and two runs batted in.

But the true difference maker is Ken Boswell's RBI single in the top of the eighth off reliever Joe Moeller.  Since returning to the line-up on Aug. 23 Boswell has hit safely in eight of nine games during which time he is batting .542 (13 for 24) to date.

Wednesday's rubber game at Dodger stadium concludes New York's ten game road trip.  Tuesday's win was their sixth of the trip against three loses.  However, Chicago defeats the Reds at Crosley Field and so the Mets gain no ground on the first place Cubs.  Upon their return home, the Mets first will host a four game series against the Phillies, then finally go head to head against the Leo Durocher's Chicago Cubs at Shea Stadium.

• Mets Record: 77-55
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5 GB

Amazin' Date 8/30/1969: Mets Defeat Gaylord Perry in Ten Innings

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #128: Saturday, August 30, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ San Francisco Giants
Candlestick Park

The triumvirate of Don Cardwell, Ron Taylor, and Tug McGraw best Giants starter Gaylord Perry at Candlestick. 

The Mets put up the first run of the day on Bud Harrelson's RBI hit in the second.  In the third, however, Cardwell yields a lead off base hit to his counterpart then walks three straight forcing in a run.  New York retakes the lead on Jerry Grote's hit to right scoring Ken Boswell from second in the sixth.  But the Giants answer with haste in the seventh on Willie McCovey's double scoring former Mets all-star Ron Hunt.  The game remains tied at two through nine, and into extra-innings they go.  The Mets waste little time as Donn Clendenon with two outs in the tenth homers off Perry.  Tug McGraw then retires the Giants in order.

Don Cardwell surrenders just two earned runs on five hits, but walks seven batters and fans two.  He does not figure in the decision.  Ron Taylor finishes up the eighth inning in relief of Cardwell.  Tug McGraw earns his seventh victory of the season with two scoreless innings in relief of Taylor.  Gaylord Perry pitches all ten innings, yielding three runs, two earned, on nine hits and no walks with nine strikeouts en route to his 11th loss of the season against 16 wins and a 2.63 ERA.

Clendenon hits his fifth home run since joining the Mets.  Ken Boswell is 3 for 4 with a double and run scored.  He is 9 for 20 (.450) since his return to action on Aug. 23 and in the midst of a six game hitting streak.

With their 75th victory of the season, the Mets even the series at one with a double-header on tap for Sunday.  However they fail to gain ground on Chicago whom defeat the Braves at Atlanta.  Willie Mays who has only played 12 games this month has yet to make an appearance this series.

• Mets Record: 75-53 (.586)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4 GB

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 8/24/1969: 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 7/15/1969: Mets Tame Cubs For 50th Victory of the Season

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #87: Tuesday, July 15, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs
Wrigley Field

New York Mets Achieve 50th Victory in Record Time

Gary Gentry and the Mets knot up their series with the Cubs at one apiece.  After trading runs in the third, the Mets score three times in the fourth and one more time in the fifth.  Chicago rallies for one run in the sixth and two late runs in the eighth, but would score no more.

Gentry yields four runs, three earned, on eight hits and just one walk with four strikeouts through 7.2 innings for his ninth victory of the season against seven losses.  With two outs in the top of the eighth, the Mets rookie starter surrenders back to back home runs to Billy Williams and Ron Santo.  Manager Gil Hodges then calls upon Ron Taylor who pitches the final 1.1 innings with two strikeouts for his eighth save of the season.

Tommy Agee opens the scoring with a triple scoring Weis from second base in the third.  The Mets end up hamming Cubs starter Dick Selma for five earned runs on eight hits and a walk through 4.1 innings pitched.  Al Weis connects on his first home run of the season - a three run shot in the fourth - and Ken Boswell hits his third of the season an inning later.

For those who recall, the 1962 Mets failed to win 50 games all season.  In 1965 they gain their 50th victory with just five games remaining on the schedule.  Three season ago is the first time the Mets win their 50th prior to the month of September.  Last season - their first under manager Gil Hodges - the Mets rally for their 50th victory on Aug. 2, with a 3-2 win over the Dodgers at Los Angeles in their 109th game of the season.  Today's victory over the Cubs at Wrigley marks the Mets 50th victory in just their 87th game.

Oh, and they're within five games of first place, again.

Something special is brewing.

• Mets Record: 50-37 (.574)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5 GB

Amazin' Date 7/8/1969: First Place Cubs Bow to Mets in Series Opener at Shea

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #80: Tuesday, July 8, 1969 - BR
Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Mets Upend Fergie Jenkins in 9th Inning; N.L. East Leading Cubs Fall in First Visit to Shea Stadium.

Back home from a successful 6-2 road trip, the highly anticipated showdown against the first place Chicago Cubs is finally at hand.  The excitement leading up to this series is palpable.  The Mets and Cubs previously split four games at Wrigley Field back in May.  Just over two months later they meet again for game one of a three game series at sold out Shea Stadium on Tuesday. 

The game features a classic duel pitting Mets starter Jerry Koosman against Chicago's two time 20-game winner Fergie Jenkins.  They duel to a three all tie after eight innings of play.  Koosman yields three earned runs on eight hits and four walks with six strikeouts through eight.  He surrenders home runs to Ernie Banks in the sixth, and Jim Hickman in the eighth.  Second baseman Glenn Beckert's RBI single in the sixth accounts for the Cubs third run.  Jenkins on the other hand surrenders one run on just one hit - an Ed Kranepool home run in the fifth - with no walks and eight strikeouts through the first eight innings of play.

Koosman then pitches a scoreless ninth inning, retiring the side in order.  With Jenkins still in the game, Ken Boswell leads off the the home half of the ninth with a double to straightaway center.  With one out pinch hitter Donn Clendenon doubles but Boswell is held up at third.  Cleon Jones then drives them both home with yet another double to left.  Jenkins issues an intentional walk to Art Shamsky.  With two outs and two runners in scoring position, Ed Kranepool again comes through with a clutch single up the middle scoring Cleon Jones with the game winning run.

Koosman goes the distance winning his sixth game of the season against five losses with a stingy 1.78 ERA.  Fergie Jenkins sees his record fall to 11-6 with a 2.60 ERA.

Describing this game as a huge victory is clearly under stating the situation.  The Mets are now 12 games above .500 and only 4.5 games behind the division leading Cubs.  The Mets also now lead the Cubs 3-2 in head-to-head action.  Game two is scheduled for Wednesday evening at Shea Stadium where another huge summer crowd is expected.

• Mets Record: 46-34
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4.5 GB

Amazin' Date 7/3/1969: Mets Take Three of Five at St. Louis

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #76:  Thursday, July 3, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium

Gary Gentry's Gem Lifts Mets to Series Victory Over Cardinals

With Thursday's 8-1 victory over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium the Mets win the series three games against two.

Making his 16th start of the season Gary Gentry is opposed by veteran and former 21-game winner Mudcat Grant.  Gentry goes the distance yielding just one run on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts.  He improves to 8-6 on the season and lowers his ERA to a 3.08 mark.  St. Louis scores their lone run in the seventh on Julian Javier's base hit scoring Joe Torre.

Leading off the game Tommie Agee stakes the Mets to an immediate lead with his 11th home run of the season.  Things go awry for Mudcat in the fifth as the Mets score four times.  With one out and two runners in scoring position Donn Clendenon drives home both with a single to left.  Grant then unleashes a wild pitch allowing Wayne Garrett to score.  And Tommie Agee draws a bases loaded walk giving the Mets a 5-0 lead.  Runs batted in from Jerry Grote and Al Weis in the fifth give the Mets a 7-0 lead.  Their final tally comes in the eighth on Ken Boswell's RBI double to right.

Onward to Pittsburgh where the Mets and Pirates will play a Fourth of July double-header at Forbes Field.

• Mets Record:  42-34
• N.L. East:  2nd; 8 GB

Amazin' Date 7/2/1969: Mets Defeat Cards in 14-Innings at Busch Stadium

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #75: Wednesday, July 2, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium

Tug McGraw Cages Cards; Tosses Six Scoreless Innings in Relief

On the road again, the Mets rebound from Tuesday's twin bill sweep at Busch Stadium with a well earned game four victory knotting this five game series at two.  However, it takes the Mets 14 innings to get it done.

The Mets add to a 3-0 lead with an insurance run in the top of the eighth.  But the Cardinals finally catch up with starter Jerry Koosman and knock him out of the box in the bottom half of the eighth but not before yielding three earned runs on seven hits and four walks with four strikeouts.  Ron Taylor surrenders the game tying run in relief of Koosman.  Tug Mcgraw then engages the St. Louis bullpen in a scoreless duel over the next five innings.  The Mets finally break through in the top of the 14th with a two-out Ken Boswell hit scoring Tommie Agee from second, and a bases loaded walk issued to Wayne Garrett.  Tug McGraw pitches a scoreless bottom half of the frame to earn his fifth victory of the season against just one loss.

Wayne Garrett goes 4 for 6 with a double, walk, and four RBI.  Donn Clendenon, and Ken Boswell drive in one run apiece.

• Mets Record:  41-34 (.547)
• N.L. East:  2nd; 8 GB

Amazin' Date 6/25/1969: Mets Bow to Phillies in Extra Innings

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #67: Wednesday, June 25, 1969 - BR
Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Let us not mince words; the Mets blew a five run lead.

Cleon Jones opens the scoring straightaway with an RBI single in the first.  The Mets add three runs in the fourth on a single from J.C.Martin and a two RBI double off the bat of second baseman Al Weis.  Cleon Jones strokes another single to right in the fifth plating Ken Boswell for a 5-0 Mets lead.

Starter Nolan Ryan keeps the Phillies scoreless through his first five innings of work while striking out eight.  The first hint of trouble comes in the six when Mets killer Larry Hisle drives in the Phillies first run with a triple off Ryan.  In the seventh, a Wayne Garret error contributed to a three run seventh inning for Philadelphia.  Then with Cal Koonce pitching in the eighth, third base replacement Dave Watkins connects on his first home run of the season tying the game at five.

After a scoreless ninth, into extra innings they go.

Opening the tenth reliever Ron Taylor quickly induces two ground ball outs.  However, Dave Watkins follows with a triple to straightaway center.  Left fielder John Briggs then singles back through the box; Watkins scores the go-ahead run.

The Mets load the bases in the bottom half of the frame courtesy of three bases on balls.  But with two out Ed Kranepool bounces out second to first ending the game.

Ron Taylor takes the loss.

The series finale is slated for Thursday afternoon.

• Mets Record: 38-29 (.567)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 6 GB

Amazin' Date 6/20/1969: Mets Defeat Bob Gibson at Packed Shea Stadium

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR.MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #61: Friday, June 20, 1969 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Mets return from successful 8-4 road trip to a heroes welcome as 54,000 fans pack Shea Stadium to express their appreciation. 

On account of Tuesday's twin bill at Philadelphia, Nolan Ryan makes his second start of the season.  He is opposed by Cardinals ace Bob Gibson who straightaway must pitch out of trouble.  The Mets quickly load the bases in the first inning.  Cleon Jones drives home two with a single up the middle, and Art Shamsky follows with a sac fly to left scoring Wayne Garrett from third for a 3-0 lead.  Tommie Agee then leads off the second with a single and scores on Ken Boswell's triple into the right field corner.

St. Louis responds with two runs in the fifth on an RBI hit from Curt Flood, and a sac fly from Vada Pinson.  Nolan Ryan pitches a scoreless sixth and exits the game on the winning side of a 4-2 affair after yielding two runs (one earned) on six hits and three walks with three strikeouts.  Making his 16th appearance Tug McGraw surrenders a solo home run in the seventh to Bob Gibson himself cutting the Cardinals deficit to one.  But that's as close as they'd get.  McGraw strikes out the side in the ninth to earn his fifth save.  Ryan improves his record to 3-0 on the season.

With Friday's victory the Mets enter uncharted waters rising seven games above .500 for the first time this season, and their first time ever.

• Mets Record: 34-27
• N.L. East: 2nd; 6 GB

Amazin' Date 6/19/1969: Ken Boswell Hit in Ninth Lifts Mets Over Phils

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #60: Thursday, June 19, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
Connie Mack Stadium

Ninth Inning Rally Gets Seaver Off Hook; Mets Take Series Finale at Connie Mack Stadium

A late New York rally in the ninth Thursday night at Connie Mack Stadium gives the Mets their third victory in four games over the Philadelphia Phillies, and moves them a half game closer to the first place Chicago Cubs.

The Phillies however mistreat Tom Seaver on this evening roughing him up for five earned runs on ten hits and five walks with eight strikeouts before forcing his exit on the losing side of a 4-5 affair in the bottom of the eighth.

Philadelphia produces their five runs with RBI hits from Johnny Callison and Rick Joseph, and with home runs from Mike Ryan and Cookie Rojas.  Through eight innings the Mets manage an RBI hit from Al Weis, a two run home run from Art Shamsky in the sixth, and a second Shamsky home run in the eighth.

With two outs in the top of the ninth, Ken Boswell singled home both Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda with the tying and winnings runs respectively.  Tug McGraw closed out the Phillies in the bottom half of the frame earning his fourth save of the season.  Ron Taylor is credited with the win for his work in the eighth in relief of Seaver.

The Mets wrap up their 12 game road trip with a triumphant 8-4 record.  They've now climbed to a season high six games above .500 for a second time and remain in striking distance of the Cubs.

• Mets Record:  33-27 (.550)
• N.L. East:  2nd; 6 GB

Amazin' Date 5/6/1969: Cardwell Gem Lifts Mets to Third in a Row

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #27: Tuesday, May 6, 1969 - BR
Cincinnati Reds @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Don Cardwell Offers Reds No Quarter at Shea Stadium

Such is the game of baseball and its law of averages.  After several hard luck performances and an 0-4 record to start the season, it was only a matter of time before the Mets 33-year old veteran would earn his just reward for a job well done.  Making his fifth start of the season, Don Cardwell pitches a glittering gem to finally gain his first victory of the season.

After sweeping a double-header from the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday, the Mets returned home where after a day off they rolled the visiting Cincinnati Reds at Shea Stadium on Tuesday.

Leading off the bottom of the fourth Ken Boswell connected off Reds starter Jim Maloney for his second home run of the season.  However, the Mets lead did not last long.  With one out in the top of the fifth, Lee May tied the game with his fourth home run of the season.

After which Cardwell bottled up the Reds for good, allowing just the one earned run on six hits and a walk, with eight strikeouts en route to complete game triumph.  After striking out Tony Perez to open the ninth, Cardwell yielded a single to Lee May.  Second baseman Tommy Helms then grounded into a game ending double play - Boswell to Harrelson to Kranepool.  Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Perez were a combined 0 for 11 with four strikeouts against Cardwell.

The Mets on the other hand scored late, and often.  Even Cardwell himself joined the slug fest hitting a three run home run off Reds reliever Wayne Granger in the eighth.  The Mets struck for eight runs overall on eleven hits with additional home runs off the bats of Ken Boswell, Wayne Garrett, and Cleon Jones.

Although officially listed as active, Tommie Agee remains out of the starting lineup.  He again served as a late inning replacement, and scored on Cardwell's home run.  Cleon Jones kept his average above .400 going 2 for 3, including his fourth home run of the season.

• Mets Record:  12-14 (.461)
• N.L. East:  4th; 6 GB

Amazin' Date 5/4/1969: Mets Sweep Twin Bill at the Friendly Confines

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

There is No Joy in Cubville - the Gamely Mets Win Out

Game #24: Sunday, May 4, 1969 - BR

New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs

Wrigley Field - TWIN BILL

GAME ONE: We join the action with two outs in the home second.  Facing Mets starter Tom Seaver, Cubs catcher Randy Hundley singles then scores on Al Spangler's triple to straightaway center.  Ed Kranepool, who continues wielding a hot bat entering May, answers back in the fourth inning with a home run off Cubs starter Bill Hands.

Tom Seaver helps his own cause an inning later drawing a one out walk off his counterpart, then scoring on consecutive hits from Rod Gaspar and Ken Boswell.  Ron Swoboda follows with a sac fly to left plating Gaspar from third for a 3-1 Mets lead.  Chicago manages one run in the bottom half of the frame, but Seaver would yield no more.

The Mets ace goes the distance, allowing two earned runs on nine hits and two walks with seven strikeouts.  He improves his record to 3-2 with a 2.35 ERA through seven starts.  Unlike his victorious April 26 complete game performance at Shea Stadium, Bill Hands is off to the showers after five innings, but not before surrendering three earned runs on six hits en route to his third loss of the season.  When in the batters box, both Seaver and Hands even took turns hitting one another with a pitch.

A stir crazy Manager Hodges is relieved after his team bats 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position.

Ed Kranepool goes 2 for 4 with his third home run of the season.  He is now batting .324, with 16 RBI.

Game #25: Sunday, May 4, 1969 - BR

New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs

Wrigley Field - TWIN BILL

GAME TWO: Manager Hodges tasks Tug McGraw with making his first start of the season on the back end of Sunday's twin bill.  The 24-year old southpaw and returning service veteran does not disappoint.  Making just his sixth appearance of the season, McGraw gives his manager nine complete innings, allowing two earned runs on nine hits and two walks with eight strikeouts.  He improves his record to a perfect 3-0 on the season.

Each team strikes opening blows straightaway in the first.  The Mets jumped out to 2-0 lead off Chicago starter Dick Selma with an RBI double off the bat of Rod Gaspar, and a follow up run scoring single courtesy Cleon Jones.  The Cubs claw back with two runs on three hits.

From the second through the sixth McGraw would face the minimum, allowing just a hit and a walk, and benefiting from two double-plays in the field behind him.

Dick Selma's undoing came in the seventh.  After issuing a one out walk to Ron Swoboda and a two out single to Al Weiss, Selma unleashes a wild pitch allowing Swoboda to score all the way from second.  And therein lies the Mets final margin of victory thus completing a twin bill sweep of the Cubs.

... a game the Cubs quite literally threw away to the great dismay of the more than 40,000-plus fans in attendance at sun bathed Wrigley Field.  Alas there is no joy in Cubville today.

• METS RECORD:  11-14
• N.L. EAST:  4th; 6 GB