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 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 9/21/1969: 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 9/15/1969: Ron Swoboda Two Home Runs Power Mets Over Cardinals

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #147: Monday, September 15, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium

METS EXTEND LEAD OVER CUBS: JUST 15 GAMES REMAIN IN SEASON

In St. Louis for one game only, Gary Gentry and Tug Mcgraw join to outlast Cardinals left-hander Steve Carlton.

Vida Pinson drives in the first run of the game in the third.  But Ron Swoboda answers with a two run home run in the fourth.  However runs batted in from Curt Flood and Joe Torre give the Cardinals a 3-2 edge after five.  Gentry's duel with Carlton ends after six.  He exits on the losing side after surrendering three earned runs on seven hits and one walk with three strikeouts.  Tug McGraw enters the game in relief of Gentry.  With Donn Clendenon on base in the top of the eighth Ron Swoboda connects on his second home run of the game off Steve Carlton giving the Mets a 4-3 final margin of victory.  Tug McGraw allows one hit over three scoreless innings with three strikeouts to pick up his eighth victory of the season against three losses with a 2.36 ERA.

The Expos roll over the Cubs at Jarry Park, and so the Mets gain another game in the standings.  Chicago has now lost 11 of their last 12 games.

• Mets Record: 89-58
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 4.5 Games Up

Amazin' Date 9/13/1969: Tom Seaver Tops Bucs for 22nd Victory

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #145: Saturday, September 13, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Pittssburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

METS WIN TENTH IN A ROW

The Mets win their third straight against Pittsburgh, thereby extending their winning streak to ten.  It's New York's second such winning streak this season of ten games or more.  Meanwhile Chicago bows to the Cardinals at St. Louis marking their ninth loss over their last eleven games.  The Cubs now trail the Mets in the standings by 3.5 games.

Willie Stargell drives in the Pirates first run in the third with a single off Tom Seaver.  Pittsburgh maintains their one run lead through six.  But Ed Charles scores in the seventh inning when Al Weis bounces into a force play at second.  Ron Swoboda then gives the Mets 5-1 lead in the seventh with a grand slam home run off reliever Chuck Hartenstein.  Pittsburgh scores once more in the bottom of the eighth.  But Seaver locks down New York's 5-2 victory with a scoreless ninth.  Tom Terrific allows two earned runs on six hits and five walks with four strikeouts in a complete game effort for his 22nd win against seven losses with a 2.41 ERA.  Outfielder Amos Otis is recalled and starts in left with one hit in four at-bats.

• Mets Record: 88-57
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 3.5 Game Up

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 8/31/1969: Tom Seaver Defeats Giants for 19th Victory of Season

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Games #129 and #130
New York Mets @ San Francisco Giants
Candlestick Park

Giants Salvage Series Split at Candlestick Park

• GAME ONE: Sunday, August 31, 1969 - BR

With a five run outburst in the fourth and three more runs in the fifth New York rolls to an 8-0 whitewashing of the Giants.  Ron Swoboda, Jerry Grote, and Al Weis, each drive in a pair of runs apiece.  Bud Harrelson is 2 for 5 with an RBI, and starter Tom Seaver helps his own cause with a hit and an RBI; his fourth of the season.  On the mound Tom Seaver allows just seven hits and three walks with eleven strikeouts for the complete game shutout.  He improves to 19-8 with a 2.54 ERA.  It's the fourth time this season Seaver fans double-digits, and now gives him 175 for the season.

• GAME TWO: Sunday, August 31, 1969 - BR

The Giants salvage game two and gain a four game split as the Mets lose a heart-breaker in extra innings at Candlestick Park.  San Francisco scores straightaway against starter Jim McAndrew on Don Mason's lead-off hit, Ken Henderson's one-out triple to right, and Jim Ray Hart's RBI hit for a 2-0 first inning lead.  The Mets eventually strike back in the seventh when Ron Swoboda connects on his sixth home run of the season with Cleon Jones aboard.  The game remains deadlocked at two after nine, and into extra innings they go.  Pitching into the bottom of the eleventh, Tug McGraw issues a lead-off walk, and a hit by Willie McCovey.  Manager Hodges opts for Ron Taylor whom intentionally walks Bobby Bonds loading the bases.  However with Jim Davenport at the plate Taylor issues a second straight walk forcing in the game winning run in from third.  Jim McAndrew puts forth a fine performance allowing two earned runs on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts through nine innings full.  But it's Tug McGraw whom incurs his third loss of the season.

The Mets lose a half-game in the standings, as Ken Holtzman and the Cubs again defeat Phil Niekro and the Braves at Atlanta.  However the Mets close out the month of August with a stellar 21-10 record and enter September winners of 13 of their last 16 games.  The Cubs close out August with an 18-10 record.

• Mets Record: 76-54
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4.5 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 8/21/1969: Seaver Ineffective as Giants Salvage Series Finale

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #120: Thursday, August 21, 1969
San Francisco Giants @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

For the second time in three days the Mets and Giants go into extra-innings.  Only this time it is the visitors whom leave town with a victory.  Despite winning the series, the Mets fall 7-6 in eleven innings Thursday afternoon at Shea.  Neither starter pitches particularly well.  The seventh inning proves the undoing of each.  Tom Seaver yields six runs, four earned, on six hits, and an uncharacteristic seven walks.  Giants center fielder Bobby Bonds takes Seaver downtown in the second then again in the seventh.  San Francisco's Ron Bryant yields five earned run on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts before giving way to the bullpen.  Ron Swoboda's RBI single in the bottom of the ninth sends the game into overtime.  With one on and two out in the top of the eleventh Ken Henderson triples off Ron Taylor pitching in relief of Jack DiLauro.  Giants reliever Don McMahon then retires the Mets in order to earn is fourth victory of the season.  The Mets six game win streak is snapped.  However they do not lose ground to the Cubs whom are defeated by the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley.

• Mets Record: 68-52
• N.L. East: 2nd; 7 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 8/6/1969: Johnny Bench Home Run Sinks Mets

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #106: Wednesday, August 6, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Cincinnati Reds
Crosley Field

The Mets jump out to an early lead but fail to protect it.  Tommie Agee and Cleon Jones kick start a first inning rally with a pair of hits.  With two outs Ed Charles drives home Agee and Ron Swoboda drives in Jones.  Cincinnati gets one back in the bottom half of the frame.  Pete Rose leads-off with a triple and scores on Alex Johnson's sac-fly.  In the third Pete Rose doubles home Chico Ruiz knotting the game at two.  Leading off the bottom of the seventh, Johnny Bench connects on his 14th home run of the season putting the Reds ahead for good.  Cincinnati starter Jim Merritt goes the distance yielding two runs on ten hits and no walks with six strikeouts for his eleventh victory of the season.  Jim McAndrew allows three earned runs on seven hits and no walks with five strikeouts through eight innings pitched.  He falls to 3-4 on the season with a 4.85 ERA.  The Mets lose the series to the Reds three games to one and now find themselves nine games out of first place.

• Mets Record: 59-47 (.556)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 9 GB

Amazin' Date 8/2/1969: McAndrew and McGraw Join to Whitewash Braves

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #101: Saturday, August 2, 1969 - BR
Atlanta Braves @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

METS TAKE SECOND STRAIGHT FROM N.L. WEST LEADING ATLANTA BRAVES

The dog days of summer are upon us.  A crowd of 37,000+ fans in attendance at Shea Stadium on Saturday night are either witness to lethargy, adroit pitching, or a little of both.  Jim McAndrew toes the rubber for New York and is opposed by Atlanta's Ron Reed.  Both duel to a scoreless tie through six.  In the bottom of the seventh Reed commits one of the cardinal sins of pitching: do not walk the lead-off batter.  Ron Swoboda takes his base and is promptly bunted successfully to second.  When Jerry Grote grounds to short, Swoboda runs behind the throw advancing to third.  Pinch hitting, Cleon Jones strokes a clean single up the middle scoring Swoboda with the lone run of the game.  Ron Reed yields the one run on four hits and three walks with six strikeouts through seven innings for the loss.  Hank Aaron triples of McAndrew in the first but is left stranded.  McAndrew goes on to complete seven scoreless innings of three hit ball with just two walks and seven strikeouts en rout to his third win of the season.  Tug McGraw closes out the Braves over final two frames completing the shutout and earning his sixth save.  Tom Seaver appears as a pinch runner.

• Mets Record: 57-44 (.564)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 6.5 GB

Amazin' Date 8/1/1969: Koonce and Grote Turn Back Braves

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #100: Friday, August 1, 1969 - BR
Atlanta Braves @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

One Hundred Games Down; Sixty-Two More To Go

The Mets outlast Atlanta in game one at Shea Stadium, but the same can not be said of starter Don Cardwell who pitches himself into immediate trouble.  Felipe Alou leads off the game with a single.  Next in Tony Gonzalez is struck with a pitch by Cardwell whom then issues a walk to Hank Aaron loading the bases.  Cardwell issues a second straight walk scoring Alou from third.  With one out Felix Millan singles to left driving in two and knocking Cardwell out of the box.  Cal Koonce is summoned from the bullpen.

Braves starter Phil Niekro promptly comes under siege as well.  The Mets open the bottom half of the frame with three straight hits.  With two outs and the bases jammed, Niekro walks Ron Swoboda scoring Bud Harrelson from third.  Rod Gaspar follows with a single to right scoring both Bobby Phiel and Tommie Agee.  With Jerry Grote at the plate, Swoboda scores on a passed ball charged to catcher Bob Didier.  Three innings later, Jerry Grote connects on a lead-off home run off Niekro giving the Mets a 5-3 lead after four.

Orlando Cepeda cuts the Mets lead to one with an RBI double in the seventh.  Otherwise Cal Koonce allows just one run on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts though 6.1 innings in relief of Cardwell to earn his fifth victory of the season.  Ron Taylor closes the game with 2.1 scoreless innings of one-hit baseball for his tenth save of the season.

The Mets snap a four game losing streak but fail to gain ground on the Cubs.

• Mets Record: 56-44 (.560)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 6.5 GB

Amazin' Date 7/20/1969: Bobby Pheil Bunt Saves the Day

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Sunday, July 20, 1969
New York Mets @ Montreal Expos
Parc Jarry

GAME ONE #91

The Mets strike first with a pair of runs in the second, but in the fourth the Expos strike back with three.  And therein lies your final score in game one of Sunday's twin bill at Parc Jarry.  Both starting pitchers go the distance.  J.C. Martin draws a one-out walk against Montreal's Gary Waslewski, whom then yields a double to Al Weis.  With two outs Tommie Agee's hit to left delivers home both runners for a 2-0 lead that would last through the third.  Meanwhile Waslewski would surrender no more.  Montreal puts him on the winning side of the ledger in the fourth as left fielder Mack Jones, first baseman Bob Bailey, and shortstop Bobby Wine all connect for solo home runs off Mets starter Gary Gentry.  Otherwise Gentry yields just two other hits and four walks with four strikeouts in a losing eight inning effort.  His record now stands at 9-8 with a 3.36 ERA.  Gary Waslewski allows two runs on five hits and eight walks with six strikeouts over nine full innings for only his second victory of the season.  The Mets go 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

GAME TWO #92

With one out in the top of the ninth and the game knotted at two, Jerry Grote is pinch hit for by Cleon Jones whom draws a bases loaded walk to put the Mets ahead.  But Coco Laboy's home run off Ron Taylor in the bottom half of the frame sends the game into extra innings.  With two outs in the top of the tenth inning, Ron Swoboda doubles to left field off Expos relief ace Roy Face and advances all the way to third on an error by center fielder Adolfo Phillips.  Pinch hitting for pitcher Ron Taylor, Bobby Pheil then lays a bunt down the third base line scoring Swoboda with the go-ahead run.  Jack DiLauro earns the victory with a scoreless frame in relief of Taylor.  Starter Don Cardwell pitches very well, again, but walks off to another no-decision after yielding two runs, one earned, on six hits and three walks with five strikeouts through 7.1 innings.  Swoboda is 3 for 4 with a walk, double, RBI, and two runs scored.  Cleon Jones and Wayne Garrett also drive in a run apiece en route to New York's 4-3 victory.  With a split of Sunday's double-header the Mets likewise salvage a four-game split at Montreal.

• Mets Record: 53-39
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5 GB

Amazin' Date 7/19/1969: Expos Upend Seaver in Game Two

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

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50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #90: Saturday, July 19, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Montreal Expos
Parc Jarry

Tom Seaver losses back to back decisions for the first time this season.  Expos third baseman Coco Laboy opens the scoring with a lead-off home run in the second.  Then with two outs and runners on the corners Remy Hermoso singles home Montreal's second run.  Center fielder Mack Jones doubles leading-off the third and first baseman Bob Bailey singles to right giving the Expos a 3-0 lead.  It is then manager Gil Hodges decides Seaver just doesn't have it.  Jim McAndrew enters in relief and with one out yields a run scoring single to catcher Ron Brand.  Easily his worst outing of the season, Seaver is charged with four runs on seven hits and one walk with three strikeouts through two official innings pitched.  Coco Laboy drives in his second run of the game in the fifth off McAndrew for a 5-0 Montreal lead.  The Expos seemingly try giving the game away in the seventh.  The Mets capitalize best they can on Montreal fielding errors in left field and at shortstop along with run scoring hits off the bats of Wayne Garrett, Ed Kranepool, and Ron Swoboda.  Starter Bill Stoneham regroups to earn a complete game victory.  He yields four runs, none earned, on six hits and one walk with ten strikeouts through nine full innings pitched.

• Mets Record: 52-38
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4 GB

Amazin' Date 6/1/1969: Mets Walk Away With Sweep Over Giants

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #45: Sunday, June 1, 1969- BR
San Francisco Giants @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

The Mets complete a weekend sweep of the San Francisco Giants; Extend winning streak to a season best four games.

Each of Sunday afternoon's starting pitchers found themselves taking unexpectedly early showers.  Jim McAndrew for the Mets was lifted after just 1.2 innings pitched, while Giants starter Bobby Bolin tossed 4.2 innings before likewise yielding to the pen.

The Giants scored single runs in each of the first two innings.  A rare error by Bud Harrelson led to an unearned run in the first, while a wild pitch unleashed by Don Cardwell pitching in relief of McAndrew in the second helped the Giants gain a 2-0 advantage.  The Mets struck right back.  With one out in the bottom half of the second both Ron Swoboda and Ed Charles singled putting runners on the corners.  Next up, Jerry Grote drove them both home with a triple into the right/center gap.  However, Willie McCovey put the Giants ahead again in the fifth with his 16th home run of the season.  Undaunted, the Mets chased Bolin from the mound in the bottom half of the frame with two runs on four hits and two walks.  But in their very next at-bat, San Francisco knotted the game again at four apiece courtesy of a two-out RBI hit from third baseman Jim Davenport.

Facing Giants reliever Joe Gibbon, Bud Harrelson led-off the bottom of the ninth drawing a four pitch walk.  After Tommy Agee successfully bunted Harrelson over to second, Wayne Garrett grounded third to first advancing Harrelson to third.  Gibbon then issued Cleon Jones an intentional walk, then perhaps pitch around Amos Otis and walked him as well.  With the bases loaded, Ron Swoboda stepped in against Joe Gibbon whom issued yet another walk thus forcing home Buddy Harrelson with the game winning run.

Jim McAndrew allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks in 1.2 innings of work.  Forced into long relief duty Don Cardwell yielded two earned runs on five hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts.  Ron Taylor earned the win after pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

The Mets exceeded 125,000 in attendance over the three game series against the Giants.  They'll next host that other California team from Los Angeles.

• Mets Record:  22-23 (.400)
• N.L. East:  3rd; 9 GB

Amazin' Date 5/30/1969: Mets Thrill Packed Shea with 4-3 Victory Over Giants

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #43: Friday, May 30, 1969 - BR
San Francisco Giants @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Seaver and Swoboda Lead Mets Over Giants 

As expected Shea Stadium was filled to capacity with both home town Metropolitan fans and the old forsaken and ever loyal Giants fans alike for the opening game of a weekend series against the reviled visitors from San Francisco.

The Mets undeniable ace Tom Seaver climbed the hill for New York City's National League squad and was opposed by San Francisco's southpaw Mike McCormick.

Leading off the top of the second, Willie "stretch" McCovey connected off Seaver for his 14th home run of the season.  Former Mets standout and all-star second baseman Ron Hunt gave the Giants a 2-0 lead with an RBI base hit in the third.  McCovey then drove in his second run of the game increasing the Giants lead to three on a sac fly to left off Seaver in the sixth.

FINAL

Giants  3

Mets     4

Ron Swoboda finally got the Mets on the board when he connected off McCormick on a lead-off home run in the seventh.  With two outs in the eighth, Ken Boswell knocked McCormick out of the box upon hitting his very first home run of the season.  After which, Ron Swoboda and Duffy Dyer both drove in a run apiece with base hits off reliever Frank Linzy to give the Mets their final 4-3 margin of victory.

Tom Seaver pitched eight innings in a winning effort, allowing three earned runs on four hits and one walk, with eight strikeouts.  He is now 7-3 for the season with a 2.53 ERA.  Ron Taylor earned his second save, striking out both Willie Mays and Willie McCovey as part of a scoreless ninth.

• Mets Record:  20-23 (.465)
• N.L. East:  3rd: 9 GB

Amazin' Date 5/3/1969: Ron Santo Continues Siege Against Mets Pitchers

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY 

Game #23: Saturday, May 3, 1969 - BR

New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs

Wrigley Field

Look What Ron Santo Did to the Mets, Again.

The Mets either failed to protect an early two run lead, or the Cubs rallied late to win the game ... depending on your point of view.  In either event, the Mets now find themselves eight games behind the first place Cubs.

Nolan Ryan climbed the bump in place of the injured Jerry Koosman for game two at Wrigley Field, and was opposed by Chicago's Fergie Jenkins.  Starting in place of Jerry Grote, J.C. Martin opened the scoring with a home run leading off the second.  Ron Swoboda followed suit in the third, connecting off Jenkins for his second home run of the season.  After which Jenkins would yield no more, allowing just five more scattered hits through a full seven innings pitched.

Ryan pitched masterfully surrendering just two hits and a walk through six scoreless innings, but did himself no favors in the seventh.  Ernie Banks led off the bottom half of the frame with a single, and would eventually score when Ryan misplayed a come-backer off the bat of Al Spangler.

With Cal Koonce pitching in relief of Ryan, Billy Williams singled with one out in the bottom of the eighth, and promptly scored when Ron Santo tripled to right.  Chicago would go on to load the bases.  Manager Hodges then handed the ball off to Ron Taylor, whom walked Adolfo Phillips to force in Santo from third with the go ahead run, and ultimately Chicago's final 3-2 margin of victory.

The Cubs Phil Regan earns the victory in relief following his save in game one.  Cal Koonce takes the loss.  Both Fergie Jenkins and Nolan Ryan settle for a no decision.

After returning to the line-up yesterday, Tommie Agee did not start game two, but appeared as a late defensive replacement. Jerry Koosman was placed on the two week disabled list.  Meanwhile, Cleon Jones continues right along with another 2 for 4 day, raising his average to a .422 mark.

The Mets and Cubs wrap up the series with a double-header on Sunday.

• Mets Record:  9-14 (.391)
• N.L. East:  5th; 8 GB