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

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME TWO

New York Mets     2

Baltimore Orioles  1

FINAL
MEMORIAL STADIUM

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

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

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

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

• GAME ONE

Mrs. Babe Ruth throws out the ceremonial first pitch.

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

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME ONE

NEW YORK METS           1

BALTIMORE ORIOLES    4

FINAL

MEMORIAL STADIUM

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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AMAZIN'

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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 9/10/1969: Mets Overtake First Place

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AMAZIN'

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

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AMAZIN'

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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'

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

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AMAZIN'

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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 8/21/1969: Seaver Ineffective as Giants Salvage Series Finale

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

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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 8/17/1969: Mets Sweep Consecutive Twin Bills From Padres

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

• GAME ONE; Sunday, Aug. 17, 1969 - BR

San Diego takes a 2-0 lead after four and a half on runs batted in from center fielder Ivan Murrell and second baseman Jose Arcia.  In the bottom half of the fifth Duffy Dyer connects off Padres starter Joe Niekro with two men on, and just like that the Mets give Jerry Koosman a 3-2 lead.  Koosman goes the distance allowing two earned runs on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts en route to his tenth victory of the season against eight losses with a stellar 2.23 ERA.

• GAME TWO; Sunday Aug. 17, 1969 - BR

How do you put a 4-7 road trip in the rear view mirror?  Answer: win four games in the span of two days at home.  The Mets do just that with back-to-back double-header sweeps this weekend against the expansion Padres.

Mets starter Don Cardwell and San Diego's Clay Kirby duel through six scoreless innings.  Ed Kranepool opens the bottom of the seventh with a single to right, and is replaced with pinch-runner Al Weis.  After Jerry Grote draws a base on balls, Bud Harrelson clears the bases with a triple to right/center.  Still with no outs J.C. Martin lofts a sac-fly to center scoring Harrelson.  Cardwell exits on the winning side of a three run game, having allowed no runs on eight hits and three walks with three strikeouts through seven full.  However San Diego strikes for a pair in the eighth off Cal Koonce whom faces three batters and fails to record an out.  Manager Hodges summons Ron Taylor to put out the fire.  Taylor obliges with two scoreless innings of one-hit ball for his 12th save.  Cardwell earns his fifth victory.  The Mets gain one game on the first place Cubs.

• Mets Record:
• N.L. East: 2nd; 8 GB

Amazin' Date 8/3/1969: Mets Sweep Braves at Shea

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Game #102: Sunday, August 3, 1969 - BR
Atlanta Braves @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

The Mets defeat Atlanta in amazing fashion Sunday afternoon, completing a three game sweep of the N.L. West leading Braves.

Despite yielding a home run to catcher Bill Tillman leading-off the third, starter Gary Gentry pitches quite effectively through the game's first five innings.  In the sixth however, Atlanta catches up with Gentry.  Three straight singles to open the inning and a throwing error committed by Ron Swoboda playing left field leads to a second run.  Clean-up hitter Tony Gonzalez then strokes a single to right scoring Felipe Alou and Felix Millan.  Manager Gil Hodges gives Gentry the quick hook in favor of Don Cardwell.  Third baseman Bob Aspromonte greets him with a sac-fly to center scoring Hank Aaron from third for a 5-0 Braves lead.

The Mets finally break through against Braves starter Milt Papas in the bottom of the sixth.  Tommie Agee strokes a lead-off double to left, and with one out scores on Wayne Garrett's hit to center.  That's when Braves manager Lum Harris yanks his pitcher in favor of reliever Cecil Upshaw.  Art Shamsky and Rod Gaspar greet Harris with consecutive singles.  Felix Millan errs on Jerry Grote's grounder to second allowing Garrett to score from third.  With the bases jammed Manager Hodges dispatches Cleon Jones to pinch-hit for Cardwell, who does not disappoint.  Jones singles to right scoring both Shamsky and Gaspar.  Manager Harris then summons Paul Doyle from the bullpen whom yields a sac-fly to Buddy Harrelson allowing Grote to score from third, knotting the game at five.

They remain tied at five through the ninth and into extra innings they go at Shea Stadium.  Ron Taylor had assumed pitching duties in the ninth and posts three scoreless innings allowing two hits and striking out three.  With Claude Raymond in to pitch the bottom of the eleventh for Atlanta, Jerry Grote greets him with a lead-off home run to win the game.

Ron Taylor earns his sixth win versus two losses with a 2.88 ERA.

The Mets close out their ten game home stand with a 5-5 record.  They now travel to Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Houston.

• Mets Record: 58-44 (.568)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 6.5 GB

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

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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 7/30/1969: Houston Astros Dominate Twin Bill at Shea Stadium

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Games #97 & #98
Houston Astros @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Clean up on Roosevelt Avenue, please.  Houston makes a complete mess of the Mets in both games of Wednesday's doubleheader at Shea Stadium, outscoring their fellow expansion brothers by an overall 27-8 margin.

GAME ONE: July 30, 1969 - BR

Houston's 16-3 victory marks the most runs allowed in one game by the Mets this season.  The Astros initially hold a modest 5-3 lead through the eighth.  But in the ninth Cal Koonce and Ron Taylor prove completely ineffective and the game goes awry.  Houston strikes for eleven runs, sending 15 batters to the plate, and getting home runs from Denis Menke and the toy cannon Jim Wynn.  Jerry Koosman admittedly struggles, yielding five runs, three earned, with five walks and two strikeouts.  He is credited with the loss and sees his record drop to 8-6 with a still fine 2.08 ERA.  Ed Kranepool drives in his 40th run of the season with a two out single in the fourth.

GAME TWO: July 30, 1969 - BR

The Astros explode for another ten runs in the third inning en route to an 11-5 final in game two.  Mets starter Gary Gentry is knocked out of the box after just 2.2 innings pitched, but not before surrendering eight earned runs on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts.  Houston then roughs up Nolan Ryan for another three earned runs on four hits and two walks, with seven strikeouts.  Astros starter Larry Dierker pitches to the scoreboard, allowing five runs, four earned, on 12 hits and one walk with nine strikeouts for his 13th victory of the season.  Ed Kranepool is 3 for 4 with a double, home run, and four more RBI on the day.

The Mets fall to 2-6 against the Astros this season.  They are now just 2-4 on this home stand.

• Mets Record: 55-43 (.561)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5.5 GB

Amazin' Date 7/25/1969: Mets Take Koosman Off the Hook Against Reds

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Game #94: Friday, July 25, 1969 - BR

Cincinnati Reds @ New York Mets

Shea Stadium

For seven innings Reds starter Jim Maloney and Jerry Koosman duel in game two at Shea Stadium.  Maloney allows just one earned run on five hits and four walks with one strikeout before exiting on the winning side of Friday night's affair.  Koosman on the other hand yields three earned runs on six hits and one walk with five strikeouts through seven, but with a little help from his friends escapes with a no decision.  A two run home run by J.C. Martin and an RBI from Wayne Garrett in the eighth put the Met ahead en route to a 4-3 final.  Ron Taylor gives up just one hit in two innings for the win, improving his record to 5-2 with a 2.19 ERA.  Art Shamsky goes 1 for 2 with a walk, double, and a run batted in.  Pete Rose goes 1 for 4 with an RBI, and Tony Perez clubs his 28th home run and drives in his 72nd run of the season.  The Mets even the series with Cincy and gain a full game on the Cubs whom lost to the Dodgers earlier this afternoon at Wrigley.

• Mets Record: 54-40
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5 GB

Amazin' Date 7/23/1969: Mets Send Three Representatives to All-Star Game

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THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

The 1969 New York Mets are represented by three players in Major League Baseball's 40th mid-summer classic being held at R.F. K. Stadium at Washington DC, home of the Senators.  Pitchers Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman are joined by left fielder Cleon Jones who is selected by the fans.

Seaver owns a 14-5 record with a 2.59 ERA through 22 starts to date.  He's yielded just 130 hits through 158 innings pitched with 131 strikeouts.  Seaver has achieved double-digit strikeouts three times, and on June 8 at San Diego fanned a season high 14 batters.  And of course there is the Imperfect Game of June 24 against Chicago at Shea Stadium, where Tom Terrific came within one out of perfection, undone by little known Jimmy Qualls with two outs in the ninth.  This marks Seaver's third straight All-Star appearance.

Southpaw Jerry Koosman is making his second straight All-Star appearance.  He struggles in April and is ultimately placed on the disabled list before the month is through.  Making his second start since returning to action on May 28 and his sixth start overall, Koosman strikes out 15 batters in ten innings against the San Diego Padres at Shea Stadium.  On June 7, Koosman strikes out another 11 Padres batters at San Diego.  Two starts later he authors the first of back-to-back shutout performances; the first at Philadelphia, and the second against the St. Louis Cardinals at Shea.  He enters the break riding a streak of three straight complete game shutout victories with 20 strikeouts.  To date Koosman owns an 8-5 record and a stellar 1.88 ERA with 115 strikeouts through 124.1 innings pitched.  Not since June 7 has Koosman's ERA touched two.

Now in his sixth major league season, Cleon Jones makes his first All-Star appearance.  The soon to be 26-year old left fielder is in the midst of a career year.  Cleon sizzles out of the gate posting an 11-game hitting streak in April.  He continues batting upwards of .400 through the season's first 30 games, and to date has 32 multi-hit games under his belt.  Cleon enters the break batting .341 with ten home runs, 56 RBI, and a .506 slugging average.


AMAZIN' AT THE BREAK

• Mets Record: 53-39 (.576)
• N.L. East: 2nd place; 5 GB

New York's .576 winning percentage is second in the National League behind only the Cubs, whom they trail by five games in, this, the first ever N.L. East division race.  The Atlanta Braves of the N.L. West division presently hold a precarious one game lead over the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Tommie Agee was out of action a full week (Apr. 18-26), and was used very sparingly through May 6 when the Mets arrive from a four game series at Wrigley Field.  He nevertheless leads the Mets with 16 home runs and is second to Cleon Jones with 46 runs batted in.  His is hitting an even .300 through 20 games in July with five home runs and 15 RBI.

Ron Taylor continues answering manager Gil Hodges' calls to the pen.  He owns a 4-3 record with nine saves and a 2.28 ERA through 38 relief appearances while yielding just 34 hits with 30 strikeouts through 47.1 innings pitched.

1969 ALL-STAR GAME - BR

• Cleon Jones: 2 for 4, two runs scored (hits against Mel Stottlemyre, Dave McNally).
• Jerry Koosman: 1.2 innings; one hit; one strikeout (faces Rico Petrocelli; John Roseboro; Brooks Robinson; Mike Andrews; Carl Yastrzemski; and Paul Blair).
• Tom Seaver: DNP

Amazin' Date 7/16/19: Slugging Mets Take Series at Wrigley

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #88: Wednesday, July 16, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs
Wrigley Field

The Mets win rubber game at Wrigley; close within four games of the first place Cubs.

Said simply, both starting pitchers Don Cardwell and Fergie Jenkins are terrible.  The Cubs rough up Cardwell for four runs on six hits in only 1.2 innings pitched.  The Mets meanwhile tag Jenkins for five runs on six hits.  Tommie Agee finally knocks Jenkins out if the box with a home run leading off the second.  The Mets ultimately prevail by a 9-5 final.  Al Weis hits his second home run in as many days, and Art Shamsky hits his seventh home run of the season.  J.C Martin, Ed Kranepool, Ken Boswell, and Wayne Garrett, also drive in runs for the Mets.  Cal Koonce earns his fourth victory with a marvelous five inning effort, yielding no runs on four hits with a strikeout.  Ron Taylor closes out the game with two scoreless innings in relief of Koonce to earn his ninth save of the season.

Chicago still leads the season series by a slim 7-6 margin.  The Mets and Cubs do not meet again until September.  In the meantime, the dog days of summer are upon us.

• Mets Record: 51-37 (.579)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4 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 6/24/1969: Mets Sweep Second Straight Double-Header at Shea

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Mets win their third and fourth games in a row upon sweeping Tuesday's double-header against the Philadelphia Phillies at Shea Stadium.

Game #66: Tuesday, June 24, 1969 - BR
Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium/ GAME ONE

With two runs in the third off Phillies starter Woodie Fryman, the Mets hold on to win game one by a slim 2-1 margin.  In the third, Bud Harrelson triples home Al Weis, and Cleon Jones singles home Harrelson.  Tom Seaver goes the distance, yielding seven hits including a fifth inning home run to Larry Hisle, while walking one and fanning nine for his 11th victory of the season against three losses.

Game #67: Tuesday, June 24, 1969 - BR 
Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium/GAME TWO

Jim McAndrew and Ron Taylor join to whitewash the Phillies in the night-cap.  McAndrew tosses a gem yielding just two hits and no walks with two strikeouts through eight innings en route to his first victory of the season.  Ron Taylor pitched a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts for his sixth save of the season.  The Mets score four times in the fourth on runs batted in from Art Shamsky, Wayne Garrett, Ed Kranepool, and even Jim McAndrew.  Tommie Agee hit his tenth home run of the season in the eighth.  The Mets knocked Phillies starter Jerry Johnson out of the box after 3.1 innings pitched.

That's back-to-back double-header sweeps for the Mets (Cardinals/Phillies).  Don't look now ... but the Mets are ten games above the .500 mark.

• Mets Record: 38-28
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5 GB