D-Whit - It Was 45 Years Ago Today...Wednesday September 24th 1969

September 24^th

Earlier in the day the Cubs woke up briefly from their September hibernation to down Montreal. The Mets would have to beat Steve Carlton and the Cardinals to clinch the first ever NL East division crown at home. Gary Gentry set down the Cards in order in the top of the 1^st. Bud Harrelson led off with a single for the Mets and then Tommie Agee walked-putting runners on 1^st and 2^nd. 

Carlton whiffed Cleon Jones but the next hitter, Donn Clendenon blasted a 3-run shot to put New York up 3-0. After a Ron Swoboda walk, Ed Charles deposited one over the fence-Mets 5 Cardinals 0. 

There was little drama to the game after that. Gentry sailed through a 4 hit complete game victory, the Mets tagged on another run and a season that started with an opening day loss to the expansion Montreal Expos reached its regular season apex-the New York Mets (96-61) were the 1969 National League East Division champs. The Amazin' Mets, at one time a 100-1 underdog to go to the 1969 World Series, were now just one playoff series away from being in it as their miracle season continued.