METS TO RETIRE JERRY KOOSMAN'S UNIFORM #36 TODAY

 

METS TO RETIRE JERRY KOOSMAN'S UNIFORM #36 TODAY

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., August 27, 2021 – The New York Mets will retire Jerry Koosman's uniform #36 today in a pre-game ceremony beginning at 6:45 pm prior to the game vs. Washington. 

Koosman, who is the winningest left-hander in team history (140 wins), will become the third player to have his number retired by the Mets, joining Tom Seaver (#41) and Mike Piazza (#31). The Mets have also retired #14 for Manager Gil Hodges, #37 for Manager Casey Stengel and #42 across baseball for Jackie Robinson. 

"The excitement of playing for the Mets when we won the 1969 World Series was an experience I never thought I'd be able to repeat," said Koosman, who won two games during the '69 World Series vs. Baltimore, including the deciding Game 5. "But retiring my number is another life-changing thrill and honor." 

Koosman ranks second in team history in starts (346), complete games (108), innings (2,544.2) and shutouts (26), third in strikeouts (1,799) and sixth in ERA (3.09). 

"I'm enormously proud of the time I played in the orange and blue uniform of the Mets," Koosman said. "It was a privilege to play alongside some of the most wonderful and talented teammates for more than 11 years and to hone my craft under Gil Hodges. 

"This honor isn't only for me and my family, it's for the legions of fans I grew to love," Koosman continued. "To know that my number will be retired and sit alongside other team legends is one of the greatest tributes I could ever be granted. I was always proud to be a Met." 

Koosman signed with the Mets in 1964 when he was scouted while he was pitching with the Army. He played for the Mets from 1967-1978.