Cool as Jerry Koosman

Jerry Koosman helped Mets fans sleep at night. The Minnesota farm boy was strong and reliable, and he was part of the best 1-2 punch in MLB at the time. During the 1969 “Miracle Mets” season, Koosman and Tom Seaver combined for a whopping 34 complete games, five of which Koosman hurled in September alone. The southpaw stormed into Game 2 of the 1969 World Series, handling Baltimore’s big bats and delivering the Mets faithful their first-ever World Series win on the way to their first-ever World Series title. He was just as important in the 1973 campaign, when he threw a then franchise-best 31 ⅔ consecutive scoreless innings in late August and early September to propel the Mets toward a surprise NL East division title and eventual World Series appearance. “Kooz” was an Amazin’ Met in an amazin’ era and his cool approach helped calm the nerves of many Mets fans.