1969 Champs

1969

THE MIRACLE METS

1969 WORLD CHAMPIONS

For Mets fans 1969 is the ultimate magic number! After 7 seasons of finishing in last place and much ridicule, the Mets finally achieved respect. Better than that - the Mets would blow people's minds!

America was at war fighting the spread of communism in Vietnam. It had become a gruesome effort with tremendous casualties to the US military. Those who opposed the war would take up protesting the war and campaigning for peace. The war and other issues such as civil rights and womens rights were dividing the country, and causing much civil unrest. America needed something to bring us together.

Then When Apollo 11 landed on the Moon July 20, 1969 it caputured the nation's imagination. A month later the Woodstock music festival in Bethel, NY resulted in 3 days of music, peace and love amongst over 500,000 people.

But when the Mets won the world series that October, it was - well to paraphrase Neil Armstrong - "One small step for a baseball team, one giant leap for METS-kind!

The Mets became a phenomenon that summer and it did get people together. Perhaps a father and son disagreed politically, but they still had the Mets! The '69 Mets brought alot of happiness to people - well unless you were a Baltimore Orioles fan anyway!

The Mets along with the Houston Colf 45's (later re-named Astros) were the first expansion teams in the National League back in 1962. The Mets had finished last each year of their existence. But it wasn't so much that they lost - its the colorful way they went about it. They were the joke of the national league - and late night talk show hosts too!

In 1969 the National League expanded again with the Montreal Expos and San Diego Padres. With 12 teams in the league, 2 divisions were created. The winner of each division would play each other for the pennant.

The season began with a humiliating loss against the new Expos. But these were not the same old Mets. Casey, Marvelous Marv, were long gone. The Mets weren't clowns anymore. They had devloped some of the finest pitching in baseball, and a crop of young players were coming of age as well.

TOM "TERRIFIC" SEAVER

25 GAME WINNER

CASEY STENGEL & GIL HODGES

CLASSIC METS MANAGERS

Gil Hodges, a no nonsense kind of guy and George Weiss, the Mets GM built their team focussing on pitching and defense.

Tom Seaver was the cream of the crop came up in '67 and wasn't going ot have anything to do with the Mets losing ways. Even as a young man he learned how to pitch, rather than just throw. Seaver credits Hodges for teaching him how to become a professional athlete.

JERRY "KOOZ" KOOSMAN

LHP

GARY GENTRY

RHP

Seaver nicknamed, "Tom Terrific" was certainly the ace of the Mets staff. Being a stopper and winning 25 games that season, he was an example of excellence for his teammates.

Jerry Koosman was a perfect lefty complimnt to Seaver. He had won 19 games the previous year. Gary Gentry a young righthander added depth to the Mets staff.

JERRY GROTE

CATCHER

Casey once said that if you don't have a catcher you will have a lot of passed balls! Well in 1969 the Mets had the best defensive catcher in the game, Jerry Grote. Grote took charge on the field, had a good arm, and called a great game. While not the prolific hitter of a Johnny Bench, Grote did hit in the clutch and was one popular teammates.

BUDDY HARRELSON

SHORTSTOP

While Grote may have been the General on the field, his top lieutenant would have to be shortstop Buddy Harrelson. Buddy was the glue in an infield that featured platoons at the other positions. The best defensive shortstop in Mets history, Buddy knew his role and was able to execute all the fundementals at bat - moving runners, bunting, and working a walk. In 1970 he led the league in walks with 90! With Grote, Buddy, and centerfielder Tommie Agee, the Mets were strong up the middle - a necessity for a championship ballclub!

CLEON JONES, TOMMIE AGEE & RON SWOBODA

OUTFIELDERS

The Mets outfield had blossomed with power and speed in leftielder Cleon Jones who came close to leading the league in hitting with an average of .340; A fleet centerfielder in Tommie Agee who bat lead off and hit 26; and a platoon in rightfield of Ron Swoboda (righty) and Art Shamsky (lefty). Maybe it was the tomatoes that Mets coach Joe Pignatano grew in the Mets bullpen!

ART SHAMSKY

OUTFIELDER

Veteran leadership was necessary. This was obtained in the persons of first baseman Donn Clendennon and third baseman Ed Charles. Clendennon was feared hitter and provided many clutch hits. Charles was nicknamed "The Glider" for his smooth glove. The Mets would also make good use of utility players like infielders Wayne Garrett, Al Weis who hit a game winning homer in the world series, and back up catcher J.C. Martin. All played key roles in '69!

July 9th 1969 the Mets were playing the first place Cubs and showed how serious a contender they would be. Seaver pitched his 'near perfect game' that day. A masterpiece spoiled by Jimmy Quails in the 8th inning with two out. But the Mets got the last laugh by over taking the Cubbies for the division!

'69 NLCS: Mets vs Braves

The Mets swept the Braves in 3 games!