Monday, June 16, 2008

Should the Mets retire Jerry Koosman’s # 36 ?

This franchise has been around since 1962, and it baffles me that they only celebrate the retirement of one Mets’ player, # 41, Tom Seaver.

This season is getting dangerously close to a disaster, the organization is being criticized, daily, by the national and local media, and they could use the positive public relations they would receive, from retiring more uniform numbers than just Tom Terrific. Also, they could use the increased attendance they would receive, on the nights they retire uniform numbers.

Lets start with some of the older former Mets, and hope the Mets pay tribute while these players are still around to be appreciated.

Besides Seaver, Jerry Koosman was another important Mets’ starting pitcher. He played for New York, from 1967 through 1978, accumulating 140 wins, then, added further value, by being traded to the Minnesota Twins, in a deal that sent Jesse Orosco to New York.

During the championship 1969 season, these were Koosman’s stats that helped lead the Mets to their first World Series title: 17-9, 2.28 ERA, 32 starts, 16 complete games, 241 innings, 187 hits, 68 walks, 180 strikeouts.

The Mets need more than one retired number, Koosman is held in high regard by Mets’ fans, and the respect and admiration for Koosman is overdue. He's earned the tribute.

Retire # 36.

7 comments:

metsfan73 said...

Koosman has always been my favorite Mets starter. I used to love it when the Shea scoreboard would spell out KOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOZ.

Should have won the Cy Young in 1977 - Randy Jones won.

Koosman was stellar in the post season. He was actually better than Seaver.

Mets and music fan said...

Koosman was awesome. Ever see the series Growing Pains. The main family was the Seavers, and their next door neighbors were the Koosmans.

KOOZ was underrated.

"Stellar" in Joe Beningo's words.

Jobu said...

ok I will agree and #36 should hang on the wall....Then shouldn't we hang #17 as well. Mex was the main guy as far as field general, clutch and defensive stud for the 1986 champs. I know you can argue Kid too. However, Mex imho did it all and was the key.

Mets and music fan said...

Hey, Jobu:

I'll support Kooz, Mex, Piazza, and The Kid, in that order.

I think they should wait on The Kid, because of the recent negative publicity he had, declaring himself ready & a phone call away, to be Willie's replacement.

Long Island Met Fan said...

Koosman was the undersung hero of the mets staff .His # should be retired while shea is still in existence.

Mets and music fan said...

I agree with Long Island Met Fan. While Shea Stadium and Jerry Koosman are still in existence, show the man some respect, and retire his number.

Jobu said...

I agree with firewillie. I would wait on the Kid too. Especially after the interview he had on the radio. Piazza should be retired first. He meant more to the fanbase and was a huge shot in the arm during a very special run and difficult time for this City.