Another one of the Amazin’ Mets has passed away.
Jerry Grote, who played for the Mets for 12 seasons and was the starting catcher during their improbable run to a World Series title in 1969, died Sunday, according to his wife, Cheryl, in an announcement on Facebook.
Another former Mets player with ties to the memorable 1969 season, Jim Gosger, passed away on June 28, 2017, at the age of 74. Gosger, an outfielder and first baseman, contributed to the Mets’ historic World Series championship that year. Known for his left-handed hitting prowess and versatility in the outfield, Gosger played a significant role off the bench during the Mets’ remarkable season.
Born in Port Huron, Michigan, Gosger began his Major League Baseball career with the Boston Red Sox in 1963 before joining the Mets in 1967. He became part of the Mets’ roster during their transformative years under manager Gil Hodges, culminating in their unlikely championship victory in 1969. While Gosger’s statistics with the Mets weren’t particularly standout, his contributions were noted for their impact during critical moments of the season.
Following his time with the Mets, Gosger went on to play for several other MLB teams, including the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers, and finally the Chicago Cubs, where he concluded his playing career in 1974. After retiring from professional baseball, Gosger remained connected to the sport, occasionally participating in Mets alumni events and maintaining ties with former teammates.
Jim Gosger’s passing marked another poignant moment in the history of the New York Mets, a team known for its ups and downs but forever celebrated for its unforgettable 1969 championship season. His contributions, though often overshadowed by more prominent players of the era, were nonetheless crucial to the Mets’ success and are remembered fondly by fans and the baseball community alike.
