By Jay Horwitz

Weeks after undergoing brain surgery, Ethan Wilson was back at Citi Field last Wednesday doing his job.

He was there to say hi to his fellow Mets employees and to run a pizza party for the New York Baseball Writers who were voting on their annual awards.

The best thing about the lunch was that Ethan won one of the honors. He was the co-winner, along with Peter Botte of the New York Post, of the “You Gotta Have Heart Award.” No one has more heart than Ethan Wilson.

Since I made the great decision to bring him to the Queens 27 years ago, he has literally worked 24–7 for the betterment of our organization. E is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. He never wants anything for himself. He just wants to help people. I am glad the writers recognized him for his grit and fighting spirit.

Well deserved E. Well deserved.

Ethan Wilson Returns to the Office was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Jay Horwitz

One of the joys of my job as alumni director was working with the 1969 Mets. There were great teams, but perhaps none greater than the Miracle Mets. They are still revered some six decades later.

Yesterday we lost another of the guys when Jerry Koosman passed away at 83. Kooz pitched his career in Tom Seaver’s shadow. Jerry never complained. He embraced his friendship with Tom. There was no better big-game pitcher in history than Jerry Koosman.

In Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, the Baltimore Orioles jumped off to a 3–0 lead. In the dugout between innings, Kooz said this to Ron Swoboda, “That’s all they will get. Get me some runs, and we will win.” He was right. The Mets won, 5–3, and clinched their first championship.

I’ll miss our conversation, Jerry. You were the best.

Jerry Koosman: The Unsung Hero of the 1969 Mets was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The New York Mets are saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry Koosman. The former pitcher died earlier this morning at age 83, surrounded by his family in Osceola, WI.

“Kooz was one of the greatest pitchers in team history and a beloved member of the Mets family,” said Mets Owners Steve and Alex Cohen. “The 1969 Miracle Mets were filled with heroes, and the special southpaw from Appleton, Minnesota, was central to their success. He was a fierce competitor on the field, and respected teammate in the clubhouse. His legendary performance in the World Series helped the Mets secure their first Championship in team history. On behalf of the entire Mets organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jerry’s family, friends, former teammates and all who loved him.”

In 1969, Koosman posted a 17–9 record with a 2.28 ERA (61 ER/241.0 IP), 68 walks and 180 strikeouts. His regular season success carried over to the Postseason, where helped deliver the organization’s first World Series championship. The left-handed pitcher earned victories in Game 2 and the series-clinching Game 5, combining to go 2–0 with a 2.04 ERA (4 ER/17.2 IP).

Koosman is the winningest left-hander in team history with 140 victories and was the third player to have his number 36 retired by the Mets. He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1989. The lefty ranks second in starts (346), complete games (108), innings pitched (2,544.2) and shutouts (26), third in strikeouts (1,799) and sixth in ERA (3.09).

Jerome Martin Koosman originally signed with the Mets in 1964 after being scouted while pitching for the Army. He played for the Mets from 1967–1978 and was named an All-Star in both 1968 and 1969.

METS MOURN THE LOSS OF JERRY KOOSMAN was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Jay Horwitz

The 1969 Mets had a multitude of heroes, but no one was bigger than Jerry Koosman, who passed away this morning after battling multiple illnesses.

Jerry who was 83 years old died in Osceola, WI surrounded by his family. His number 36 is retired by the New York Mets and he is also in the team’s Hall of Fame.

After the Mets lost game 1 of the World Series, Jerry won game 2 and also the clinching game 5 .

“Jerry was our protector,” said teammate Ron Swoboda. “Any time the opposition threw at our guys, Jerry took care of it.”

Rest in peace, Kooz.

Rest in Peace, Jerry Koosman was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Jay Horwitz

In the middle of the World Series, I thought this was a good time to talk about Cleon Jones again. Fifty-seven years ago this month, Cleon caught the final out of the 1969 series to give the Mets a miraculous championship.

These days, Cleon, now 84, is working toward another type of miracle. His Foundation, the Last Out Foundation, is helping restore his hometown of Africatown, a suburb of Mobile, Alabama. Jones, with the rest of his family, is out daily repairing roofs, mowing lawns, and finding different ways to beautify his place of birth.

“I owe everything to the people of Africatown,” said Jones. “A neighbor gave me my first glove. This is just my way of giving back to where it all started.”

Cleon Jones Still Giving Back was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Jay Horwitz

I was thrilled that our Francisco Lindor was announced today as the winner of the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award for his humanitarian service. He becomes the fifth Met, Gary Carter, Al Leiter, Carlos Beltran and Curtis Granderson, to be so honored.

Well, in my mind, Francisco won a different kind of award two weeks ago when he went unnoticed and went by himself to visit my good friend Ethan Wilson, who was hospitalized recovering from brain surgery. He stayed for about 45 minutes and talked baseball with E, who is now home and getting back on his feet.

There was no press, no cameras, no outside attention. Francisco was there to cheer up a hard-working employee who gives his heart and soul to the team. The visit really shows you what kind of person Francisco Lindor really is.

There are no trophies needed to make this kind of visit special.

Francisco Lindor Wins Roberto Clemente Award was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Jay Horwitz

The last time I wrote about Ethan Wilson it attracted more than 304,000 views. Trust me, it wasn’t my writing. It was the subject. The entire baseball community just loves E.

Well, we have some good news to report. Nearly three weeks after he underwent brain surgery Ethan will leave the hospital tomorrow and continue his recovery at home. He already has been rehabbing like crazy. E is following his doctors’ advice to a tee. He has been taking his meds and doing his exercises hours at a time. He is doing all the right things to make himself better.

What he also has been doing is staying away from his phone. So if you haven’t gotten a call or a text back from him just understand he is spending most of his day on the rehab process. He really appreciates everyone who has reached out.

It really is amazing all the people who haves sent their best wishes. They include David Wright, John Franco, Darryl Strawberry, Daniel Murphy. Bobby Valentine, Terry Collins, Todd Zeile, Robin Ventura and Al Leiter. Tom Brady sent a video.

Howie Rose and Gary Cohen call constantly. Media people who have checked in include Joel Sherman, Dave Lennon, Jon Heyman, Bruce Beck, Mike Vaccaro, Bill Madden and Kevin Burkhardt. Four of our former GM’s Sandy Alderson, Omar Minaya, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips also checked in. E’s friends at MLB John Blundell, Mike Teevan and Donald Mueller are in constant touch.

I have been with the Mets now for close to a half century and I never met anyone more dedicated to our organization than Ethan. He literally bleeds orange and blue.

Ethan keep fighting the good fight. You have so many people in your corner. All of us love you. Can’t wait to see you back at Citi Field.

Update on Ethan Wilson was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Jay Horwitz

Dwight Gooden was sad to hear about the passing of Dennis Scalzitti. You might wonder: Who is Dennis Scalzitti?

Well, in the 1980’s, Dennis and his good friend Bob Belle founded the K Korner in left field at Shea Stadium. They would post a K card for every strikeout Doc made, and there were certainly plenty of cards. Their Korner became a must-see for fans every time Dwight pitched.

At first, Doc told me he never paid any attention to the Korner.

“I would tell people I only cared about winning games and not strikeouts,” he said to me with a smile. “I didn’t want anyone to think I wasn’t properly focused.”

But that wasn’t the truth. He really enjoyed the Ks as they went up.

“The Korner kind of motivated me,” Doc added with a smile. “If the board said I had eight strikeouts, I tried extra hard to get to 10. The crowd really got into it, that’s for sure.”

Gooden and Scalzitti met many years ago at Shea Stadium.

“What Dennis did for me was a big part of my career,” Gooden explained. “I owe him a lot. My condolences to his family.”

K Korner Founder Has Passed was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Jay Horwitz

He’s dedicated. He’s loyal. He knows our history. Most of all Ethan Wilson is a pro’s pro and it was my pleasure to work alongside him for 19 years with the Mets. Ethan is now a Senior Director in our media relations department.

Now, I am asking you a favor for E. Last week he underwent surgery in Manhattan and thankfully he on the road to recovery. Send him your love and best wishes. No one deserves it more than him.

Ethan Wilson literally bleeds orange and blue. Since he joined us in 1999, E has been on the job 24–7. I never have met anyone with his work ethic.

Get some rest my friend. Can’t wait to see you back at your desk at Citi Field.

Ethan Wilson’s Road to Recovery was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

By Jay Horwitz

Anytime my friend Bobby V. gets honored, I have to be there to support him. No one gives more of himself to so many different charities than our former manager.

That’s why on Saturday I will be in Yaphank, NY to witness the dedication of the Bobby Valentine Field at the Lasorda Legacy Park. Bobby is being recognized for his nearly six decades in the game as a player, major league manager, broadcaster, athletic director and for being a lifelong advocate for youth sports.

“Tommy was my mentor,” said Bobby. “To have my name associated with his name in any manner is a such a thrill for me.”

The dedication was sponsored by Steel Sports, an organization committed to transforming youth sports around the world.

Field Dedication to Bobby V. This Weekend was originally published in Mets Insider Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.