78. Jerry Koosman

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	SO
222	209	3.58	612	527	17	3,839.3	2556

You would think it would be hard to rank a Pitcher who once lost 20 games in a season on a list for Hall of Fame consideration. Actually, it wasn’t that hard at all.

In the year that Jerry Koosman lost twenty games, his stat lines were actually decent. In fact, he led the National League in Strikeouts per Nine Innings that season; however the run support that he received from his woeful Mets was virtually non-existent. It wasn’t always that way, as he was the lefty half of a powerful combination (with Tom Seaver) that propelled the “Miracle Mets” to the 1969 World Series. Considered to be the best lefty that the Mets ever had, Koosman won 140 games for them which was impressive considering that New York was not particularly good for half of that tenure. With what was perceived as up and down seasons, Koosman was resurrected in Minnesota and won 20 games making a solid charge for the Cy Young, but again he was saddled with a mediocre team, but now one out of the National spotlight.

Jerry Koosman was a very good pitcher who always seemed to be under a shadow (Seaver) or in a small market. Sabremetrically, his career has enjoyed a better look (Career WAR of 58.8), but it probably won’t be enough o get him a serious look on a Veteran’s Committee Ballot. At least Mets fans knew how good Koosman really was.

Should Jerry Koosman be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 67.5%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 13.8%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 12.3%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 6.4%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Appleton, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Eligible In: Friday, 01 January 1999
Position: Pitcher
Games Played: 612
Notable Statistics: 222 Wins
209 Losses
3.36 ERA
527 Games Started
140 Complete Games
33 Shutouts
43 Games Finished
17 Saves
3,839.1 Innings Pitched
2,556 Strikeouts
3.26 FIP
1.259 WHIP
2.13 SO/BB
53.6 bWAR

7 Playoff Games
4 Wins
0 Losses
6 Games Started
2 Complete Games
40.1 Innings Pitched
31 Strikeouts
3.55 FIP
1.215 WHIP
1.82 SO/BB

36 Runs Scored
108 Hits
12 Doubles
1 Triple
2 Home Runs
46 Runs Batted In
1 Stolen Base
.119/.151/.141 Slash Line

7 Playoff Games
2 Runs Scored
3 Hits
1 Double
0 Triples
0 Home Runs
1 Runs Batted In
0 Stolen Base
.176/.222/.235 Slash Line
Played For: Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies
Major Accolades and Awards: World Series Rings (1) (New York Mets, 1969)
All-Star (2) (1968 & 1969)
Highest SO/9 (1) (NL) (1977)
Lowest FIP (1) (AL) (1982)
Highest Fielding Percentage by a Pitcher (2) (NL) (1968 & 1970)
Other Points of Note: Top Ten Cy Young Finishes:
(NL: 1976, 2nd) & (AL: 1979: 6th)
6 Top Ten Finishes (bWAR for Pitchers)
6 Top Ten Finishes (Earned Run Average)
5 Top Ten Finishes (Wins)
3 Top Ten Finishes (WHIP)
5 Top Ten Finishes (H/9)
1 Top Ten Finish (BB/9)
9 Top Ten Finishes (SO/9)
4 Top Ten Finishes (Innings Pitched)
8 Top Ten Finishes (Strikeouts)
4 Top Ten FInishes (Games Started)
5 Top Ten Finishes (Complete Games)
4 Top Ten Finishes (Shutouts)
7 Top Ten Finishes (SO/BB)
6 Top Ten Finishes (ERA+)
8 Top Ten Finishes (FIP)
4 Top Ten Finishes (Win Probability Added)
4 Top Ten Finishes (Championship Win Probability Added)
Notable All Time Rankings: 34. Strikeouts: 2,556
30. Games Started: 527
48. Innings Pitched: 3,839.3
76. bWAR for Pitchers: 57.0
77. Wins: 222
87. Shutouts: 33
97. Win Probability Added: 21.4
Vote Percentage Received for the Hall of Fame: 1991: 0.9%
Should be Inducted As A: New York Met

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78. Jerry Koosman

Should Jerry Koosman be in the Hall of Fame?

The Bullet Points

Should Jerry Koosman be in the Hall of Fame?

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