Mets to retire pitcher Jerry Koosman’s number next season

NEW YORK (AP) — Jerry Koosman will become the third New York Mets player to have his number retired by the team.

The popular left-hander will be honored sometime next season, with his No. 36 joining Tom Seaver’s No. 41 and Mike Piazza’s No. 31 on display along the Citi Field roof. Chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon announced the plans Tuesday on the 50th anniversary of New York winning its first championship, the 1969 NL East title, with a pitching staff led by Seaver and Koosman.

The Mets have also retired the numbers of ex-managers Casey Stengel (No. 37) and Gil Hodges (No. 14). Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 was retired by all major league clubs in 1997.

Current manager Mickey Callaway has been wearing No. 36 but says he’s glad to switch. He changed to No. 26 for Tuesday night’s game against Miami.

Koosman pitched for the Mets from 1967-78 and won twice during the 1969 World Series, throwing a complete game to beat heavily favored Baltimore in the clinching Game 5.