A catcher who believed
By the time the 1969 Mets gathered for spring training in St. Petersburg, the team was known mostly for its pitching, so it was fitting that the player who predicted a title was the man who caught those pitchers. According to a recollection from Tom Seaver, Jerry Grote told his teammates they would win the World Series. Seaver said the group thought he was joking, yet it made sense: Grote had caught them all the previous year and simply knew how good they were.
The champions
The motto of the season was “You gotta believe.” The roster listed on the original page included:
- Manager and coaches: Gil Hodges, Rube Walker, Yogi Berra, Joe Pignatano and Ed Yost.
- Pitchers: Don Cardwell, Jack DiLauro, Gary Gentry, Jerry Koosman, Cal Koonce, Jim McAndrew, Tug McGraw, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver and Ron Taylor.
- Catchers: Jerry Grote, Duffy Dyer and J.C. Martin.
- Infield and outfield: Tommie Agee, Ken Boswell, Ed Charles, Donn Clendenon, Wayne Garrett, Rod Gaspar, Bud Harrelson, Cleon Jones, Ed Kranepool, Bob Pfeil, Art Shamsky, Ron Swoboda and Al Weis.
Harrelson later became associated with the Long Island Ducks, and Ryan with the Round Rock Express.
Remembered
Art Shamsky is quoted on the original page saying that the Miracle Mets will live forever. Visit the home page to learn more about Jerry Grote’s career.