"A great and insightful" (Keith Hernandez, New York Mets legend and
broadcaster) New York Times bestselling account of an iconic team in
baseball history: the 1969 New York Mets--a last-place team that turned
it all around in just one season--told by '69 Mets outfielder Art
Shamsky, Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver, and other teammates who
reminisce about that legendary season and their enduring bonds decades
later.
The New York Mets franchise began in 1962 and the team finished in last
place nearly every year. When the 1969 season began, fans weren't
expecting much from "the Lovable Losers." But as the season progressed,
the Mets inched closer to first place and then eventually clinched the
National League pennant. They were underdogs against the formidable
Baltimore Orioles, but beat them in five games to become world
champions. No one had predicted it. In fact, fans could hardly believe
it happened. Suddenly they were "the Miracle Mets."
Playing right field for the '69 Mets was Art Shamsky, who had stayed in
touch with his former teammates over the years. He hoped to get together
with star pitcher Tom Seaver (who would win the Cy Young award as the
best pitcher in the league in 1969 and go on to become the first Met
elected to the Hall of Fame), but Seaver was ailing and could not
travel. So, Shamsky organized a visit to "Tom Terrific" in California,
accompanied by the #2 pitcher, Jerry Koosman, outfielder Ron Swoboda,
and shortstop Bud Harrelson. Together they recalled the highlights of
that amazing season as they reminisced about what changed the Mets'
fortunes in 1969.
In this "enjoyable tale of a storybook season" (Kirkus Reviews), and
with the help of sportswriter Erik Sherman, Shamsky has written the
"revealing" (New York Newsday) After the Miracle for the 1969 Mets.
"This heartfelt, nostalgic memoir will delight baseball fans of all ages
and allegiances" (Publishers Weekly). It's a book that every Mets fan
must own.
