By David Jordan Jr
The essence of New York City can be seen in the professional sports teams that represent the city. The sense of togetherness for one goal, the paid price for success, and the joy in victory is apparent in The Big Apple.
The years of 1969 and 1970 would see New York pull off the the trifecta as the New York Jets and the New York Mets win would world championships in 1969 and the the New York Knicks would win the NBA Championship in 1970.
The New York Mets rose up out of Shea Stadium to claim the 1969 World Series, defeating the number one-seeded American League Champions Baltimore Orioles four games to one to win the franchise’s first Major League Baseball Championship. The Miracle Mets became the first team expansion team in MLB history to win the division title, a league pennant, and the World Series in the same season.
Right fielder Art Shamsky was an integral piece to The Miracle Mets championship season. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Shamsky played college baseball at the University of Missouri before signing as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds in 1959.
Shamsky would be traded to the New York Mets in the fall of 1967, thus laying the foundation for the eventual championship run in 1969. During the 1969 season, Shamsky hit .300 with a .375 on-base percentage, a .488 slugging percentage, and 14 home runs.
Shamsky recently talked to ESHE about his career, community, and The Miracle Mets of 1969.
