Jim McAndrew was a pitcher with the 1969 World Series-winning New York Mets.
- Died: March 14, 2024 (Who else died on March 14?)
- Details of death: Died at a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, after a brief illness at the age of 80.
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Jim McAndrew’s legacy
Born in the small town of Lost Nation, Iowa, McAndrew played both baseball and basketball at the University of Iowa. A knee injury prompted him to focus exclusively on baseball, and he was drafted by the Mets in 1965, continuing to go to school in the offseason to complete his degree in psychology. After a few seasons with the Mets’ minor league affiliates, McAndrew made his major league debut in 1968, substituting for Nolan Ryan.
The year after his major league debut was the year of the “Miracle Mets,” a stellar team that far surpassed their previous seasons. They became the first expansion team to win a World Series, besting the Baltimore Orioles just eight seasons after their establishment. Though McAndrew’s pitching helped the team to the postseason, he didn’t play in any of their playoff or World Series games.
McAndrew remained with the Mets through 1973, when he was traded to the San Diego Padres. After a single season that included a series of injuries, he retired in 1974. After his baseball career, McAndrew pivoted to working in sales and management in the coal industry for more than 25 years.
Tributes to Jim McAndrew
Full obituary: ESPN
