Former Starting Pitcher For the '69 Mets Passes Away at Age of 80

Jim McAndrew, who pitched alongside Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver for the 1969 World Champion New York Mets, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80.

The team made the announcement in a post about his career:

Jim passed away at 80 after a short illness last Wednesday at Scottsdale Shea Hospital in Scottsdale, AZ.

He had the misfortune to pitch on the best staff in baseball in 1969, one that featured Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan and Gary Gentry. He mainly made his starts when doubleheaders piled up and manager Gil Hodges needed an extra hurler.

In one stretch in 1969, Jim tossed three straight complete games, which included a stretch of 23 straight scoreless innings. Over a nine-start period, he compiled a minute 1.60 ERA in 73 innings.

All in all, he spent seven years in the big leagues with the Mets and San Diego Padres. He was with the Mets for six years, going 36-49 with the team, though he pitched to a 3.54 ERA. For his career, he was 37-49 with a 3.65 ERA, which is certainly respectable.

There's no word yet on if the team will be honoring McAndrew at some point this season, but it stands to reason that they will.

As for this year's version of the Mets, they are widely expected to finish third or fourth in the National League East. They finished fourth last season when three NL East clubs made the playoffs (Braves, Phillies, and Miami Marlins). 

Opening Day is March 28.