In the first few months of 2024, the baseball world mourned the loss of three beloved members of the 1969 Miracle Mets team: Bud Harrelson, Jim McAndrew, and Jerry Grote. Their passing marked the end of an era and left a void in the hearts of fans worldwide. Reflecting on this profound loss, I feel privileged to have had both Bud Harrelson and Jim McAndrew as guests on my radio show. In tribute to their memory, I delved into the archives to revisit the poignant and insightful moments they shared during our conversations. As Flyers head coach Fred Shero once said, "Win today and we walk together forever," a sentiment originally about hockey but one that undeniably applies to the spirit of the 1969 Mets. Let's take a moment to honor their legacies by revisiting their words and celebrating the indelible impact they've had on the game of baseball and the lives of countless fans.
Bud Harrelson's journey in baseball was profoundly shaped by the values instilled in him by his father, Glenn McKinley Harrelson. Bud often reminisced about his father's quiet support and emphasis on learning over winning, a philosophy that laid the foundation for his future success. "He played everybody, and he didn't really care about winning. It was more of learning," Bud fondly recalled. This early lesson in humility and dedication became the guiding principle of Bud's illustrious career.
The pivotal role of Bud's high school coach, Don Carley, cannot be overstated. Carley's dedication to honing Bud's skills as a shortstop, tirelessly hitting thousands of ground balls, was instrumental in shaping Bud into the player he would become. "Don Carley, my high school coach, who converted me into a shortstop and worked with me tirelessly, literally hitting thousands of ground balls to help me improve," Bud remembered. Carley's influence laid the groundwork for Bud's future success on the field.
One of the most significant figures in Bud's career was Gil Hodges, the revered manager of the 1969 Mets. Bud described Hodges as a "gentle giant" whose leadership and guidance left an indelible mark on his approach to the game and life itself. "He was just a gentle giant. You know, he played for the Dodgers. he played for the Mets," Bud reflected. Hodges' impact transcended the field, shaping the path of the Mets during their historic 1969 season.
Memories of the unforgettable 1969 season, where the Mets defied the odds to win the World Series, remain etched in Bud's mind. Reflecting on the team's remarkable journey, Bud often remarked on the personal significance of being born on D-Day, June 6th, 1944. "It was an important part in the history of the United States that I was born on D-Day... June 6th, 1944," Bud recalled. This connection to a pivotal moment in history underscored the magnitude of the Mets' triumph in 1969 and its lasting impact on Bud's life.
Reflecting on the infamous altercation with Pete Rose during the 1973 playoffs, Bud's perspective offered insights into his resilience and character. Recalling the heated confrontation, Bud remarked, "I remember Pete came in and slid into second base, and the fight was on. I just remember thinking, 'I gotta get this guy off me,' you know?" This moment, while contentious, underscored Bud's unwavering commitment to his team and his willingness to stand his ground in the face of adversity.
Something Bud could draw on during the 1986 World Series, his recollection of the miraculous ninth inning of Game Six offered a glimpse into the team's resilience and determination. Reflecting on the tense moments preceding the comeback, Bud shared, "We made two fast outs. You know, Backman and Hernandez bing, bing." Yet, despite the odds, the Mets rallied, showcasing the spirit and tenacity that defined Bud's career.
Transitioning to coaching and eventually managing the team in 1990 and 1991, Bud reflected on the unique challenges and rewards of leading such a storied franchise. "Managing the Mets was a unique experience. It was both challenging and rewarding, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead such a storied franchise," Bud reminisced. Despite the obstacles he faced, Bud's passion for the game and unwavering commitment to his players never wavered.
In contrast, Jim McAndrew's journey into professional baseball began with humble origins on a farm in Lost Nation, Iowa. His love for the game, fueled by the support of his family and community, propelled him from the farm to the diamond. "Well, like every kid, for peer acceptance, it was a lot of fun to hang out with the guys," Jim reminisced, reflecting on the camaraderie that blossomed around sports in his youth. In his hometown, sports held a special significance, with baseball reigning supreme as the favored pastime.
Jim's father, a staunch Yankee fan, inadvertently steered him towards an allegiance to the Dodgers during the annual World Series matchups. "Sports was the thing to do, and my dad was a diehard baseball fan, although back then he was a Yankee fan, which naturally made me a Dodger fan," Jim explained. This familial rivalry sparked Jim's interest in the game, igniting a lifelong passion that would shape his future in ways he never imagined.
However, in the small town where Jim grew up, there was no formal summer program for young boys to play baseball. Undeterred by this lack of opportunity, Jim's community rallied together to create one. "In fact, in the little town we lived in, there wasn't a summer program for young boys to play baseball," Jim recounted. The initiative of the local Booster Club proved instrumental as they pooled resources to purchase equipment and organize games for the eager youngsters.
Their efforts bore fruit as Jim and his peers embarked on a summer filled with baseball, traveling to neighboring towns within a 25 to 30-mile radius to compete. " I think we had 20-some games that first year at small towns," Jim recalled with a sense of nostalgia. The joy he experienced on the field mirrored the excitement he saw in his father, solidifying his love for the game and setting him on a path that would lead to Major League Baseball..
When confronted with the abundance of talent surrounding him when he arrived in the Minors, McAndrew's humility and determination shone through. "I don't think I was mature enough to look at things that way," he reflected, acknowledging his youthful naivety. "I was a kid that just got out of school, very immature in every respect." Despite his tender age and relative inexperience, McAndrew embraced the challenge as an opportunity to pursue his passion for the game. "It was an opportunity to continue playing the game that I loved," he affirmed, underscoring his unwavering dedication to pitching. With a steadfast resolve, he approached each game with an open mind and a willingness to learn, determined to prove himself on the field. "I kept my eyes and ears open," McAndrew recounted, illustrating his commitment to growth and development. "I tried to listen to some people that I respected, and go out there every fourth or fifth day and see if I could perform well enough to advance." In the face of formidable competition, McAndrew's resilience and perseverance propelled him forward, affirming his rightful place among the ranks of professional baseball.
McAndrew's minor league journey was punctuated by encounters with baseball legends that left a lasting impact on his career. Reflecting on facing Robin Roberts, a future Hall of Famer attempting a comeback with the Reading Phillies at 40 years old, McAndrew recalled a sense of awe. "I guess, in awe," he reminisced, acknowledging Roberts's storied career and enduring passion for the game. Despite the outcome of the game, McAndrew marveled at Roberts's determination to continue competing, a testament to his unwavering love for baseball. "Reading is just a few miles from Philly, so it wasn't, I'm assuming he was staying at home and just seeing if he still had it," McAndrew mused, highlighting the proximity of Roberts's hometown and the significance of his comeback attempt. He also hinted at the impressive performance of his teammate Duffy Dyer against Roberts, underscoring the competitive spirit that defined their interactions on the field.
Moreover, McAndrew cherished the opportunity to pitch against Satchel Paige and his traveling All-Stars, an experience that transcended the confines of the game. "I was in awe," McAndrew recalled, describing the atmosphere of camaraderie and admiration that surrounded Paige and his teammates after the game. "I didn't drink beer as a youngster, but around the beer kegs with all the guys after the game sitting around and talking baseball," McAndrew reminisced, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the simple joys of post-game gatherings. Immersed in the rich history of baseball, these encounters fueled McAndrew's own passion for the sport and instilled in him a profound appreciation for its iconic figures.
Throughout his career, Jim faced numerous challenges, from injuries to pitching against legendary opponents like Bob Gibson. Yet, his resilience and determination never faltered. Describing the transition from nerves to focus on the mound, Jim emphasized the importance of confidence in his success. "Once you walk across the chalk or the paint... it's something that you've done all your life," Jim reflected.
Key figures like Bob Sheffing, Whitey Herzog, and Gil Hodges played pivotal roles in shaping Jim's career, providing unwavering support and mentorship. "There were three people that believed in me more than I believed in myself," Jim confessed, highlighting the impact of their mentorship on his career trajectory.
As Mets fans mourn the loss of both Bud Harrelson and Jim McAndrew, their legacies serve as enduring reminders of the resilience, passion, and camaraderie that define the spirit of baseball. From Bud's humble beginnings to Jim's journey from Lost Nation to the Major Leagues, their stories embody the essence of every little boys dream of playing major league baseball, inspiring generations of fans and players alike. As we honor their memory, we celebrate not only their achievements on the field but also the lasting impact they've had on the sport and the countless lives they've touched along the way. Bud Harrelson, Jim McAndrew as Jerry Grote will forever remain cherished figures in the Mets' storied history, their legacies woven into the fabric of the Mets rich tapestry.
As we reflect on the lives and legacies of Bud Harrelson, Jim McAndrew, and Jerry Grote, we're reminded of the enduring spirit of the Miracle Mets and the unforgettable moments they brought to the game of baseball. Their contributions will forever be etched in history, and their absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled.
To hear more from these remarkable individuals and revisit the insightful conversations we shared, I invite you to listen to the full interviews by clicking links below. In doing so, we can continue to honor their memory and keep their stories alive for generations to come.
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