Gary Gentry: 1969 World Champion Mets Pitcher (1969 - 1972)

Gary Edward Gentry was born October 6, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona. 

The six-foot right hander attended Arizona State University, getting to the College baseball finals there in his first two years.

In 1967 he went 17-1 as a junior, setting a record striking out 229 batters in 174 innings. In the semifinal game of the College World Series, Gary struck out 15 batters in 14 innings pitched 

He was named All American & the College Player of the Year as ASU won the championship. 

Trivia: He was the third straight Sun Devil player to be named Player of the Year following Reggie Jackson & Rick Monday. 

Honors: In 1976 Gentry was named to the Arizona State Hall of Fame.

After passing up three offers from other teams he was drafted by the New York Mets in 1967, in the third round. 

In 1968 he went 12-4 at AAA Jacksonville winning another championship there with future Mets; Tug McGraw, Duffy Dyer, Amos Otis, Jim McAndrew & Danny Frisella.

1969 World Championship Season: Gentry made the 1969 starting Mets staff; along with Nolan Ryan they were the youngest pitchers on the team at age 22. 

Mets beat writer Jack Lang said that in his cowboy boots & blue jeans, Gentry looks more like a rancher than a pitcher.

On April 10th, Gentry debuted with the Mets at Shea Stadium, earning a victory over the expansion Montreal Expos, pitching into the 9th innings allowing just two runs.

On Aril 15th, he won his second start as well, allowing three runs in seven innings & striking out five Phillies in Philadelphia. 

In his third start he pitched better that he did in his first two games, allowing one run while fanning eight, through nine innings but got no decision in a 2-1 Mets loss to Woodie Fryman & the Phils at Shea.

In May he lost three straight starts where he gave up four runs in two of those outings.

On May 17th, he beat the Reds 11-3 in Cincinnati, in a game where he gave up 12 hits but just three runs. On May 23rd, Gentry gave up six runs, second most he'd allow on the season, in a 7-0 shutout loss to the Astros in Houston. The Astros were the toughest Mets opponent on the 1969 regular season.

Shut Out: On June 17th in the first game of a double header at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia, he threw a two-hit complete game 1-0 shutout to beat Billy Champion & the Phillies while, striking out a season high nine batters.

He followed that up, pithing into the 9th inning to beat Ste Carlton & the Cardinals at Shea for his seventh victory (7-5). On June 28th, he left a 2-2 tie with the Pirates at Shea, in the top of the 8th inning with a runner on first. That runner & five other Pirates scored off Tug McGraw that inning, with Gentry taking the loss.

On July 3rd, Genty pitched a one run five hit complete game victory in St. Louis, to beat veteran Mud Cat Grant & the Cardinals. In that game he struck out five batters & walked two. 

He followed up with a big win over the first place Cubs at Wrigley Field, helping the Mets take two of three. 

As the Mets were surprising everyone & proving to be a contender in the newly aligned NL East, Gentry was also making the baseball world notice him in the shadows of the Mets star pitchers, Tom Seaver & Jerry Koosman.

By the end of July, although he had pitched some gems, his record was at .500 (9-9) with a 3.71 ERA.

On August 8th in the second game of a double header in Atlanta, he pitched nine innings of shutout ball allowing just four hits, but the Mets would lose the game when Ron Taylor allowed a Felipe Alou Walk off base hit.

On August 13th, the Astros struck again, as they got Gentry for three runs in the 1st inning on a Dennis Menke three run HR in Houston. Gil Hodges removed him after one inning as he took the loss.

On August 19th he got another no decision after pitching another fantastic ten inning four hit shutout against Juan Marichal & the San Francisco Giants at Shea Stadium. Tommie Agee won the game with a 14th inning walk off HR off Marichal earning Tug McGraw the victory. He closed out the month taking a loss to the Giants in San Francisco.

As for the Amazing Mets they would go on to win 37 of their last 48 games to overtake the Cubs in the NL East.

1969 Pennant Race: In the September pennant race he was as a good as anybody on the staff, starting out the month with a 5-4 win over the Dodgers in Los Angeles, pitching into the 9th inning to get to double figures in wins (10-11).

Shut Out: On September 11th, the Mets were in first place after having swept a double header over the Expos the previous day. In the midst of a ten-game win streak, Gentry earned his eleventh win with his second shutout of the season, as he beat the Expos at Shea Stadium on a six hitter where he matched his season high, nine strike outs.

In his next start he gave up three runs to the Cardinals taking a no decision. On September 20th, he was on the losing end of the Pirates Bob Moose's no hitter over the Mets at Shea.

Shut Out as Mets Clinch NL East: On September 24th, Gentry took the mound at in front of a sold-out wild crowd at Shea Stadium, on what was to be a historic night in Mets history. Gentry went out & pitched a four-hit gem, shutting out Steve Carlton & the St. Louis Cardinals. He struck out five & walked two along the way.

More importantly the Mets clinched the Eastern Division title that night, getting to their first post season. 

Before the 1969 season was over, he added one more victory on September 28th, shutting out the Phillies for five innings.

As a rookie in the 1969 Championship season, Gentry went 13-12, in 35 starts (tied for the team lead with Tom Seaver) posting a 3.43 ERA. 

Gentry struck out 154 batters, walked 81 in 233 innings of work, threw three shut outs and had six complete games.

His downside was giving up 24 HRs (6th most in the NL) and leading the team with 12 losses. He posted a perfect .1000 fielding % for the first of three times in his career.

Tom Seaver & Gary Gentry survey the damaged
Shea Stadium pitcher's mound after the
1969 NLCS as fans had torn up the field

Post Season 1969 NLCS: In the 1969 NLCS win over the Atlanta Braves, Gentry started Game #3 the first ever post-season game at Shea Stadium, with the Mets going for the series sweep.

He had a rough outing, only pitching two innings, giving up two solo HRs to Hank Aaron & Orlando Cepeda. He was relieved by Nolan Ryan who went on to finish the game, pitching seven innings earning the win advancing the Amazing Mets to the World Series.

1969 World Series: In the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles, Gentry got the start in Game #3, the first ever World Series game played at Shea Stadium. At this point the Mets left Baltimore with the Series tied at one game each. 

The rookie Gentry pitched well ion the national stage, going into the seventh inning, allowing no runs on three hits, while striking out four Orioles. He had some help on the field, as this game was highlighted by Tommie Agee's two spectacular catches in centerfield that prevented at least five Baltimore Oriole runs.

In the top of the 4th inning, after striking out Paul Blair, Gentry allowed singles to Frank Robinson & Boog Powell. After striking out Brooks Robinson, Elrod Hendricks ripped a shot to deep centerfield that Agee snagged with one of the best catches in World Series history. In the top of the 6th, Agee once again made a spectacular grab on a Brooks Robinson fly ball, also with two runners on base.

Back in the bottom of the 2nd inning, Gentry helped his own cause by doubling off Jim Palmer to deep right center field over Don Buford's head. That scored Bud Harrelson with the game's first run.

It was his first hit since August 3rd & Gentry had only driven in one run all season long.

In the top of the 7th inning, after having two fly balls hit deep to centerfield, Gentry was removed by manager Gil Hodges. The Shea crowd gave the youngster a ice ovation upon his exit. Nolan Ryan again came into for relief pitching 2.1 scoreless innings combining for the 5-0

shutout.     

The Mets went on to win the World Series in five games & were baseball's World Champions.

Amazing Mets Celebrity Status: Gentry reveled in the Mets ticker tape parade down Broadway & appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show with his teammates enjoying all the good things that came with the Championship.

Baseball Card Trivia: Gary’s 1970 Topps baseball card picture was the same photo used on his 1969 Rookie card, one he shared with Amos Otis.

After the Championship- 1970: Gary began 1970 pitching the fourth game of the season. On April 11th, he pitched into the 9th inning, allowing just one run, beating the Cardinals 4-1 in St. Louis. 

After two no decisions, he earned a pair of victories on the early West Coast Road trip to have him had start out the year at 3-0 with a 1.72 ERA.

One Hitter: On May 13th Gentry pitched one of the best games of his career, as he flirted with a no hitter at Wrigley Field. Gentry held the Cubs hitless until two outs of the bottom of the 8th inning, when Ernie Banks singled to left field spoiling the no hit bid. It was the only hit Gentry allowed in the game, as he struck out seven Cubs & finished with a one hit, 4-0 victory.

Shut Out: On May 27th Gentry had another fine outing, this one against Steve Carlton & the St. Louis Cardinals, also at Shea Stadium. He struck out nine Cardinals, pitching a three-hit shutout as the Mets won 3-0. 

In June he lost his first two decisions, including a 10-2 loss in Cincinnati where he gave up six runs on ten hits, as well as serving up HRs to Johnny Bench & Lee May. But he then won his next two starts & was 7-4 with a 3.62 ERA entering July. But then Gary struggled a bit, taking a pair of losses in July & going on the DL for two weeks without any wins in the month.

In August he earned a save on the 8th, when he came in to relieve Jerry Koosman in a wild 12-9 win in Pittsburgh. On August 12th he pitched a one run, four hit victories at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati to beat the Reds.

His next start came at Shea, where he pitched another one run four hitter to beat the Houston Astros. At the time of the win, the Mets were just 2.5 games behind the Pirates in second place. But the Miracle Mets fell short in 1970, as they fell to third place by season's end.

From mid-August on Gentry finished out the year losing his last three decisions (nine no decisions) ending with a 9-9 record, one save & a 3.68 ERA. He struck out 138 batters, walked 86 in 188 innings pitched, throwing five complete games with two shut outs.

Trivia: Gary Gentry weas an outstanding fielding pitcher. He made just one error in his career on the mound. That came in August of 1970 covering first base on a ground ball hit by Pete Rose.

Temper: Gentry had a temper as well, he let his emotions get to him more than once on the field. Not only did he aggravate umpires & opposing teams with his anger but also his own teammates. Gentry claimed the Mets were giving Tom Seaver special treatment, as he always made his starts while others may be skipped over on off days or for rain outs. Gentry oversaw that Seaver was the Cy Young Winner & future Hall of Famer.

Gentry once publicly by tossed his glove in the air when he thought outfielder Cleon Jones had been lax on a fly ball.

In another instance he stood on the mound with his hands on his hips, looking toward centerfield after Tommie Agee had misjudged a fly ball. The fans were outraged when he showed up the popular Agee & Gentry received a lot of angry fan mail.

Gentry later said his anger was geared toward the umpires. Gil Hodges sat him down & gave him a talking too, explaining how he needed to control his temper in front of thousands of fans, especially in the New York limelight.

1971: Gentry got the second start of the season but took a 6-2 loss to the Montreal Expos at home, as he allowed three runs in 6.2 innings of work. He then lost his next start in Montreal as well.

Second Career One Hitter: On April 18th in the first game of a double header at Shea Stadium, Gentry had a no hitter going into the 6th inning, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He retired the first 13 batters, before issuing a walk, then hitting Bob Robertson with a pitch. Gentry was then instructed to walk Jackie Hernandez intentionally with two outs to face the pitcher Luke Walker, whom he struck out to end the inning.

In the top of the 6th, with one out he walked Ritchie Hebner. Then Gentry gave up a triple to Roberto Clemente spoiling the no hit bid.  It was the only hit the Pirates would have in the game. The game was now tied 1-1 & Clemente scored when Willie Stargell hit a sac fly to left field to put the Pirates ahead 2-1. Gentry struck out six & walked three along the way. 

The Mets would go ahead in the bottom of the 6th on a two run HR by Cleon Jones. Tommie Agee then homered & Bob Aspromonte drove in another run-in leading Gentry to another one hit 5-2 victory.

On April 28th Gary pitched another complete game victory, giving up just one run to the Cardinals in St. Louis in a 9-1 win. 

In May he made five starts never allowing more than two earned runs, but only got credit for one win. On May 10th at Shea, Gentry beat the Astros Wade Blasingame 2-1 with the help of a Bu Harrelson two run 7th inning single.

On May 26th he pitched ten innings allowing just two runs to the Phillies but got no decision, as
the Mets lost the game 3-2 in 12th inning on a Larry Bowa's base hit scoring Tim McCarver. 

In June, Gentry had his best month of the year, going 4-1 with two complete games. He struck out 25 batters & walked 16 in six games. 

Two Hit Shut-Out: On June 18th, he threw a two-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies, notching seven strike outs in the 2-0 win over Ken Reynolds. Two starts later in Philadelphia, he beat Rick Wise tossing a four hit 3-1 win, although the run was unearned.

Family Drama: That summer The Gentry's had a family crisis at their home in Arizona. Their three-year-old son nearly drowned when he jumped into the pool at their house unattended. Gary's wife Janet jumped into the pool & saved the boy's life by giving him mouth to mouth resuscitation.

Manager Gil Hodges told him to go home to be with his family & Gentry missed a week of action. Upon his return he took a loss at Pittsburgh & was ejected from the game when he bumped umpire Shag Crawford. He was fined & suspended for three games.

Gentry made just four starts in August going 1-1. On August 4th, he lost a 1-0 heart breaker to Gary Nolan & the Reds when Pete Rose doubled home a run in the top of the 8th inning. The loss dropped him to .500 at 9-9. On August 22nd he beat the Padres at Shea, then took a no decision to the Dodgers, in a 2-1 win as he left the game in a 1-1 tie after eight innings. The Mets won it on Cleon Jones Walk off HR.

By September the Mets were out of the race & finished 83-79 in third place. Gentry went 2-2 in the month. On September 7th he gave up a season high seven runs, including two HRs in a loss at Montreal. 

Third Season Shut Out: On September 17th, Gary shut out the eventual World Champion Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium. He struck out seven & walked just one in the 3-0 Mets win.

Gentry finished the year at 12-11 (second most wins on the staff, behind Tom Seaver's 20 wins) with a 3.23 ERA.

He struck out 155 batters, walked 82 and was a work horse pitching 203 innings, while throwing three shutouts & eight complete games (both second on the staff to Seaver).

But it was a frustrating year for Gentry & he told the media he couldn't wait for the season to be over to get out of New York. 

Winter Trade Talks: That off season, the Padres & Angels both showed interest in Gentry in trades, but the Mets GM Bob Scheffing refused to deal the youngster. Saying he's just a kid & with his stuff he's better than a .500 pitcher. Instead, he gave up Nolan Ryan in the trade for Jim Fregosi that probably could have still been made if it was Gentry dealt. 

At the end of Spring Training & the first Players Union strike, Gil Hodges suffered a fatal heart attack shocking the organization. The Mets had to carry on & Yogi Berra was named manager.

1972: In the second game of the 1972 season, Gentry took a rough loss to Steve Blass & the World Champion Pirates. Although he allowed just one run through six innings, Blass shut out the Mets 2-0 on a three hitter.

From April 27th to May 17th, Gentry then went on to win three straight decisions, earning wins on the West Coast in San Diego & San Francisco, as well as a game at Shea against the Montreal Expos. In five games opponents hit just .191 against him & he notched 26 strike outs. 

Two Hitter: On May 2nd, in San Francisco he threw a two-hitter, but did allow two runs in the 3-2 Mes win, striking out five the Giants. In that game he also collected an RBI single off Don Carrithers.

When the Giants came to Shea, he allowed just one run in seven innings & earned no decision in the Mets 2-1 win. On May 17th, he won a complete game victory in a 12-2 win over the Expos at Shea. On May 23rd, he left a 1-1 tie with the Cubs & Fergie Jenkins at Wrigley Field. Tug McGraw lost the game in the 8th inning on Paul Popovich's RBI double.

But from May 28th to June 29th, he lost five straight decisions allowing five runs or more in four of those games, as his ERA rose to 4.06 by the end of June. On June 17th, he gave up a season high three HRs & eight runs to the Reds at Riverfront Stadium.

On July 20th he pitched a complete game 2-1 victory over Al Downing & the Dodgers in Los
Angeles. In that game he struck out six & walked four.

In his next two starts he gave up three runs or more & fell to a 5-8 record. Manager Yogi Berra put him in the bullpen for most of August. In six relief appearances he gave up four runs in ten innings finishing off three games. 

Gentry returned to the rotation in September. In his first two starts he pitched into the 7th inning giving up just one run each time while earning wins over the Cubs & Cardinals to get to 7-8. 

His last two outings were rough as he never got past the second inning, allowing more than four runs each time.

In 1972, Gentry was 7-10 record posting his highest ERA in his Met career, at 4.01. He struck out 120 batters with 75 walks in 164 innings of work, in 32 appearances making 26 starts. Gentry threw three complete games as well. 

Although GM Bob Scheffing practically admitted his biggest regret was not trading Gentry instead of Ryan, Gentry was still young and had some trade value with a promising future.

Trade to Atlanta: That winter he was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with reliever Danny Frisella in exchange for Felix Millan & George Stone. It was a great trade for the Mets, as they went onto the 1973 World Series with key contributions from both players.

Post Mets Career: In 1973 he was 4-6 with a 3.43 ERA for the Braves. By July, he developed bone chips in his elbow and was out for the rest of the season. 

Over the next two seasons, he pitched in just ten games for Atlanta making three starts as the injuries ruined his career. On April 8th, 1974, he was in the bullpen next to teammate Tom House who caught Hank Aaron's 715th record setting HR. He made just three appearances that season before needing tendon surgery. On May 6, 1975, he made his last appearance for the Braves. He refused to take a pay cut & was released.

In 1975 he was re-signed by the Mets but tore a flexor muscle in his right elbow. He had pitched just one game at AA Jackson then was released on June 19th.

Career Stats: During his seven -year career, he was 46-49 with a 3.56 ERA. In 157 games he threw eight shut outs with 25 complete games. He struck out 615 batters walking 369 batters in 902 innings pitched. 

Mets Career: His Mets career spanned 131 games, going 41-42 with 563 strike outs 324 walks & a 3.56 ERA.

Gentry stated in 2009 that he felt he wasn't welcome at Shea Stadium after Mrs. Joan Payson passed away. He said when the new ownership changed, the old Baltimore regime came over. This was the Frank Cashen, George Bamberger days of the early 1980's.

Retirement: After his injury in 1975, realizing his baseball career was over, he learned the real estate business. He worked in real estate eventually managing subsidized housing for senior citizens in Arizona.

In his retirement Gentry has lived in Scottsdale Arizona.

Honors: In 2009 Gentry finally made his return to the Mets organization for the 40th anniversary reunion of the 1969 Championship team. He returned once again for the team's 50th Anniversary in 2019.

Quotes: Ron Swoboda in the Book Amazing- "His stuff was every bit as good as Seaver's. He had just as live an arm. When I wasn't playing, I used to warm him up in the bullpen just to keep my own reflexes sharp.