Saving the World Series

Every Mets fan remembers Jesse Orosco celebrating with both fists raised after winning the 1986 World Series. The closing pitcher first broke out in 1983, making the All-Star team and finishing third for NL Cy Young Award voting. He followed with another All-Star campaign in 1984. As the Mets headed to the 1986 postseason, Orosco played an important role on the mound. He earned the win in Games 3, 5 and 6 of the NLCS, then recorded a save in Game 7 of the World Series as the Mets clinched the championship. His celebration was captured in photographs and remains a lasting part of Mets history. “Once I was a baby and didn’t care about baseball,” he said. “Now, I’m throwing the last pitch of the World Series.” Orosco recorded 107 saves during his time with the Mets, still in the top 10 on the franchise’s all-time list.