FILE - Former New York Mets’ Ken MacKenzie during Old-Timers’ Day ceremony before a baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and the New York Mets on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in New York. MacKenzie, a left-handed reliever who was the only pitcher with a winning record on the expansion 1962 New York Mets, died Thursday at his home in Guilford, Conn., Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said. He was 89. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
Ken MacKenzie, a name synonymous with the New York Mets, left a permanent mark on the world of baseball. As the only pitcher with a winning record on the expansion 1962 Mets team, MacKenzie’s talent and resilience made him a beloved figure among fans and players alike. However, his career was not always smooth sailing. In fact, he faced many challenges and setbacks along the way. Despite these difficulties, he never gave up on his passion for the game.
On Thursday, the baseball community mourned the loss of this legendary left-handed reliever, who passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Guilford, Connecticut. Accordingly, many tributes and condolences poured in from his former teammates, opponents, and admirers. Indeed, MacKenzie was a remarkable player and a great person, who will be dearly missed by many.
A Journey from Yale to the Big Leagues
Born in Gore Bay, Ontario, Ken MacKenzie grew up with a passion for sports. He attended Yale University, where he excelled both on the baseball field and in hockey. As a captain of the Yale baseball team, MacKenzie showcased his skills as a left-handed pitcher, amassing an impressive record of 19-6 over three varsity seasons. His dominance against rivals, particularly Harvard, earned him recognition as a second-team All-Ivy League player.
“His signing with us makes him the lowest-paid member of the class of Yale ’56,” Mets manager Casey Stengel once quipped.
In September 1956, MacKenzie’s talent caught the attention of the Milwaukee Braves, who signed him to their roster. This marked the beginning of his professional baseball career, and he made his major league debut on May 2, 1960, against the San Francisco Giants. Although he allowed a hit to his first batter, Joey Amalfitano, MacKenzie quickly proved his worth as a formidable pitcher.
The 1962 Mets: A Season of Triumph and Challenges
In October 1961, MacKenzie was sold to the New York Mets ahead of the expansion draft. The 1962 season marked the Mets’ inaugural year, and although they faced numerous challenges, MacKenzie’s presence provided a glimmer of hope. With a winning record of 5-4 and a 4.95 ERA in 41 relief appearances, MacKenzie’s performance stood out among the team’s 17 pitchers.
“We didn’t have an infield that got very close to ground balls, so they didn’t make a lot of errors,” MacKenzie recalled in 2022. “I always said that we had a pretty good pitching staff because we threw the ball a long way.”
The 1962 Mets faced significant hardships, setting a post-1900 record for defeats with a 40-120 season. Despite the team’s struggles, MacKenzie’s tenacity and skill on the mound were evident as he faced formidable opponents like Henry Aaron, Willie Mays, and Frank Howard.
A Journey Beyond the Mets
After his time with the Mets, MacKenzie continued his baseball journey with stints on several other teams. In 1963, he joined the St. Louis Cardinals, where he contributed with a 3-1 record and a 4.84 ERA in 31 appearances. MacKenzie’s journey took him to the San Francisco Giants in 1964 and the Houston Astros in 1965, where he showcased his talent as a reliable reliever.
“I faced some really good hitters: Henry Aaron, Willie Mays, and Frank Howard,” MacKenzie reminisced.
As his playing career drew to a close, MacKenzie found his way back to Yale, his alma mater. In 1967, he became the freshman baseball coach and freshman hockey coach, eventually succeeding Ethan Allen as the varsity baseball coach in 1969. MacKenzie’s coaching career at Yale spanned almost a decade, during which he had the opportunity to work with talented athletes like future NFL quarterback Brian Dowling.
A Lasting Legacy and Fond Farewell
Ken MacKenzie’s impact on the game of baseball extended far beyond his playing and coaching days. He left an indelible mark on the New York Mets and the teams he played for, demonstrating his unwavering determination and love for the sport. After retiring from coaching, MacKenzie continued to contribute to Yale’s alumni office until his retirement in 1984.
“His legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of Mets fans and the baseball community,” said a Mets spokesperson.
Ken MacKenzie is survived by his sons, Ken and Geoffrey. Funeral arrangements are currently pending. As we bid farewell to this legendary left-handed pitcher, we remember the remarkable journey of a man who defied the odds and made his mark in the history of baseball.
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