1969 was an incredible year for space and for baseball as Americans watched heroes emerge on the moon and on the field. On June 27, the Cradle of Aviation Museum is proud to host a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1969 World Champion Mets honoring Jack DiLauro, Duffy Dyer, Wayne Garrett, Rod Gaspar, Jerry Grote, Cleon Jones, Ed Kranepool, J.C. Martin, Jim McAndrew, Art Shamsky, Ron Swoboda and Ron Taylor.
The Amazin’ Mets or Miracle Mets were considered one of the worst teams in baseball since their start in 1962. With solid young new pitchers and under the leadership of disciplined coach, Gil Hodges, the Mets turned it all around in 1969 through teamwork and a focus on winning. On October 16, 1969, they became the world champions of baseball defeating the Baltimore Orioles with four straight wins; considered one of the greatest upsets in baseball history.
“For years people used to say we’ll land a man on the moon before the Mets win the world series…well in 1969 both events happened and both events changed the world for the better,” Andrew Parton, president of Cradle of Aviation Museum
Tickets are $150 per person and include a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. and dinner and Q&A session with the players at 7 p.m. All proceeds from this fundraising event benefit the Cradle of Aviation’s education and preservation programs. Tickets are available at www.cradleofaviation.org or Reservations at 516-572-4066.The museum is located on Museum Row, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., in East Garden City. For more information call 516-572-4111 or visit www.cradleofaviation.org.
In celebration of the summer of 1969, the Mets will be giving away Mr. Met on the moon bobblehead to their first 25,000 fans at their July 27th game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Submitted by the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
