Cal Koonce: 1969 World Champion Mets Pitcher (1967-1970)
Calvin Lee Koonce was born on November 18, 1940, at Fayetteville, North Carolina. The six-foot right-handed pitcher attended Campbell Town University. In his freshman year with the Fighting Camels he earned All American honors. Koonce was a star & basketball player getting elected to the schools Hall of Fame. Trivia: Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry & his brother Jim Perry also attended Campbell University In 1961 Koonce signed with the Chicago Cubs. Koonce was in the major leagues the next season, making relief appearances in his first two outings. On April 27th, 1962he made his first start, pitching a complete game one run victory in St. Louis against the Cards. One Hitter: On July 13th he pitched the best game of his career, it came at Wrigley Field against the Cincinnati Reds. In the 4th innings he allowed a base hit to the Reds; Don Blasingame, but he then retired the next 17 batters in a row, finishing off a one hit shutout. He pit...