Today In Mets History: 1969- Mets Sweep Dick Allens Phillies In Twi-Night Doubleheader

June 24,1969: The Phillies arrive for a Tuesday twi-night double header at Shea. In the late morning controversial Phillies slugger Ritchie Allen (soon to be known as Dick Allen) decides he wants to go to New Jersey to bet a horse race. He arrived back at the ballpark after the game started. Some believe he forgot about the double header, others claim he just didn’t care. Allen said he got stuck in NY traffic. He was fined and suspended until the middle of July.

The Phils and Allen had been battling all year. He had already been late for two games that month, plus there were other issues. In all fairness to Allen he was never welcomed in Philly. He was booed mercifully when he struggled & had to wear a helmet on the field because because the fans threw objects at him. He answered them back by writing BOO in the dirt around 1st base. (Allen moved to St. Louis & L.A. before winning the 1972 MVP Award with the White Sox.)

As for the double header in 1969; Larry Hisel led off the game with a HR off Tom Seaver. But that would be the only run the Phils would score in both games of the double header. Seaver went on to throw a complete game seven hitter, striking out nine Phillies. He was now 11-3 on the year, enroute to his 1st Cy Young Award. Cleon Jones & Bud Harrelson drove in a run apiece.

In the nightcap Jim McAndrew won his first game of the season, combining on a two hit shutout. Ron Taylor closed out the 9th, as the Mets won it 5-0 to complete the sweep.

In the bottom of the 4th, Tommie Agee reached on an error & Kenny Boswell singled. Art Shamsky & Wayne Garrett drove them both home with singles. Ed Kranepool’s sac fly drove in another & McAndrew drew a walk with the bases loaded for the 4th run. In the 8th Agee hit his 11th HR of the year capping off the 5-0 win.