Gary Gentry – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Gary Gentry isn’t as famous as Tom Seaver or Jerry Koosman, but this right-handed pitcher from Phoenix, Arizona, played a surprisingly crucial role in one of baseball’s most unforgettable championship runs. Born on October 6, 1946, Gentry spent seven seasons in Major League Baseball and retired in 1975 at just 28 years old.

His career, though brief, made a big impact. He went from the desert Southwest to the bright lights of New York, then wrapped things up in Atlanta.

Gentry’s most iconic moment happened as a 22-year-old rookie. He helped pitch the 1969 “Miracle Mets” to their shocking World Series win over the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles. The young pitcher started Game Three of that World Series, holding the Orioles scoreless for over six innings at Shea Stadium.

His outing, paired with some jaw-dropping defensive plays by Tommie Agee, helped the Mets grab a 2-1 series lead on their way to the title.

During his time with the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, Gentry put together a record of 46 wins and 49 losses in 158 games. The stats might not leap off the page, but his story—from Arizona State University standout to World Series hero—offers a real glimpse into the pressure cooker of pro baseball and how fleeting sports careers can be.

You see both the highs of championship glory and the tough breaks that forced him out of the game he’d helped take to its greatest stage.

Early Life and Education

Gary Edward Gentry came into the world on October 6, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona. He grew into a talented athlete and would one day help the New York Mets win their first World Series.

His baseball journey started at Camelback High School, then moved through Phoenix Junior College—where he helped win a national title—and finally Arizona State University, where he broke records.

Childhood in Phoenix, Arizona

Gentry grew up in Phoenix with a family that cheered him on from the very start. His father, Ed Gentry, played a huge role in shaping his baseball path and gave him what Gary later called his “first boost in baseball.”

As a kid, Gentry had a relentless work ethic. He remembered his busy schedule during American Legion baseball: “When I played American Legion ball, I worked at a freight line from 6 to 2, then went home for a nap, and pitched that night.”

Even though he could pitch, Gentry didn’t focus on it early on. His dad told him not to pitch too much when he was young, so Gary played other positions and learned to be a more complete player.

Camelback High School Baseball Experience

At Camelback High School, Gentry took his father’s advice and played second base instead of pitching. This move helped him build all-around baseball skills and get a deeper feel for the game.

He stood six feet tall and weighed 180 pounds, and folks already saw him as a standout athlete. His strong right arm was obvious, but he waited to really develop his pitching skills until later.

Those high school years laid the groundwork for everything that followed. He learned discipline and got to see the game from more than just the pitcher’s mound.

Phoenix Junior College Achievements

After high school, Gentry chose Phoenix Junior College. His thinking was pretty practical—he said he picked it “because it played 35-40 games a season” and figured “I’d get more experience than if I played freshman ball at a larger university.”

At Phoenix Junior College, he started to take pitching more seriously. That choice paid off when he helped the team win a national junior college championship in 1965.

In 1966, Gentry and his teammates made it to the national championship game again, though they lost in the finals. Those experiences toughened him up and gave him the confidence he’d need for the next level.

Arizona State University Baseball Honors

After two years at Phoenix Junior College, Gentry transferred to Arizona State University. He picked ASU because it was a baseball powerhouse and, as he put it, “a stepping stone” to the pros.

As a junior in 1967, Gentry went 17-1 and racked up a record 229 strikeouts in 174 innings. He helped the Sun Devils win the NCAA championship at the College World Series.

In the College World Series semifinal in Omaha, Gentry threw a 14-inning complete game against Stanford. He struck out 15 and didn’t let anyone past first base after the sixth inning. He even scored the winning run.

That 1967 season brought him a bunch of honors—All-American, All-College World Series team, and National College Player of the Year awards.

Path to Major League Baseball

Gary Gentry’s climb to the majors started at Arizona State University, where he dominated college ball and caught the eye of pro scouts. His huge performance in the 1967 College World Series put him on the national map and led to his being picked by the New York Mets in the secondary draft.

College World Series and National Recognition

Gentry’s college career hit its peak in 1967. He posted a 17-1 record with 13 complete games and six shutouts.

His ERA? Just 1.14—pretty wild, honestly. He struck out 229 batters that year, setting a school record and proving he could blow hitters away.

The highlight? A marathon, 15-inning playoff game against Arizona. Gentry threw 208 pitches and struck out 18 batters. He even popped sugar pills between innings to keep his energy up.

After that, he pitched another complete game win—a 14-inning, 4-3 victory over Stanford. Those two marathon outings are still the longest in ASU history.

Arizona State won the 1967 College World Series, and Gentry made the All-Tournament Team and earned All-American honors. The Sporting News called him the 1967 College Player of the Year.

MLB Draft Experiences and Decisions

The New York Mets picked Gentry in the third round of the 1967 June Secondary Draft. He was the 60th overall pick.

Before ASU, Gentry played at Phoenix College in 1966, where his team won the National Championship. That only added to his growing reputation.

The Mets’ scouts loved his control and competitive streak. They saw him as a real prospect.

Signing with the New York Mets

After the draft, Gentry joined the Mets’ minor league system. He started his pro career in 1968, working his way up.

He pitched for Williamsport in the Eastern League and Jacksonville in the International League. Both teams won league championships while he was there, so his winning streak just kept rolling.

His fast progress impressed the Mets’ coaches. They liked his college experience and maturity—it helped him adjust to pro ball quickly.

The Mets called Gentry up for his major league debut on April 10, 1969. He was just 22 when he first took the mound in a Mets uniform.

New York Mets Career Highlights

Gary Gentry’s time with the New York Mets was all about his breakout rookie season in 1969. He helped the team win their first National League pennant and World Series.

He pitched the division-clinching game against the Cardinals and came up big in both the NLCS and World Series.

Rookie Season Impact

Gentry made an immediate splash in 1969, locking down a spot as the team’s third starter behind Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman. The 22-year-old rookie from ASU started 35 games, matching Seaver for the most that year.

His rookie season finished with a 13-12 record, a 3.43 ERA, and 154 strikeouts in 233⅔ innings. He threw three shutouts and finished six games, pitching into the ninth inning 13 times.

His biggest regular season moment? On June 17 against Philadelphia, Gentry tossed a two-hitter for his first big league shutout, beating rookie Billy Champion 1-0 and striking out nine.

He also pitched the game that clinched the National League East Division for the Mets. In September, he beat the Cardinals as Joe Torre hit into a game-ending double play, sending fans pouring onto the field at Shea Stadium.

That win helped the Mets finish with a 100-62 record—their first winning season ever. The team won 37 of their last 48 games to overtake the Chicago Cubs for the division.

1969 National League Championship Series

The NLCS against the Atlanta Braves was Gentry’s first taste of postseason ball. He started Game 3 at Shea Stadium on his 23rd birthday, with the Mets up 2-0 in the series.

Hank Aaron greeted him with a two-run homer in the first inning. Aaron doubled in his next at-bat, putting two runners in scoring position with nobody out.

Manager Gil Hodges pulled Gentry with the Mets trailing 2-0. Nolan Ryan came in and got them out of the jam.

Ryan stayed in for the last seven innings, and the Mets rallied to win and sweep the series. That sent New York to their first World Series ever.

1969 World Series Performance

Gentry got the start for Game 3 of the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles—the first World Series game ever at Shea Stadium. The series was tied 1-1 after two games in Baltimore.

He blanked the Orioles for 6⅔ innings, shutting down a lineup with Frank Robinson and Boog Powell. Tommie Agee led off with a home run and made two unreal defensive plays.

In the fourth, Agee ran down a ball at the 396-foot mark to rob Elrod Hendricks with two on. That kept Gentry’s shutout and the Mets’ 3-0 lead intact.

When Gentry loaded the bases in the seventh, Nolan Ryan came out of the bullpen. Agee made another wild catch, this time a diving grab of Paul Blair’s liner in right-center.

The Mets beat Baltimore ace Jim Palmer 5-0, with Gentry getting the win and Ryan picking up the save. New York took the next two games and won their first World Series.

Later MLB Career and the Atlanta Braves

After his early run with the Mets, Gary Gentry’s career changed course when he moved to the Atlanta Braves organization. His time in Atlanta was filled with injuries and he just couldn’t reach the same heights as his rookie year.

Trade to Atlanta Braves

The Mets traded Gentry to the Atlanta Braves after a few seasons of slipping numbers and nagging injuries that started to slow him down.

The Braves hoped he could find his old form from the 1969 championship run. Atlanta’s front office figured a new environment might help him bounce back.

Gentry joined a Braves team that needed pitching depth. They wanted his experience and hoped he could give them reliable innings.

Performance and Challenges with Braves

Gentry’s time with the Braves turned out to be tough. Injuries kept getting in the way, and he struggled to pitch like he had with the Mets.

The same physical problems that started in New York followed him to Atlanta. He couldn’t pitch deep into games or keep his fastball as sharp.

His stats with the Braves showed those struggles. He just couldn’t get back to the dominant level he’d shown as a rookie.

The Braves’ coaches tried to help him adjust and work through his limitations. Still, he couldn’t overcome the effects of his injury problems.

Final MLB Season and Retirement

The 1975 season brought Gary Gentry’s Major League Baseball career to a close. Injuries finally pushed him to leave professional baseball at just 28.

He finished his MLB run with a career record of 46 wins and 49 losses in 158 games from 1969 to 1975. Over seven seasons, Gentry posted a 3.56 ERA and struck out 615 batters.

He chose to retire once he realized his body just couldn’t keep up with the demands of pitching at that level. The physical toll simply became too much.

Gentry’s retirement wrapped up a career that had started with so much promise. From his days at Camelback High School to his final season with the Braves, he always stepped up when the team needed him.

Career Statistics and Notable Records

Gary Gentry put together a 46-49 win-loss record, a 3.56 ERA, and 615 strikeouts in his seven MLB seasons from 1969 to 1975. He made his mark by helping the New York Mets win the 1969 World Series and showed off impressive fielding, making just one error in 182 total chances.

Pitching Statistics Overview

Gentry’s stats show a solid, if brief, MLB career over 158 games. He kept his ERA at a respectable 3.56 and struck out 615 hitters during those seven years.

His rookie year in 1969 really stands out. Gentry started 35 games and went 13-12 with a 3.43 ERA, racking up 154 strikeouts. That year, he established himself as a key member of the Mets’ rotation.

Elbow injuries started to slow him down later on. After the Mets traded him to the Atlanta Braves in 1972, Gentry battled bone chips and tendon issues that limited his ability and ultimately ended his career in 1975.

Memorable Games and Achievements

September 24, 1969, stands out as Gentry’s most famous day on the mound. He tossed a four-hit shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals, sealing a 6-0 win that clinched the National League East for the Mets. Just wild to think the team had trailed the Cubs by 9½ games that same season.

His World Series performance mattered just as much. In Game 3 of the 1969 World Series, Gentry kept the Orioles scoreless into the seventh before handing things over to Nolan Ryan. He even chipped in with the bat, doubling in two runs.

Another big moment came on May 13, 1970, when he fired a one-hit shutout against the Chicago Cubs. At that stage of the season, he was 4-1 with a sparkling 1.71 ERA.

Team Contributions and Milestones

Gentry played a huge role in the Mets’ 1969 championship push, working as the team’s third starter behind Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman. His 13 wins helped the “Miracle Mets” capture their first World Series.

He also stood out on defense. Gentry made just one error in his career, and that happened on August 23, 1970, when he covered first on a ground ball by Pete Rose.

The Mets valued Gentry so much that they wouldn’t trade him to the California Angels for Jim Fregosi. Instead, they sent Nolan Ryan, and that deal became one of the most infamous trades in Mets history.

Legacy and Post-Retirement Life

Gary Gentry’s retirement in 1975 closed out a short but unforgettable career that left its mark on baseball. Fans still connect him to the 1969 Miracle Mets, and his bonds with legendary teammates keep his story alive.

Recognition Among Mets Fans

Mets fans still think of Gary Gentry as a key part of their first championship. His 1969 World Series Game 3 start against the Orioles stands out as a franchise highlight.

In that pivotal game, Gentry held the powerful Orioles scoreless through 6⅔ innings. He gave the Mets a solid start before Nolan Ryan came in to finish the job.

That clinching win over the Cardinals in the National League East also means a lot to fans. Gentry pitched the game that sent everyone pouring onto the field.

Even though he only played seven seasons in the majors, Gentry’s role in the 1969 title run earned him a permanent spot in Mets lore. Fan sites and retrospectives always mention his rookie season.

There’s something about how a single championship can define a player’s legacy. Gentry’s story really captures the magic of that unexpected Mets title.

Connections with Notable Teammates

Gentry’s career overlapped with some of the game’s greatest pitchers during his time with the Mets. He shared a rotation with Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, both future Hall of Famers.

He learned a lot from Seaver’s professionalism and work ethic. Both of them started 35 games in 1969, which shows how much manager Gil Hodges trusted the rookie.

Gentry and Jerry Koosman built a bond as key contributors to that championship team. The two pitchers worked well together in the rotation all season.

The connection with Nolan Ryan became especially important in the postseason. Ryan often relieved Gentry in big moments during both the National League Championship Series and the World Series.

These relationships with baseball legends have kept Gentry’s story alive. The later fame of his teammates helps new fans discover the magic of the 1969 season.

Lasting Impact on Baseball

Gentry had a short but memorable career, and it’s wild how just one season can shape a player’s entire legacy. When he was a rookie, he proved that young guys could step up right away and help a team win it all.

Back at Arizona State University, he set strikeout records and really helped put ASU on the map as a baseball powerhouse. You could say his move to the pros gave the school even more credibility.

His story honestly reminds me how easily arm injuries used to wreck careers before modern medicine came along. The fragility of pitching back then feels almost unfair now.

Gentry’s spot in the 1969 Mets rotation still proves that teams need solid depth if they want to win championships. He showed that having a dependable third starter can make all the difference.

He’ll always be linked to one of baseball’s biggest upsets, and that keeps his name alive in the game’s history. Even now, the 1969 Miracle Mets story fires up underdog teams and their fans everywhere.