Ex-New York Mets Star Busted For Drunk Driving, Avoids Probation Revocation

Already on probation for a tax conviction, ex-baseball star Jerry Koosman was recently arrested for drunk driving, though federal officials have declined to cite him for violating terms of his supervised release, records show.

Koosman, 67, was arrested for drunk driving on September 15 near his home in Osceola, Wisconsin. The former New York Mets pitcher told probation officers that he had been drinking at a golf tournament and was surpised to learn that his blood alcohol content was measured at .22, nearly three times the state limit.

At the time of his arrest, Koosman was 10 weeks into a one-year probation term that was part of a federal sentence for willfully failing to file an income tax return. Koosman--a tax denier a la Wesley Snipes--was also sentenced to five months in prison.

According to a U.S. District Court court filing, a federal judge signed off on a probation officer’s recommendation that no action be taken against Koosman in connection with the drunk driving collar. The ex-athlete, a member of the 1969 Mets World Series team, played in the Major Leagues for 19 years. With 222 wins, Koosman ranks 73rd on the all-time win list.

He is scheduled for a February 15 Circuit Court trial on drunk driving charges.