IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa pitcher Jim McAndrew passed away on March 14 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 80.

McAndrew was born and raised in Lost Nation, Iowa. A two-sport athlete at Lost Nation High School, McAndrew earned a basketball scholarship from the University of Iowa, playing both baseball and basketball for the Hawkeyes. A knee injury his sophomore season ended his basketball career, shifting his focus solely to baseball.

McAndrew pitched for the Hawkeyes from 1962-1965 and was a letterwinner in 1963 and 1965. After missing his junior year due to an arm injury, McAndrew had a 4-4 record as a senior. He earned his degree in psychology.

In 1965. McAndrew was selected in the 11th round (209th overall) of the MLB Draft by the New York Mets. He made his Major League debut on July 21, 1968, in a spot start replacing Nolan Ryan, who had duties with the Army reserve. McAndrew matched up with Bob Gibson and the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, he stuck out five while allowing just one run in six innings as the Mets lost, 2-1.

McAndrew was a member of the 1969 World Series winning “Miracle Mets” that defeated the Baltimore Orioles in five games. He was also a member of the 1973 National League pennant winning team that fell to the Oakland Athletics in seven games in the World Series.

McAndrew spent six seasons with the Mets before being traded to the San Diego Padres in 1974 for his final season. He appeared in 161 Major League games, pitching 771 innings, with 424 strikeouts and 213 walks with a record of 37-53 and a 3.65 ERA. McAndrew tossed six complete game shutouts and 20 complete games.

He is survived by his wife, Lyn daughter, Jana, and sons, Jamie, Jeff and Jon.