McAndrew Miracle Foundation
Our Inspiration
Rooted in a love of baseball and a belief that playing sports provides opportunities for kids to grow, develop relationships, and learn discipline, the McAndrew Miracle Foundation provides baseball equipment & resources to kids that need assistance. The McAndrew Miracle Foundation is named after Jim McAndrew, an Iowa farm boy that grew up to be a Major League Baseball player.
The Fairy Tale Story and the McAndrew Miracle Foundation
Jim McAndrew was born in 1944 in Lost Nation, Iowa. He was the only boy out of 4 children and spent most of his time helping on the 750 acre farm, which included raising cattle, pigs, and chickens. Jim's father, Clem McAndrew, grew up with a love of sports, but didn't have the opportunities to play sports due to family obligations on the farm. Clem wanted his son to have a better life and the opportunity to develop his baseball talent. Clem realized that for Jim to have an opportunity to play baseball, he would have to organize a team and find a way to get the equipment. Clem gathered donations of gloves, bats, and balls from the neighborhood and organized a local baseball team in Lost Nation, Iowa, all so that Jim could have the opportunity to play baseball, which Clem never had. Jim loved playing baseball and used his talent to play baseball at the University of Iowa where he was able to earn his bachelor's degree in psychology.
The scope of Jim's talent was realized when he was selected by the New York Mets in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball draft in 1965. Three years later, Jim made his MLB debut in July of 1968, as starting pitcher, in place of Nolan Ryan, who was out on military leave. Jim was the starting pitcher for the NY Mets for 12 games in the 1968 season. In 1969, Jim McAndrew played a pivotal role in the NY Mets making it to the World Series. During the magical 1969 “Miracle Mets” run, Jim turned in his best performance to contribute to one of the most historic Cinderella runs in baseball history. Over the summer, he pitched in 9 starts covering 73 innings and a sparkling 1.60 ERA. He threw three straight complete games including 23 consecutive shutout innings. Then on September 10, 1969, Jim started and pitched 11 innings against the Montreal Expos in the first game of a double-header. The NY Mets swept both games, which moved the NY Mets into first place for the first time in franchise history. The NY Mets went on to win the World Series in 1969. The 1969 NY Mets became known as the "Miracle Mets," and Jim was an important part of the team's success that year. Jim continued with the NY Mets through the 1973 season, when the NY Mets won the National League pennant and went to the World Series. Jim finished his career with the San Diego Padres in 1974.
This fairy tale story of an Iowa farm boy turned Major League Baseball pitcher wouldn't have happened if Clem hadn't started the Lost Nation, Iowa little league team and if the neighborhood hadn't worked together to get the equipment needed.
Helping to Create More Fairy Tale Stories
The McAndrew Miracle Foundation hopes to help create similar fairy tale stories by providing baseball equipment to those who need it. Whether there is a need in an Iowa farming town or in a metropolitan area, the McAndrew Miracle Foundation wants to be that neighbor that helps to create opportunities for kids to discover and grow in baseball.
How You Can Participate
Reach out to our email to:
Provide used gloves, bats, balls, equipment
To find out how to donate to our cause
Request for your team to be sponsored
More Jim McAndrew Highlights
Spent seven seasons playing Major League Baseball
Started over 160 games and registered 20 complete games with 6 shutouts.
Made his MLB debut vs. Bob Gibson in 1968
Earned his first win vs. Steve Carlton.
Managed by the legendary Gil Hodges & Yogi Berra in New York
Guided by Mets Director of Player Personnel Whitey Herzog.
Teammates with baseball legends Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Willie Mays, Jerry Koosman & Tug McGraw.
Competed against baseball legends Pete Rose, Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Johnny Bench
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