New York Mets Hall of Famer Ed Kranepool has passed away at the age of 79 years old after suffering from cardiac arrest Monday in Boca Raton, Florida.
Kranepool, a New York native, played first baseman and outfielder across 18 seasons (1962-1979) for the Mets.
"He was an original Met, who debuted at age 17 in 1962," the Mets organization said in a tribute statement. "After starring at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, he would go on to play for his hometown team for the next 18 years, the longest-tenured player in franchise history, appearing in 1,853 games with the Mets."
Notably, throughout his career, he had a batting average of .261, in addition to contributing 1,418 hits, 614 RBI's, and 118 homers in the regular season.
In view of his accolades, Kranepool earned an All-Star appearance in 1965, and was a part of the "Miracle Mets" team that turned things around, winning a title during the 1969 season, after being considered one of the worst teams in baseball beforehand. To point out, he hit a home run in Game 3 of the '69 World Series vs. the Baltimore Orioles.
Several former teammates spoke on the kind of person that Kranepool was during his time in a Mets uniform.
Pitcher Jerry Koosman talked about his playing days with Kranepool.
"The best first baseman I ever played with... We knew each other so well and I could tell by his eyes if a runner was going or not. He saved me a lot of stolen bases."
Mets outfielder and teammate of Kranepool, Ron Swoboda, said they went into the restaurant business together, referring to him as a "wonderful guy and even better teammate."
The Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen emphasized they were heartbroken when they heard the news.
"Ed continued to work tirelessly in the community on behalf of the organization after his playing career ended. We cherished the time we spent with Ed during Old Timers' Day and in the years since. Hearing Mets stories and history from Ed was an absolute joy. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends."
Ultimately, Kranepool will forever be remembered as a Mets legend, being inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 1990.
