Ed Kranepool Death: Mets HOFer and World Series winner dies at 79
New York Mets icon Ed Kranepool, the longest-tenured player in the history of the franchise, is no more. The Mets have announced Kranepool passed away on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest in Boca Raton, Florida. He was aged 79.
Ed Kranepool was one of the original Mets who made his MLB debut as a 17-year-old during hia inaugural season in 1962. He spent his entire 18-year career with the team and earned his maiden All-Star selection in 1965. Kranepool was one of the key members of the Miracle Mets team, which transformed almost overnight from being the laughing stock of MLB to World Series champions in 1969.
On Monday, Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen issued a joint statement to address the demise of a franchise legend.
“We are incredibly heartbroken to learn of Ed Kranepool’s passing,” the statement read. “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.”
“It’s a sad day for the Mets family and the whole organization,"said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. "Condolences to his family. Mets Hall of Famer, fan favorite, part of a big Mets team. Sad day for all of us.”
In August 2023, Kranepool released his autobiography The Last Miracle: My 18-Year Journey with the Amazin' New York Mets.
"The best first baseman I ever played with": former Mets pitcher Jerry Coosman on Ed Kranepool
Ed Kranepool batted .261/.316/.377 over his 18 seasons with the New York Mets and retired as the all-time leader of the franchise for games played with 1,853. Kranepool was the first baseman on the Miracle Mets side during their unexpected World Series triumph over the Baltimore Orioles in 1969 and hit a home run in Game 3 of the series. He ended his career with 1,418 hits and 118 home runs.
“The best first baseman I ever played with,” former Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman said in a statement. “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.”
The Mets have announced they will honor Kranepool with a patch on their team uniforms in the upcoming season.