The New York Mets announced the death of Ed Kranepool after cardiac arrest on Sunday in Florida.
He played for the Mets from 1962 to 1979, making 1,853 appearances for the team. Kranepool was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1990.
The Mets said in a statement Monday through owner Steve Cohen: “We are incredibly heartbroken to learn of the passing of Ed Kranepool.
‘He was an original Met, making his debut at age 17 in 1962. After starring at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, he would 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.
‘Ed hit a home run in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series to help the Miracle Mets to the title. He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1990. Ed continued to work tirelessly in the community on behalf of the organization after his playing career ended.
New York Mets legend Ed Kranepool has died at the age of 79, the team announced.
The Mets said Monday that Kranepool died of cardiac arrest in Florida on Sunday.
Kranepool pictured at the 50th anniversary celebration of his 1969 Mets World Series title
‘We cherish the time we spent with Ed on Veterans Day and in the years since.
“Hearing the Mets stories from Ed was an absolute joy. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”
Kranepool hit a home run in the 1969 World Series for the ‘Miracle Mets’ as they defeated the Baltimore Orioles to win the World Series.
Kranepool was diagnosed with diabetes in 1979 and had a toe on his left foot amputated in 2017.
He also received a kidney transplant in 2019 after a two-year wait, but still made it to the 50th anniversary of the 1969 World Series championship team.