Ed Kranepool, Mets Legend and 'Miracle' World Series Champion, Dies at 79

Ed Kranepool, a cornerstone of New York Mets history, passed away on September 8, 2024, in Boca Raton, Florida, at the age of 79. The Mets organization announced that cardiac arrest was the cause of his death.

Born in the Bronx on November 8, 1944, Kranepool spent his entire 18-year Major League Baseball career with the Mets, becoming the longest-tenured player in the team's history. His journey with the franchise began at the young age of 17 when he made his debut on September 22, 1962, against the Chicago Cubs.

Kranepool's career paralleled the Mets' transformation from a struggling expansion team to World Series champions. The team, established in 1962, finished last or second-to-last in their first seven seasons before their unexpected triumph in 1969. This remarkable turnaround earned them the moniker "Miracle Mets," with Kranepool playing a crucial role in their success.

The 1969 World Series victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles remains one of the greatest upsets in baseball history. Kranepool contributed significantly, hitting a home run in Game 3 of the series. This championship team also featured future Hall of Famers Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan.

Throughout his career, Kranepool accumulated 1,418 hits and 118 home runs in 1,853 regular-season games. He held the Mets' record for most career hits until 2012 and still holds the franchise record for most games played. His consistent performance earned him an All-Star selection in 1965.

"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."

Kranepool's connection to New York ran deep. He attended James Monroe High School in the Bronx, excelling in baseball before joining the Mets. His loyalty to the team was unwavering, playing his final game on September 30, 1979, against the St. Louis Cardinals.

After retiring from baseball, Kranepool ventured into various business pursuits, including working as a stockbroker and restaurateur. His contributions to the Mets were recognized with his induction into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1990.

In his later years, Kranepool faced health challenges, undergoing a kidney transplant in 2019 at the age of 74. Despite this, he remained a beloved figure in Mets history, embodying the team's journey from underdogs to champions.

Kranepool's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He was part of the Mets' 1973 team that reached the World Series, losing to the Oakland Athletics. His enduring presence with the franchise through its formative years and beyond solidified his status as a true Mets icon.