Ed Kranepool, Miracle Mets Member and Longest-Tenured Player, Dies at 79

Ed Kranepool, the player with the longest tenure in New York Mets history and a crucial member of the 1969 Miracle Mets, passed away on Sunday at age 79.

The Mets announced Kranepool’s passing on Monday, revealing that he died in Boca Raton, Florida, following cardiac arrest. A native New Yorker, Kranepool dedicated 18 seasons to the Mets, achieving a batting average of .261 over his career spanning 1,853 regular-season games. He was an All-Star in 1965, demonstrating his talent on the field.

Kranepool played a pivotal role in transforming the Mets from perennial underdogs to champions in the 1969 World Series. His contributions were honored in 1990 when he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.

Former pitcher Jerry Koosman remarked on Kranepool’s exceptional skills, saying, “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.”

Ed’s journey in baseball began at James Monroe High School in the Bronx. He made his major league debut at just 17 years old on September 22, 1962, against the Chicago Cubs, where he recorded no hits. His final appearance came on September 30, 1979, against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he achieved a pinch-hit double off pitcher Bob Forsch.

Throughout his career, Kranepool amassed 1,418 hits and 118 home runs. Notably, he hit a home run during Game 3 of the 1969 World Series, cementing his legacy in Mets history.

The Mets’ owners, Steve and Alex Cohen, acknowledged Kranepool’s extensive contributions to the organization: “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.”

Jay Hook, a pitcher for the Mets from 1962 to 1964, shared a memory of Kranepool using his signing bonus to buy a Thunderbird and offering him a ride to the park. Similarly, Ron Swoboda reminisced about Kranepool, describing him as a “wonderful guy and even better teammate.” Swoboda mentioned their venture into the restaurant business together, highlighting their close friendship.

Cleon Jones, an All-Star outfielder from the 1969 team, reported that he spoke with Kranepool just a week before his passing. “We talked about how we were the last two originals who signed with the Mets,” Jones recalled. “The other 1962 guys came from other organizations. Eddie was a big bonus baby, and I wasn’t. He never had an ego and was just one of the guys. He was a wonderful person.”