Ed Kranepool, the longest-serving player in New York Mets history and a member of the 1969 Miracle Mets that won the World Series, passed away at the age of 79. The Mets announced on Monday that Kranepool died on Sunday in Boca Raton, Florida, following a cardiac arrest. A New York native, he played 18 seasons with the Mets, boasting a .261 batting average over 1,853 regular-season games. Kranepool earned All-Star honors in 1965.
He was integral to the Mets’ remarkable transformation from a struggling National League team to World Series champions in 1969 and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1990. Pitcher Jerry Koosman praised him as “the best first baseman I ever played with,” noting their strong connection on the field.
Kranepool, a standout at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, made his major league debut on September 22, 1962, at just 17 years old, although he didn’t record a hit in that game against the Chicago Cubs. He retired after his final game on September 30, 1979, where he hit a pinch-hit double against Bob Forsch. Over his career, he accumulated 1,418 hits and 118 home runs, including a homer in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series.
The Mets’ owners, Steve and Alex Cohen, expressed their condolences, highlighting Kranepool’s dedicated work in the community long after his playing days ended. They cherished their time with him during Old Timers’ Day and enjoyed hearing his stories about the team’s history.
Former teammate Jay Hook reminisced about Kranepool’s early successes, recalling how he bought a Thunderbird with his signing bonus and gave Hook rides to the ballpark. Ron Swoboda fondly described Kranepool as a “wonderful guy and even better teammate,” noting their partnership in the restaurant business. Cleon Jones, an All-Star outfielder from the 1969 team, reported speaking with Kranepool just last week and emphasized Kranepool’s humble nature, calling him a “wonderful person.”
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