The New York Mets announced that Ed Kranepool died of cardiac arrest on Sunday in Florida.
He played for the Mets from 1962 to 1979, playing in 1,853 games for the team. Kranepool was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1990.
The Mets said in a statement through owner Steve Cohen on Monday: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ed Kranepool.
‘He was an original Met, having debuted 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. He was the longest-tenured player in franchise history, appearing in 1,853 games for the Mets.
‘Ed hit a home run in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series to help the Miracle Mets win the championship. 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 reported Monday that Kranepool died of cardiac arrest Sunday in Florida
Kranepool pictured celebrating the 50th anniversary of his 1969 World Series title with the Mets
‘We enjoyed the time we spent with Ed at Old Timers’ Day and in the years since.
“It was an absolute pleasure to hear Ed’s Mets stories and history. We are thinking of his family and friends and praying for him.”
Kranepool hit a home run in the 1969 World Series for the Miracle Mets, helping them defeat the Baltimore Orioles to win the World Series.
Kranepool was diagnosed with diabetes in 1979 and had his left toe amputated in 2017.
In 2019, after a two-year wait, he also underwent a kidney transplant, but still made it to the 50th anniversary of the 1969 World Series championship team.