New York Mets legend Ed Kranepool dead at 79 after a cardiac arrest

The New York Mets have announced the death of Ed Kranepool after a cardiac arrest on Sunday in Florida.

He played for the Mets from 1962 until 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 on Monday through owner Steve Cohen: ‘We are incredibly heartbroken to learn of Ed Kranepool’s passing. 

‘He was an original Met, who debuted at age 17 in 1962. After starring at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, he would go on to 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 capture 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 passed away at age 79, the team has announced

The Mets said on Monday that Kranepool died from a cardiac arrest in Florida on Sunday

The Mets said on Monday that Kranepool died from a cardiac arrest in Florida on Sunday 

Kranepool pictured at the 50th anniversary celebration of his 1969 World Series Mets title

Kranepool pictured at the 50th anniversary celebration of his 1969 World Series Mets title

‘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.’

Kranepool hit a home run in the 1969 World Series for the ‘Miracle Mets’ as they beat the Baltimore Orioles to win the World Series.

Kranepool was diagnosed with diabetes in 1979 and had a left toe amputated in 2017. 

He also had 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. 

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