Former Mets All-Star Ed Kranepool dies at the age of 79: The Bronx native helped the Miracle Mets win the 1969 World Series

Former All-Star and member of the 1969 “Miracle Mets” Ed Kranepool has died at the age of 79, the Mets announced Monday.

“We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Ed Kranepool,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “He was a true Met who made his debut in 1962 at age 17. After starring at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, he played for his hometown team for the next 18 years. He was 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 win the championship. He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1990. Ed continued his tireless work for the organization even after his playing career ended. We greatly enjoyed the time we spent with Ed on Old Timers' Day and in the years since. It was a true joy to hear stories and Mets history from Ed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Kranepool was a Met. He first joined the team during the team's historically bad expansion year, then appeared in 112 regular season games during the magical 1969 season that saw the Amazin' Mets win the World Series for the first time in franchise history. His home run in Game 3 helped settle the situation and give the Mets a 2-1 lead in the Series.

Over the course of his career, Kranepool had 1,418 hits, including 225 doubles. He was an All-Star in 1966 and was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1990.

“The best first baseman I ever played with,” his former teammate Jerry Koosman said in a statement. “We knew each other so well and I could tell by his eyes whether a runner was going to run or not. He saved me a lot of stolen bases.”

Kranepool later developed diabetes, lost his big toe, and underwent a kidney transplant.

“He fought for so long and never complained about anything,” his former teammate Ron Swoboda said in a statement. “I thought once he got his kidney transplant, everything would be great. He was a wonderful guy and an even better teammate. We got into the restaurant business together.”

“I can't believe he's gone.”