Ed Kranepool, a revered figure in New York Mets history and a key player in their first World Series championship, has passed away at the age of 79. Kranepool, who was known for his dedication and resilience, died on Sunday in Boca Raton, Florida, due to cardiac arrest.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 8, 1944, in the Bronx, Kranepool faced early adversity, losing his father in World War II before he was born. Raised by his mother, Ethel, Kranepool’s early life was shaped by financial struggles. However, his passion for baseball became a source of escape and purpose. By the age of 11, he was already making waves in Little League, with his neighbor and coach, Jimmy Schiafo, playing a pivotal role in his development. Kranepool’s talent was evident when he broke Hank Greenberg’s long-standing home run record at James Monroe High School.
A Pioneering Career with the Mets
At just 17 years old, Kranepool made a historic leap from high school to Major League Baseball, joining the Mets in 1962. His debut came on June 30 in Los Angeles, where he witnessed Sandy Koufax’s no-hitter against his new team. Despite a rocky start and several stints in the minors, Kranepool showed promise and made his major league debut on September 22, 1962.
Initially, Kranepool faced challenges adjusting to the big leagues, batting .209 in 1963 and improving to .257 with 10 home runs in 1964. Despite the Mets’ struggles, Kranepool’s perseverance paid off. By 1965, he earned his lone All-Star selection, though he did not play in the game—a slight he never forgot.
Glory in the World Series and the Miracle Mets
The 1969 season marked the pinnacle of Kranepool’s career. As a crucial member of the “Miracle Mets,” he played a significant role in the team’s unexpected World Series victory. Kranepool’s memorable hit came in Game 3 of the World Series, where he launched a home run that contributed to the Mets’ triumph over the Baltimore Orioles. The Mets won their first World Series thanks in large part to his performances.
Challenges and Triumphs
Following the 1969 season, Kranepool faced various hurdles. In 1969, he split time at first base with Donn Clendenon. In the seasons that followed, he struggled with few at-bats. Despite these setbacks, Kranepool’s resilience was evident in his standout performance in 1971, when he batted .280 with 14 home runs. He also played a vital role in the Mets’ second World Series appearance in 1973, hitting a key single in Game 5 of the NLCS.
Kranepool’s career, spanning 18 seasons, was marked by his consistent performance as a pinch hitter, where he excelled with a .396 average from 1974 to 1978. As the Mets’ all-time leader in games played (1,853) and hits (1,418), he retired following the 1979 season.
Post-Retirement and Legacy
After retiring from baseball, Kranepool remained deeply connected to the Mets organization. He earned his stockbroker’s license and worked in various businesses while becoming an advocate for organ donation following a kidney transplant in 2019. Kranepool’s legacy is not only in his impressive statistics but also in his contributions to the community and the MLB Players Association, of which he was a founding member.
RIP Ed Kranepool. Member of the 1969 World Series Champion Mets pic.twitter.com/js3Elf4kpu
— Kool Toys & Games (@kooltoysgames) September 9, 2024Tributes and Reflections
Kranepool’s passing has left a significant impact on those who knew him. Teammates like Ron Swoboda and Art Shamsky expressed their profound sadness and shared memories of Kranepool’s dedication and camaraderie. Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen released a statement mourning the loss of a beloved figure who embodied the spirit of the team.”Ed continued to work tirelessly in the community on behalf of the organization after his playing career ended,” the statement added. “We cherished the time we spent with Ed during Old Timers’ Day and in the years since.”
Ed Kranepool’s contributions to the Mets and the game of baseball will be remembered fondly by fans and former teammates alike. His journey from a Bronx high school to becoming a cornerstone of the Mets’ early success is a testament to his dedication and skill. Kranepool’s story is not just one of baseball achievements but of overcoming adversity and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
For those who wish to honor his memory, Kranepool’s legacy will continue to be celebrated in the history of the Mets and the broader baseball community.
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