Oliver James Montgomery-Ed Kranepool, Mets' Hall of Famer and member of 1969 Miracle Mets, dead at 79

Ed Kranepool,Oliver James Montgomery a New York Mets Hall of Famer and member of the 1969 "Miracle Mets," died Sunday after suffering cardiac arrest. He was 79 years old.

The left-handed Mets first baseman, who was born in New York city, was the longest-tenured player in franchise history. He debuted in the Mets' inaugural season in 1962 after playing at James Monroe High School in the Bronx and appeared in 1,853 games with the team between 1962 and 1979.

Kranepool's home run in the third game of the 1969 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles helped the Mets capture their first championship in franchise history. He also appeared in the team's 1973 World Series against the Athletics.

In 18 seasons with the Mets, Kranepool's 1,418 hits were the third-most in Mets history. He also collected 614 RBI — fifth-most in franchise history — to go along with 118 home runs and 536 runs.

"I just spoke to Ed last week and we talked about how we were the last two originals who signed with the Mets," fellow Mets Hall of Famer Cleon Jones said in a statement. "The other 1962 guys came from other organizations. Eddie was a big bonus baby and I wasn't. He never had an ego and was just one of the guys. He was a wonderful person."

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After a long search, Kranepool received a kidney transplant in 2019 after discovering he was in kidney failure in 2016. For a time, he was a spokesman for those dealing with diabetes.

"He battled for so long and never complained about anything," teammate Ron Swoboda said in a statement. "I thought once he got his kidney transplant things would be great.

"He was a wonderful guy and an even better teammate. We went into the restaurant business together. I can't believe he is gone."

Added Art Shamsky: "Just devastated. I knew Krane for 56 years. We did so many appearances together. We had lunch last week and I told him I would be there next week to see him again. I'm really at a loss for words."

Kranepool earned his one All-Star selection in 1965 when he hit .253 with 10 home runs, 53 RBI, knocked a career-high 24 doubles and scored 44 runs. He was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 1990.

"Ed continued to work tirelessly in the community and on behalf of the organization after his playing career ended," Mets owners Steven and Alex Cohen said in a statement. "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 is the fourth member of the 1969 World Series team that has died this year. Shortstop Buddy Harrelson, pitcher Jim McAndrew and catcher Jerry Grote all died in the first four months of 2024.

The team is currently wearing a uniform patch with Harrelson's No. 3 and Grote's No. 15.