Ed Kranepool, the legendary baseball player, recently passed away, and the Mets have been mourning this loss. As their longest-tenured player in franchise history, Kranepool was truly special. An alarming news came their way on 10 September, that the 79-year-old former baseball star died due to cardiac arrest in Boca Raton, Florida. Did you know Kranepool dedicated his entire 18-season Major League Baseball career to the Mets?

Yup, you heard it right. Kranepool made his major league debut on September 22, 1962, at the tender age of 17, in Mets uniform going 0-for-1 against the Chicago Cubs. He also played his final game on September 30, 1979, in the same uniform! Talk about loyalty, right? The news of his death has cast a somber shadow over the baseball world, especially has left Mets fans, former players, and current players heartbroken. And if we talk about the tribute, the New York Mets’ new social media post will make you shed a tear or two!

How did the Mets tributed Ed Kranepool

The post featured a classic black-and-white photograph of Ed Kranepool in his Mets uniform, proudly displaying the team logo on his cap. You can see Ed holding a baseball bat and flashing a warm smile, capturing a joyful moment from his impressive career. In the background, a softly blurred Shea Stadium adds a layer of nostalgia, reminding us of his deep connection with the Mets and the unforgettable games he played there. The caption perfectly captured the emotions, reading, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mets Hall of Famer Ed Kranepool.” Ed was part of a team that showed the Queens natives that they too can dream of winning the big one. That they too can aim for the World Series.

It was during the baseball star’s tenure that the Mets turned from a perennial joke into a legit contender by winning the 1969 World Series victory! Apart from the victory, his overall reign with the team was not short then legendary! For his incredible 18 seasons with the Mets, Ed Kranepool played in a whopping 1,853 regular-season games. That’s a lot of baseball! One of his former teammates, Jerry Koosman, really summed up his legacy in the best way: “The best first baseman I ever played with.” Koosman even mentioned that Kranepool’s sharp instincts were so on point; just like a hawk, he could tell if a runner was going to steal just by looking at him. And just like him, many other all-stars’ peers come forward to share their heartfelt tribute and memory.

Ed Kranepool’s peers shared their respects

Another Mets, Ron Swoboda, called Kranepool ” A wonderful guy and even better teammate.” And do you know? Apart from being on the same team on the field, they also went into the restaurant business together. Mets pitcher, Jay Hook, recalled a very old but soothing memory of Kranepool buying a Thunderbird with his signing bonus and giving him a ride to the park. It’s like everyone has their own Ed story. Connecting them together all these years. And one of his oldest teammates was in touch with him until last week too!

Cleon Jones, an All-Star outfielder from the legendary 1969 team, shared a heartfelt memory of Ed Kranepool. The 82-year-old revealed that he spoke with Kranepool just a week ago. Reminiscing about their shared history as the last two original Mets who signed with the team. Jones reflected, “We talked about how we were the last two originals who signed with the Mets. 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.”

Well, surely he was! And the amount he is getting as a player on the field and human off the field is evidence of that. Alex and Steven Cohen also shared a touching tribute, saying, “Ed continued to work tirelessly in the community on behalf of the organization after his playing career ended. Hearing Mets stories and history from Ed was an absolute joy.”

Ed Kranepool had a good run as Mets first baseman and outfielder! Do you have a favorite memory of Kranepool’s on-field performances? Drop in the comments.