Enduring Legacy:: Ed Kranepool played 1,853 games for the Mets (1962-1979), more than any other player in franchise history.
Career Highlights:: A Bronx native signed as a 17-year-old "bonus baby," Kranepool was a 1965 All-Star and a key member of the 1969 "Miracle Mets" World Series championship team.
Season-Long Tribute:: The Mets will honor Kranepool with a pregame ceremony featuring 18 family members and former teammate Art Shamsky, along with a No. 7 patch worn on player sleeves throughout the 2025 season.
Why This Matters:: Kranepool represents a rare example of lifelong franchise loyalty in professional sports. Honoring him celebrates not just his contributions, but the deep connection between the team, its history, and its fanbase.
Ed Kranepool's journey with the Mets began in their inaugural, loss-filled 1962 season. He was a constant presence, a homegrown talent from the Bronx who stuck with the team through five seasons with over 100 losses before experiencing the incredible turnaround of the 1969 World Series victory. His home run in Game 3 of that series was a pivotal moment.
Known affectionately as "Steady Eddie," he became synonymous with the Mets, inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 1990. His former teammate Art Shamsky reflected, "Eddie's legacy will always be that street-smart kid from the Bronx who spent 18 years with the same team. You won't see that often anymore." Shamsky, who remained close friends with Kranepool, noted Kranepool passed away while watching a Mets game, highlighting his lifelong dedication.
Vice President of Alumni Relations Jay Horwitz added, "What he was most proud of was he played all 18 years of his career with the Mets. He just adored the Mets... He just bled orange and blue." The ceremony also included nods to the 2000 and 2015 NL pennant winners and a moment of silence for Tom Seaver's daughter, Sarah.
Who was Ed Kranepool?
Ed Kranepool was a first baseman/outfielder who played his entire 18-year MLB career (1962-1979) for the New York Mets. He holds the franchise record for most games played and was a member of the 1969 World Series championship team.
How are the Mets honoring Ed Kranepool in 2025?
They held a special pregame ceremony before their home opener on April 4th, 2025, involving his family and former teammate Art Shamsky. Additionally, the team will wear a commemorative No. 7 patch on their jersey sleeves throughout the season.
Why was Ed Kranepool so significant to the Mets?
As a New York native who joined the team in its first year and stayed through its lowest points and greatest triumphs like the '69 World Series, he embodied loyalty and perseverance, becoming a beloved link to the franchise's entire history.
Ed Kranepool's 18-season tenure with a single team is a remarkable feat in modern sports.
The Mets' tribute highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating franchise legends and their history.
Kranepool's story, from the struggling early Mets to World Series champion, is a key part of the team's identity and the legacy of the '69 Miracle Mets.
What are your favorite memories of Ed Kranepool or the '69 Mets? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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