Ed Kranepool, a legendary figure in New York Mets history, has sadly passed away, leaving fans and the baseball community in mourning. Known for his long-standing career with the Mets, Kranepool’s journey on and off the field made him a beloved figure in sports.
Here is everything to know about what happened to Ed Kranepool.
Ed Kranepool dead at 79, claims report
The former star of the New York Mets Ed Kranepool has passed away at the age of 79. Kranepool died at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The statement from Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen reads, “We are incredibly heartbroken to learn of Ed Kranepool’s passing. He was an original Met, who debuted at age 17 in 1962. After starring at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, he would go on to play for his hometown team for the next 18 years, 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 capture the title.” (via Mets Insider)
Kranepool’s career with the Mets began in their inaugural 1962 season, and he remained with the team for an impressive 18 years. His debut came when he was just 17, and he quickly became a staple in the Mets’ lineup. Throughout his career, Kranepool amassed 1,418 hits and 118 home runs.
Beyond his career, Kranepool faced significant health challenges after retirement. Shortly after leaving the sport, he was diagnosed with diabetes. In 2017, an infected abscess led to the removal of his toe. The infection proved difficult to control due to his failing kidneys. However, in 2019, Kranepool received a successful kidney transplant, which greatly improved his condition. His former teammate, Ron Swoboda, noted that the surgery made a positive difference in Kranepool’s later years. (via Fox News)