Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Ed Kranepool

Ed Kranepool (November 8, 1944 – September 8, 2024) was an American professional baseball player who spent his entire 18-season career as a and for the , debuting at age 17 in the franchise's inaugural 1962 season and retiring after the 1979 campaign. A native New Yorker born in , Kranepool signed with the Mets straight out of high school and quickly became a fixture in their lineup, appearing in 1,853 games while batting .261 with 1,418 hits, 118 s, and 614 runs batted in over his career. He earned a reserve spot on the 1965 team and set several franchise records, including the most games played (1,853) and at-bats (5,436), while also holding the Mets' single-season pinch-hit record with a .486 average (17-for-35) in 1974. Kranepool's tenure made him the longest-serving player in Mets history, and he played a pivotal role in the team's "Miracle" championship, contributing a in Game 3 of the Fall Classic against the Baltimore Orioles. He was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1990. In his later years, Kranepool faced health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 2019 due to complications from , which led him to become an advocate for diabetes awareness and other charitable causes such as support. He was married twice—first to Carole Henson (divorced), then to since 1981—and had a son, Edward Keith Kranepool; after retiring, he worked in processing and remained a beloved figure in Mets lore for his steady play and loyalty to the organization.

Early life

Birth and family

Edward Emil Kranepool III was born on November 8, 1944, in the Castle Hill section of , . His father, Sergeant Edward Kranepool, a 31-year-old U.S. , had been just three and a half months earlier on July 28, 1944, during the Allied invasion of in , , leaving the family without its primary provider. Kranepool's mother, Ethel (Hasselbach) Kranepool, was six months pregnant at the time of her husband's death and raised her two children—Kranepool and his older sister, Marilyn, who was three years his senior—on a modest military widow's pension supplemented by odd jobs. The Kranepool family embodied the working-class ethos of post-World War II neighborhoods, where tight-knit immigrant and blue-collar communities fostered resilience amid economic challenges. Ethel's determination to provide stability for her children in this urban environment shaped Kranepool's early years, marked by a sense of community support in the wake of wartime loss. Growing up in a modest household, Kranepool spent much of his childhood in local playgrounds, where the vibrant street culture of —alive with the sounds of stickball games and neighborhood sports—nurtured his budding athleticism. Kranepool's early enthusiasm for was influenced by the era's baseball heroes and local mentors in post-war . As a young boy, he idolized Yankees star , whose exploits captivated the city's youth and inspired Kranepool's passion for the game amid the playground rivalries of his upbringing. A neighbor and family friend, Jim Schiaffo, served as a surrogate father figure, encouraging Kranepool's involvement in informal sports and laying the groundwork for his organized play. These experiences in the resilient, sports-saturated communities of honed his skills and set the stage for his athletic development.

High school and amateur career

Ed Kranepool attended High School in , , where he played varsity for three seasons. As a left-handed , he emerged as a standout player on a team known as a perennial powerhouse in the city's Public School Athletic League (PSAL). During his senior year in 1962, Kranepool led to the PSAL finals, though the team fell short in a 6-5 loss to the defending champion from . He compiled impressive power numbers, hitting 19 home runs over his high school career, including nine in his final season—a mark that broke the school's long-standing record of seven set by future Hall of Famer in 1929. His prodigious hitting earned him the nickname "Eddie’s Tree" for an oak in right-center field at the school's field, which students dubbed in honor of the frequent long balls he cleared. In the championship game, despite a fielding error on a popup that contributed to two unearned runs, Kranepool showed versatility by pitching a scoreless eighth and ninth innings. Kranepool's performances drew heavy scouting from nearly every club, positioning him as one of the top amateur prospects in the country. He graduated from in June 1962 and opted to forgo college, signing directly with the for an $80,000 bonus just days later, drawn by the opportunity to play close to home despite larger offers from other teams.

Professional baseball career

Signing with the Mets and debut (1962–1963)

Kranepool signed with the New York Mets as an amateur free agent on June 27, 1962, days after graduating from James Monroe High School in the Bronx, where his stardom as a slugging first baseman had drawn scouts from multiple teams. The Mets, in their inaugural season, outbid competitors including the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds with a signing bonus of $85,000—the largest ever for a high school player at the time—along with incentives that could push the total higher. He immediately flew to join the Mets in Los Angeles, arriving in time to witness Sandy Koufax's first no-hitter on June 30 before being optioned to the minors to begin his professional career. At age 17, Kranepool faced a steep learning curve in the minors, starting at Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs of the International League, where he batted .229 in 14 games amid the challenges of advanced competition and long bus rides. Demoted in mid-July to Class-A Knoxville Smokies of the South Atlantic League (.278 average in 7 games), he was sent down again a week later to the Class-D Auburn Mets of the New York-Penn League, thriving with a .351 average, 23 runs scored, and 18 RBI in 20 games. Overall, he hit .301 with a .783 OPS across 41 minor league games that season, demonstrating power potential with 6 doubles, 2 triples, and 1 home run while adapting to the rigors of professional play, including stricter umpiring and team discipline. Kranepool earned a call-up to the Mets after his strong finish in , making his debut on September 22, 1962, at the against the Chicago Cubs; at 17 years and 318 days old, he became the youngest player ever to appear for the franchise, relieving veteran at first base and grounding out to shortstop in his only at-bat that day. The following afternoon, in what was intended as the Mets' final home game before relocating to , he recorded his first hit—a double off Cubs reliever . In three games that , Kranepool batted .167 with one double in six at-bats, while handling 12 chances flawlessly at first base for a 1.000 fielding , showcasing the glove work that had impressed scouts. The 1963 season marked Kranepool's first full year in the majors at age 18, as he appeared in 86 games for the last-place Mets, splitting time between first base (20 games) and the outfield (55 games, mostly right field). He batted .209 overall with 57 hits, 12 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, and 14 RBI in 273 at-bats, including his first major league home run on April 19 against Milwaukee Braves pitcher Bob Shaw at the Polo Grounds. Kranepool showed signs of maturation late in the year, hitting .274 in September (17-for-62), though defensive adjustments in the outfield proved challenging amid the Mets' 111 losses.

Establishing as first baseman (1964–1966)

In 1964, at the age of 19, Ed Kranepool secured the starting position for the during , transitioning from a part-time role in his previous seasons to a full-time starter following the departure of veteran Marv Throneberry. This opportunity allowed Kranepool to play in 119 games, primarily at first base with 104 appearances there, marking his establishment as a cornerstone of the Mets' infield. Kranepool's offensive performance that year included a .257 over 420 at-bats, with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs, contributing to his development as a reliable with emerging power. Defensively, he demonstrated solid fielding at first base, posting a .991 with only 10 errors across 1,065 total chances, which helped reduce the Mets' infield vulnerabilities and earned him recognition for dependable play, though not yet at the level of award contention. Building on this foundation, Kranepool's 1965 season saw further consistency, as he appeared in a career-high 153 games, batting .253 with 10 home runs and 53 RBIs in 525 at-bats. His strong start to the year, leading the Mets in hits (133) and total bases (204), earned him his lone All-Star selection as the team's only representative in the National League, though he did not appear in the game at Minnesota's Metropolitan Stadium. Defensively, he maintained a .992 fielding percentage over 147 games at first base, solidifying his reputation as a steady handler of the position. By 1966, Kranepool showed notable power growth, hitting 16 home runs—his career high at that point—while with 57 RBIs in 146 games and 464 at-bats. He started 132 games at , occasionally platooning with outfield duties, and continued his defensive reliability with a .992 fielding percentage and just 10 errors. Over these three seasons, Kranepool's cumulative statistics—36 home runs, 155 RBIs, and a —highlighted his maturation into a durable, everyday for the improving Mets.

Miracle Mets championship (1967–1969)

In 1967, Kranepool enjoyed a solid season as the ' primary , batting .269 with 10 home runs and 54 RBIs over 141 games, providing offensive stability for a team that finished 73-89 in the . His performance helped anchor a young roster featuring emerging talents like and , though the Mets remained mired in the lower echelons of the standings during another rebuilding year. The 1968 campaign was more challenging for Kranepool, who hit .231 with just 3 home runs and 20 RBIs in 127 games, reflecting the team's overall struggles as they posted a 66-95 . Despite the dip in production, Kranepool's experience as one of the original Mets offered continuity to a squad still developing its identity amid consecutive losing seasons. Kranepool rebounded somewhat in , batting .238 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs in 112 games, posting a .675 while sharing first-base duties in manager ' platoon system after the acquisition of . Key regular-season contributions included a walk-off single on July 8 against the Chicago Cubs, scoring Cleon Jones to secure a 4-3 victory and signaling the Mets' growing competitiveness as they trailed the Cubs by 4.5 games. He also participated in the Mets' clinching 6-0 win over the Cardinals on , contributing to the offense in the game that secured their first title with a 100-62 . In the postseason, Kranepool batted .250 (3-for-12) with one double and one in the against the , helping the Mets sweep the series 3-0. His most memorable moment came in Game 3 of the against the Baltimore Orioles, where he hit a solo in the bottom of the eighth inning off reliever Pete Richert, extending the Mets' lead to 5-0 en route to a 5-0 victory that shifted momentum in the underdog team's eventual 4-1 series win for their first championship. Overall, Kranepool appeared in just four postseason games but embodied the resilience of the "Miracle Mets," a ragtag group of young pitchers and gritty position players who defied expectations to claim the title.

Demotion to minors (1970–1973)

Following the highs of the championship, Ed Kranepool encountered significant challenges at first base due to the Mets' acquisition of , who assumed the starting role and platooned with Kranepool in 1970. Early in the 1970 season, Kranepool struggled offensively, managing only a over his first 34 at-bats, including an 0-for-18 stretch as a . On June 23, 1970, the Mets demoted him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Tidewater Tides, to clear a roster spot for outfielder ; the move marked the first assignment for Kranepool since 1964 and effectively ended his status as an everyday player at age 25. Devastated by the demotion, Kranepool briefly contemplated retirement but instead focused on redemption in the , where he batted .310 with seven home runs and 45 RBIs in 47 games. Recalled to the Mets on August 14, he appeared in 43 games that year, primarily as a , finishing with a .170 , no home runs, and three RBIs overall. The Mets, managed by , ended the season in third place in the with an 83-79 record amid a transitional period following their miracle title. In 1971, Clendenon's departure via trade opened the door for Kranepool to reclaim a regular role, as he started primarily at first base and batted .280 with 14 home runs and a career-high 58 RBIs in 122 games. His improved performance reflected a mended relationship with Hodges and renewed motivation after the prior year's setback, though the team again finished third at 83-79. The 1972 season brought further instability when Hodges died suddenly in spring training, leading to Yogi Berra's appointment as manager and contributing to ongoing roster flux at first base. Kranepool platooned throughout the year, splitting time between first base and right field while batting .269 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 122 games, as the Mets maintained their third-place standing with an 86-76 mark. By 1973, competition intensified with the emergence of John Milner, who took over most starts at first base; Kranepool's role diminished to a and utility position, including outfield duties, as he appeared in 100 games and batted .239 with one and 35 RBIs. Despite the reduced playing time under Berra, Kranepool provided key contributions during the Mets' improbable run to the pennant, starting Game 5 of the NLCS against the and delivering a two-run single that helped secure a 9-2 .

Return to the majors (1974–1976)

In 1974, Kranepool transitioned into a utility role, primarily serving as a while occasionally starting at first base and in the outfield. In 94 games that season, Kranepool posted a .300 and .350 , with his pinch-hitting prowess standing out as he batted .486 (17-for-35), setting a major league single-season record for the role. Kranepool's part-time duties continued in 1975 and 1976 amid the Mets' rebuilding efforts, as the team integrated younger talent and endured losing or mediocre seasons, finishing 71-91 in 1974, 83-79 in 1975, and 86-76 in 1976. He platooned at first base with players like John Milner and , appearing in 106 games in 1975 with a career-high .323 and .370 , and 123 games in 1976 at .292 and .344, respectively. These seasons highlighted his improved plate discipline and reliability in limited at-bats, contributing to team morale during the transition. The death of Mets owner on October 4, 1975, deeply affected Kranepool, who was the only active player to attend her funeral and later described her as "like a grandmother" for her personal support throughout his career. This loss, coming after the 1975 season, underscored Kranepool's enduring loyalty to the organization amid ownership changes to her daughter and son-in-law , influencing his commitment during the 1976 campaign.

Pinch-hitting role and retirement (1977–1979)

In the later stages of his career, Ed Kranepool transitioned fully into a pinch-hitting specialist for the New York Mets, leveraging his veteran plate discipline and clutch performance from limited appearances. Building on his established bench role in the mid-1970s, Kranepool excelled in this capacity during 1977 and 1978, posting a combined .396 batting average in pinch-hit at-bats over those years as part of a broader 1974–1978 stretch where he hit .396 (57-for-144). In 1977, he batted .448 as a pinch-hitter (13-for-29), contributing key hits such as an RBI single in an August 7 extra-innings victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The following year, 1978, he maintained effectiveness with a .300 pinch-hit average (15-for-50), including three home runs off the bench, though his overall season batting average dipped to .210 amid just 66 games played and limited starts. Kranepool's opportunities remained sparse, reflecting the Mets' rebuilding phase and his age of 33–34, but he accumulated 10 home runs in 1977—his highest total since 1975—while finishing with a .281 overall average in 108 games. His career home run count reached 118 by the end of 1978, underscoring a power element to his utility despite fewer starts. In 1979, however, his production waned, with a .232 batting average in 82 games and a sharp drop to .162 in 49 pinch-hit at-bats (6-for-37), signaling the physical toll of 18 major league seasons. Kranepool's final appearance came on September 30, 1979, at age 34, in a home game against the St. Louis Cardinals at , where he recorded a pinch-hit double off pitcher in the ninth inning of a 3-0 loss. Granted free agency on November 1, 1979, he chose retirement rather than signing elsewhere, citing his unwavering loyalty to the Mets organization that had signed him as a 17-year-old bonus baby in 1962. Over his 18 seasons—all with —he set franchise records for (1,853) and tenure as the longest-serving player, earning him the enduring title of the "last original Met."

Media appearances

Commercials

Following his retirement from baseball, Kranepool capitalized on his enduring popularity as a Mets icon through various endorsements, including political advertisements. In 1986, Kranepool made a brief appearance in a television commercial supporting the re-election campaign of U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato (R-N.Y.). Filmed on a Long Island baseball field, the 30-second spot showed Kranepool in a dugout wearing an old Mets uniform—lacking the team logo on the sleeve—and included archival footage from the 1969 World Series victory. He endorsed D'Amato by drawing parallels to the "Miracle Mets," declaring, "I'll be voting for Al D'Amato in November because he's been fighting and winning for New York." The ad aired locally on ABC affiliate WABC during the New York Mets' National League Championship Series game against the Houston Astros on October 8. The commercial quickly drew backlash from the Mets organization, which protested its unauthorized use of the team name, uniform, and historical imagery as a potential . General counsel Gerard Toner emphasized the team's commitment to and lack of permission for any political tie-in. D'Amato's campaign dismissed the complaint, insisting the ad was legitimate and refusing to withdraw it despite requests. Kranepool's involvement, while leveraging his status as one of the original Mets, highlighted tensions between former players' personal endeavors and team branding rights.

Television and film roles

Ed Kranepool leveraged his status as a key member of the champion to secure several guest spots and cameos in television and film, often portraying himself or providing expertise in entertainment contexts. In 1980, Kranepool made a brief appearance as himself, a player, in It's My Turn, a romantic drama directed by and starring , where he featured in a scene tied to the sport's cultural backdrop. Kranepool reprised his on-screen persona two decades later in a 1999 episode of titled "Big Shots" (Season 3, Episode 19, aired March 1). He played himself in a cameo alongside fellow 1969 Mets teammates like Jones and , appearing at a Hall of Fame autograph session that highlighted the enduring legacy of the Miracle Mets. Beyond scripted roles, Kranepool contributed to several documentaries and educational videos, drawing on his firsthand experiences with the Mets. He appeared as himself in the 2008 retrospective Shea Goodbye: 45 Years of Amazin' Mets, hosted by , which chronicled the team's history at through archival footage and player interviews. In 1991, he featured in the health-focused video Living with : A Winning Formula, sharing insights on managing the condition based on his own diagnosis shortly after retirement. These appearances, along with occasional guest spots on sports broadcasts and Mets-related TV segments as a or interviewee, allowed Kranepool to remain a visible ambassador for in media.

Post-retirement life

Business activities

After retiring from in 1979, Ed Kranepool transitioned into a career as a on , building on his earlier experience in during his playing days. He had earned his in 1965 at age 21, becoming one of only two licensed brokers in the alongside pitcher , and worked at the firm , Grumet & Seigel, where he managed approximately 160 clients by early 1967. Post-retirement, Kranepool continued this profession, leveraging his extensive network from to maintain a viable amid the competitive financial scene. Kranepool also entered the restaurant industry as an entrepreneur. In the wake of the ' 1969 championship, he partnered with teammate to open The Dugout, a Mets-themed eatery in . The venture capitalized on their celebrity status but operated for only a few years, as the demands of management proved challenging alongside his other pursuits. In his later professional years, Kranepool shifted focus to through a role in processing. Based in the area, he worked as a salesman soliciting businesses and retailers for payment solutions, drawing on his enduring recognition as a Mets to foster client trust and connections. This endeavor represented a return to finance while providing steady income from his sports legacy.

Health issues

Following his retirement from Major League Baseball in 1979, Ed Kranepool was diagnosed with in 1980, which he managed for over three decades through and adjustments. The condition gradually led to serious complications, including peripheral infections and declining organ function, despite his active post-career involvement in baseball-related events that helped delay some symptoms. Kranepool became a spokesperson for , promoting awareness across the country for six years, and supported other charitable causes such as awareness. In August 2016, Kranepool developed a severe in his left foot linked to his , necessitating the of his big toe the following month to prevent further spread. By early 2017, his function had deteriorated to the point where he was placed on the national transplant waiting list, a process exacerbated by four decades of that had reduced his capacity to approximately 20 percent. Kranepool's health challenges gained public attention through media appeals for potential donors starting in 2017, with the organization amplifying his story in 2018 to encourage living donations. These efforts culminated in April 2019 when a compatible anonymous donor was identified through a exchange chain, leading to a successful transplant surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital on May 7, 2019. Post-surgery, Kranepool reported significant recovery, allowing him to resume limited public appearances while adhering to immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection.

Death and legacy

Ed Kranepool died on September 8, 2024, at his home in , from at the age of 79. He relocated to as his full-time residence in 2022, following a transplant in 2019, which addressed long-standing health challenges including . The organization issued a statement mourning his loss, with owners Steve and describing Kranepool as "a beloved figure in Mets history" who "embodied the spirit of the organization" and continued serving as a community ambassador. Tributes from former teammates highlighted his enduring camaraderie; at his wake, and were among those in attendance, reflecting on his loyalty and steady presence. The Mets held a before a game on September 16, 2024, to honor him, and in April 2025, 1969 World Series champion shared personal remembrances during the team's home opener. In 2025, the Mets further honored Kranepool with a No. 7 uniform patch worn all season and a giveaway on September 16, 2025. Kranepool's legacy as the longest-tenured player in Mets history, spanning all 18 seasons of his career from 1962 to 1979, cemented him as a symbol of franchise loyalty and resilience. Inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1990, he remains third on the team's all-time hits list with 1,418, and his career statistics include a .261 , 118 home runs, 614 runs batted in, and 1,853 —records that underscore his foundational role in the organization's early years and the triumph.

References

  1. [1]
    Ed Kranepool - Society for American Baseball Research
    So Kranepool succeeded Tidewater, batting .310 with seven home runs in 47 games, and returned to the Mets on August 14. He finished with a .170 average (almost ...
  2. [2]
    Ed Kranepool, longest-tenured Met and 1969 WS champ, dies at 79
    Sep 9, 2024 · Ed Kranepool, the native New Yorker who became an original 1962 Met as a 17-year-old and spent his entire 18-year Major League career with New York, hitting a ...
  3. [3]
    Ed Kranepool Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
    Ed Kranepool ; Positions: First Baseman and Outfielder ; Bats: Left • Throws: Left ; Born: November 8, 1944 in New York, NY us ; Died: September 8, 2024 in Boca ...
  4. [4]
    Ed Kranepool, a Teenage Met Who Lasted 18 Seasons, Dies at 79
    Sep 11, 2024 · Edward Emil Kranepool III was born in the Bronx on Nov. 8, 1944, less than four months after his father, Edward Jr., an Army sergeant, was ...Missing: background siblings
  5. [5]
    Ed Kranepool, Mets legend who won 1969 World Series, dead at 79
    Sep 9, 2024 · Edward Emil Kranepool was born Nov. 8, 1944, in The Bronx. His father ... sister Marilyn, 3 years older, were raised by their mother Ethel.Missing: background siblings
  6. [6]
    Mets prospect Ed Kranepool begins 18-year career with first pro game
    Mar 3, 2021 · Ed Kranepool (THE TOPPS COMPANY). July 6, 1962: Mets prospect Ed Kranepool begins 18-year career with first pro game. March 3, 2021 /in Games ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Ed Kranepool Minor Leagues Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com
    98. Ed Kranepool Overview; More Kranepool Pages. Minor Lg Stats. Batting Splits. Career · 1962 ... Major League Teams. NL East: Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, New ...
  8. [8]
    Ed Kranepool Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
    Ed Kranepool Bio ; Fullname: Edward Emil Kranepool ; Born: 11/08/1944 in New York, NY ; High School: James Monroe, Bronx, NY ; Debut: 9/22/1962 ; Died: 9/08/2024 ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements<|control11|><|separator|>
  9. [9]
    1969 Mets: A Season of Streaks, Shocks, and Shutouts
    Though they won the opener on a pair of home runs by Ed Kranepool, the club lost Jerry Koosman for nearly a month with what was termed a dead arm. The Mets ...
  10. [10]
    Remembering Mets History (1969) Ed Kranepool's Walk Off Hit ...
    Ed Kranepool came up and delivered a single to shallow left center field, Cleon Jones raced home with the game winning walk off run.
  11. [11]
    1969 NLCS - New York Mets over Atlanta Braves (3-0)
    Ed Kranepool*, 3, 12, 2, 3, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 2 .250 .308 .333 .641, 0, 1, 0, 0.06, 1.81 ... World Series Batting Leaders, World Series Pitching Leaders, ...
  12. [12]
    1969 World Series - New York Mets over Baltimore Orioles (4-1)
    Series Batting Stats. New York Mets Batting. New York Mets Batting Table ... Ed Kranepool*, 1, 4, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0 .250 .250, 1.000, 1.250, 0, 0, 0, -0.02 ...
  13. [13]
    https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1969_NLCS.shtml
  14. [14]
    Kranepool in a pinch | The Hardball Times - FanGraphs
    Aug 28, 2013 · Aside from a 1970 demotion to Triple-A Tidewater (now Norfolk) after a rough start to the season, he was with the Mets to stay. In 1971 he hit .
  15. [15]
    Kranepool, Original Met, Goes to Minor - The New York Times
    Ed Kranepool, the last of the origi nal New York Mets, was sent to the minor leagues tonight and his place on the roster ...Missing: performance | Show results with:performance
  16. [16]
    Ed Kranepool: Mets Team Hall of Famer- Part Two (The Seventies ...
    All Time Mets Leader: Kranepool is the all-time Mets leader in games played (1853) & years of service in a Met uniform (18). He is the Mets all time pinch hits ...
  17. [17]
    The Thrill of Victory, The Agony of the Mets: Ed Kranepool
    Feb 6, 2017 · Kranepool's renaissance season ended with a .280 batting average, 14 homers and a career-high 58 RBI. At the conclusion of the 1971 campaign, ...
  18. [18]
    October 10, 1973: 'Ya Gotta Believe!' Mets win National League ...
    Oct 15, 2019 · Singles by Felix Millan and Cleon Jones and a walk to John Milner loaded the bases for Ed Kranepool. His single to left field drove in two ...
  19. [19]
    Joan Payson made history as Mets' principal owner - MLB.com
    Mar 15, 2024 · “She didn't want to be known,” said first baseman Ed Kranepool, who played for the Mets from 1962-79 and was one of the ushers at her funeral.
  20. [20]
    Ed Kranepool, longest-tenured player in Mets history, dies at 79
    Sep 9, 2024 · A standout player at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, Kranepool made his major league debut on Sept. 22, 1962, at 17 years old. He ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  21. [21]
    SCOUTING; Kranepool at Bat: Crowd Roars - The New York Times
    Kranepool was one of the most popular of the original Mets, and so the spot was something of a coup for the D'Amato campaign, particularly since it was shown ...
  22. [22]
    Mets protest Kranepool's ad for D'Amato - UPI Archives
    Oct 10, 1986 · The New York Mets are asking Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, R-N.Y., to pull a television commercial that features former first baseman Ed Kranepool ...
  23. [23]
    POLITICAL AD DRAWS METS` `NO` VOTE - Chicago Tribune
    Oct 12, 1986 · The New York Mets are asking Sen. Alfonse D`Amato (R-N.Y), to pull a TV commercial that features former first baseman Ed Kranepool in a team ...
  24. [24]
    Kranepool Passes | baseballmusings.com
    Sep 9, 2024 · Kranepool did have a sense of humor as you can see in this appearance in a Saturday Night Live film from 1979. Kranepool comes in at about 2:30.
  25. [25]
    It's My Turn (1980) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Bobby Thomson · Bobby Thomson · Ed Kranepool · Ed Kranepool · Ed Kranepool · Bill White · Bill White · Bill White · Johnny Kucks · Johnny Kucks · John Kuchs. ( ...
  26. [26]
    "Everybody Loves Raymond" Big Shots (TV Episode 1999) - IMDb
    Cleon Jones · Cleon Jones · Ed Kranepool · Ed Kranepool · Ed Kranepool · Dave Mallow · Dave Mallow · Event Announcer. (voice). Tug McGraw · Tug McGraw · Tug ...Missing: cameo | Show results with:cameo
  27. [27]
    Living with Diabetes A winng Formula VHS Video Ed Kranepool ...
    Living with Diabetes A winng Formula VHS Video Ed Kranepool Mets 2007. R. rich2447 (21110). 99.7% positive feedback. $15.00. or Best Offer. Free shipping. Est ...
  28. [28]
    Ed Kranepool - IMDb
    He was an actor, known for It's My Turn (1980), Everybody Loves Raymond (1996) and 1973 National League Championship Series (1973) He was married to Monica ...
  29. [29]
    No one a Met more through and through than Ed Kranepool
    Sep 9, 2024 · Mets legendary lifer Ed Kranepool, who passed away after suffering from cardiac arrest while watching his beloved Mets on Sunday, ...Missing: Goodbye documentary<|separator|>
  30. [30]
    A Mets Pinch-Hitting Legend Needs a Kidney | The East Hampton Star
    Mar 8, 2018 · Ed Kranepool, a longtime New York Met who was known for his hitting ... He was diagnosed with diabetes the next year, when he was 36.
  31. [31]
    Beloved Mets legend Ed Kranepool on waiting list for kidney donor ...
    Mar 2, 2017 · ... diabetic for 38 years and that the infection he got last August could have been related to his diabetic condition. A month later in ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  32. [32]
    Mets original Ed Kranepool needs kidney transplant, plans to ...
    Mar 5, 2017 · According to the New York Daily News, Kranepool is currently on the waiting list to receive a kidney transplant. In anticipation of the ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  33. [33]
    Mets legend Ed Kranepool to undergo life-saving kidney transplant
    Apr 22, 2019 · Recently the 74-year-old has seen his health deteriorate. Diabetes had left his kidney function at only 20 percent. But Kranepool has now found ...
  34. [34]
    Ed Kranepool visits Mets after kidney transplant - MLB.com
    Jun 6, 2019 · Kranepool had been looking for a kidney donor since 2017, and the Mets became involved in '18, publicizing the health issues he was dealing with ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  35. [35]
    Mets legend Kranepool in need of kidney transplant - WTOP News
    Mar 10, 2018 · At the age of 73, Kranepool needs a kidney transplant. It's the result of diabetes. “I've been a diabetic for almost forty years,” he told WTOP.Missing: date | Show results with:date
  36. [36]
    Mets legend Ed Kranepool has found kidney he needs
    Apr 22, 2019 · The 74-year-old has battled diabetes and other serious health issues for years and has been in need of a kidney transplant since at least last ...
  37. [37]
    One Year After Kidney Transplant, Mets Legend Enjoys Extra Innings
    both recipients of life-saving kidney transplants at Stony ...Missing: issues | Show results with:issues
  38. [38]
    Ed Kranepool is ready to pinch-hit for Mets a month after successful ...
    Ed Kranepool, in a touching moment, sat alongside a group of humanitarians on Thursday morning that helped to make his kidney transplant surgery possible.
  39. [39]
    Ed Kranepool's Life Will Make Many Believe in Miracles
    Mar 19, 2023 · After retirement, he developed diabetes, which worsened with age. In 2017, Kranepool lost a toe due to an infection. As his kidneys failed ...
  40. [40]
    Mets Legend Ed Kranepool On The Road To Recovery Following ...
    May 10, 2019 · Mets Legend Ed Kranepool On The Road To Recovery Following 'Amazin'' Kidney Transplant. May 10, 2019 / 6:51 PM EDT / CBS New York. NEW YORK ...Missing: date | Show results with:date<|control11|><|separator|>
  41. [41]
    Mets Hall of Famer Ed Kranepool passed away - MLB.com
    Sep 9, 2024 · Mets Hall of Famer Ed Kranepool passed away at age 79 yesterday ... After starring at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, he would ...
  42. [42]
    Kranepool Always a - Mets Insider Blog
    Sep 12, 2024 · Friday, the original Met, Ed Kranepool will be buried. I attended his wake Thursday. Two of his former teammates were there. Ron Swoboda ...Missing: funeral | Show results with:funeral
  43. [43]
    The Mets held a moment of silence before tonight's game to honor ...
    Sep 16, 2024 · The Mets held a moment of silence before tonight's game to honor the late Ed Kranepool.
  44. [44]
    Art Shamsky remembers Ed Kranepool | 04/04/2025 | New York Mets
    Apr 4, 2025 · 1969 World Series champion Art Shamsky remembers his lifetime teammate and close friend Ed Kranepool during the Mets' home opener.
  45. [45]
    Mets Hall of Fame | New York Mets - MLB.com
    Slick-fielding defense at first vase earned him 11 straight Gold Glove awards…The 1979 National League co-MVP. He is the sixth Met to have his number ...