Mets honor late legend who played most games in franchise history at Citi Field
On Monday, the Mets honored the late Ed Kranepool, who died on Sept. 8 in Boca Raton, Fla., after suffering cardiac arrest at the age of 79.
The Mets held a moment of silence before Game 1 against the Nationals at Citi Field. They also had his grandson and namesake, Ed, throw out the first pitch to his father, son of the late Mets legend, Keith Kranepool, who spoke to media members before batting practice.
“The outpouring of support that has come since the news of my dad’s passing has been amazing,” Keith Kranepool said. “Thank you for everything that you’ve done. Again, thanks to the Mets organization and the ownership. And I just, I wanted to get this chance to just let you know we appreciate it.”
Kranepool played 18 big league seasons, all with the Mets from 1962-1979.
He slashed .261/.316/.377 for his career and earned an All-Star nod in 1965. He was a key member of the 1969 Miracle Mets, hitting a home run in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Orioles.
Kranepool holds the record for most games played (1,853) in Mets history. While other Mets players have had more home hits, he has the most hits (718) ever at Shea Stadium — David Wright (853) and José Reyes (775) played at Shea and Citi Field.
“He’ll argue, or you would have argued that for Shea Stadium, he held a couple of special records,” Keith said tongue-in-cheek. “You know, David Wright might not agree with that, but you know, nevertheless.”
Kranepool was plucked out of James Monroe HS in the Bronx by the Mets in 1972, making his big league debut that September at the age of 17.
The Mets played a tribute video of Kranepool before his son and grandson took the field for the ceremonial first pitch. In it, Kranepool is heard waxing poetically about the game of baseball.
Keith Kranepool summarized it perfectly.
“Ultimately, we’re just proud of the opportunity,” he said. “He did what he loved from being a kid, and, you know, I hope we all get that same chance because it’s pretty special.”
