The New York Mets announced on Thursday morning that Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson passed away on Wednesday night at age 79 at a hospice house in East Northport, Long Island, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.
Harrelson was part of the Miracle Mets that won the first championship in franchise history in 1969. He played in the minors for the Mets in 1063, 1964, and part of 1965 before making his major league debut on Sept. 2, 1965. Harrelson played with the Mets through the 1977 season. With the Mets, he was a two-time All-Star, won a Gold Glove, and finished in the Top 30 of MVP voting on three separate occasions.
The talented defensive shortstop went 54 consecutive games without committing an error at one point during the 1970 season, his first season being named to the All-Star team.
Following his playing days, Harrelson joined the Mets as a coach in 1982 and returned in 1985. He was on the coaching staff of the 1986 World Champions. Early in the 1990 season, he took over as manager and kept those duties through the 1991 season.
Harrelson was the co-owner and co-founder of the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.
Statement from Steve and Alex Cohen:
“We were saddened to learn of Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson’s passing. He was a skilled defender and spark plug on the 1969 Miracle Mets. The Gold Glove shortstop played 13 years in Queens, appearing in more games at short than anyone else in team history. Buddy was the third base coach on the 1986 World Champs, becoming the only person to be in uniform on both World Series winning teams. We extend our deepest condolences to his entire family.”
