Ed Kranepool (1944-20240) Find a Grave Memorial
Ed Kranepool (1944-20240) Find a Grave Memorial,
Ed Kranepool Find a Grave, Ed Kranepool obituary, Ed Kranepool Death and Burial Details, Ed Kranepool American baseball player dies at age 79.
Ed Kranepool
Full Name | Edward Emil Kranepool III |
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Birth | 8 November 1944, The Bronx, New York, United States |
Death | 8 September 2024 (aged 79), Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Florida, United States |
Cause of Death | Cardiac arrest |
Spouse | Monica Kranepool (Married 1981) |
Children | Keith Kranepool |
Burial | Burial Details Unknown |
Memorial id | 274535554 |
Ed Kranepool Cause of Death
Ed Kranepool passed away due to cardiac arrest on September 8, 2024, at the age of 79.
Ed Kranepool Obituary
Ed Kranepool, a beloved New York Mets icon and enduring symbol of the team’s early success, passed away on September 8, 2024, at the age of 79 due to cardiac arrest. Known for his remarkable 18-season career entirely with the Mets, Kranepool was a key player in the team’s historic 1969 World Series victory.
Born in the Bronx, he was signed by the Mets at 17 and went on to become the last remaining Met from their inaugural season and the Miracle Mets. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Kranepool’s legacy includes his contributions as a pinch-hitter and his appearances in commercials and television. His dedication to the game and his impact on Mets history will be remembered fondly by fans and the baseball community alike.
Ed Kranepool (1944-20240) American baseball player
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ed Kranepool was an iconic figure in baseball, known for his entire Major League Baseball career spent with the New York Mets. Born in the Bronx, New York, Kranepool attended James Monroe High School where he honed his skills in both baseball and basketball. His journey to the majors began when Mets’ scout Bubber Jonnard signed him in 1962 at the age of 17. By the time he retired in 1979, Kranepool was the last remaining Met from the team’s inaugural 1962 season and a key member of the 1969 Miracle Mets World Championship team.
Baseball Career
1962-63: Debut with the Mets
Kranepool made a splash in his rookie season after batting a combined .301 at three levels of the Mets’ minor league system in 1962. At just 17 years old, he was notably younger than most of his teammates. He made his major league debut on September 22, 1962, as a defensive replacement for Gil Hodges. His first start came the next day, where he went one for four with a double. Despite a challenging start, Kranepool showed promise and continued to develop throughout the season.
1964: Earning the First Base Job
By 1964, Kranepool had started gaining more responsibility. Though initially playing mostly in the outfield, he found himself competing for the first base position. A demotion to the Buffalo Bisons in May didn’t deter him; he returned to the Mets and showcased his resilience by playing in a historic 23-inning doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants, contributing to a 13-game hitting streak and finishing the season with a respectable .257 average.
1965-66: All-Star and Career Milestones
The 1965 season marked a significant achievement for Kranepool when he was named the Mets’ sole representative in the National League All-Star team, although he did not play in the game. His batting average dipped by the end of the season, but he still led the team in hits and doubles. In 1966, he reached a career high with 16 home runs, helping the Mets avoid a last-place finish.
1969: The Miracle Mets
Kranepool was an integral part of the 1969 Miracle Mets, a team that defied expectations to win the World Series. His performance during the regular season and the postseason was crucial, including a memorable home run in Game 3 of the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles. The Mets’ victory in 1969 solidified Kranepool’s status as a Mets legend.
1970-73: Demotion and Comeback
Kranepool faced a setback in 1970 with a demotion to the Tidewater Tides but rebounded strongly, eventually returning to the Mets and contributing significantly. His 1971 season was particularly noteworthy, with a batting average of .280 and leading the National League in fielding percentage. In 1973, he played a key role in the Mets’ NL East victory and their subsequent World Series appearance.
1974-76: Transition and Challenges
The death of Mets owner Joan Payson in 1975 marked a transition period for the team. Despite the changes, Kranepool continued to be a steady presence, batting .300 in consecutive seasons. His contributions during this period helped the Mets remain competitive, even as ownership changes loomed.
1977-79: Pinch-Hitting and Retirement
As the Mets evolved, Kranepool’s role shifted to that of a pinch-hitter, where he excelled with a career-best .396 average in pinch-hitting from 1974 to 1978. He became the last of the 1969 Miracle Mets when he retired after the 1979 season. His legacy included being the all-time Mets leader in several offensive categories, though many have since been surpassed.
Category | Details | ||||||
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Batted | Left | ||||||
Threw | Left | ||||||
MLB debut | September 22, 1962, for the New York Mets | ||||||
Last MLB appearance | September 30, 1979, for the New York Mets | ||||||
MLB statistics |
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Teams | New York Mets (1962–1979) | ||||||
Career highlights and awards |
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Commercials and Television Appearances
Beyond his playing career, Kranepool appeared in several commercials, including a memorable 1978 Gillette Foamy ad. He also made cameo appearances on television, including Saturday Night Live and Everybody Loves Raymond, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in popular culture.
Post-Retirement and Health
After retiring, Kranepool pursued various careers, including stockbroking and restaurateur ventures. He was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1990 and authored his autobiography, The Last Miracle: My 18-Year Journey with the Amazin’ New York Mets, in August 2023. Despite health challenges, including diabetes and a kidney transplant in 2019, Kranepool remained a respected and cherished figure in the baseball community.
Death and Legacy
Ed Kranepool passed away on September 8, 2024, at the age of 79. His contributions to the Mets and the game of baseball remain celebrated, and he will always be remembered as a symbol of the Mets’ early years and their historic 1969 World Series victory. His enduring legacy is a testament to his dedication and love for the game.
Ed Kranepool Find a Grave
The details of Ed Kranepool’s burial are currently unknown. Ed Kranepool’s memorial ID is 274535554.
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Ed Kranepool (1944-20240) Find a Grave Memorial
FAQs about Ed Kranepool
Q: When was Ed Kranepool born?
A: Ed Kranepool was born on November 8, 1944.
Q: When did Ed Kranepool pass away?
A: Ed Kranepool passed away on September 8, 2024.
Q: What was the cause of Ed Kranepool’s death?
A: Ed Kranepool died of cardiac arrest.
Q: Who was Ed Kranepool?
A: Ed Kranepool was a prominent American baseball player who spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the New York Mets. He was known for his role as a first baseman and occasional outfielder.
Q: What were Ed Kranepool’s major accomplishments?
A: Kranepool was a key player for the Mets, including their 1969 World Series-winning team. He was also the last remaining player from the Mets’ inaugural 1962 season and had a significant impact as a pinch-hitter throughout his career.
Q: When did Ed Kranepool play for the Mets?
A: Ed Kranepool played for the New York Mets from 1962 to 1979.
Q: How did Ed Kranepool contribute to the Mets’ 1969 World Series win?
A: Kranepool was a crucial part of the Mets’ “Miracle” season in 1969, including hitting a home run in Game 3 of the World Series, helping the Mets secure their first championship.
Q: What was Ed Kranepool’s career batting average?
A: Over his career, Ed Kranepool had a batting average of .261.
Q: How many games did Ed Kranepool play for the Mets?
A: Kranepool played in 1,853 games for the Mets, which remains the most in franchise history.
Q: What was Ed Kranepool’s cause of death?
A: Ed Kranepool passed away due to cardiac arrest on September 8, 2024.
Q: When was Ed Kranepool inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame?
A: Kranepool was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1990.
Q: What were some of Ed Kranepool’s post-baseball activities?
A: After retiring, Kranepool worked as a stockbroker, restaurateur, and in credit card processing. He also made various media appearances and was involved in commercials.
Q: Did Ed Kranepool write a book?
A: Yes, Ed Kranepool’s autobiography, The Last Miracle: My 18-Year Journey with the Amazin’ New York Mets, was released in August 2023.
Q: What are the details of Ed Kranepool’s burial?
A: The details of Ed Kranepool’s burial are currently unknown.
Q: What is Ed Kranepool’s memorial ID?
A: Ed Kranepool’s memorial ID is 274535554. You can view more information here. Ed Kranepool (1944-20240) Find a Grave Memorial