Mets Hall of Famer Ed Kranepool dies at 79

Beloved first baseman played 18 seasons in New York

Kranepool was a key member of the "Miracle Mets" 1969 World Series championship team

Ed Kranepool, the beloved first baseman who played 18 seasons with the New York Mets, died Tuesday at the age of 79, the team announced.

Kranepool was a key member of the "Miracle Mets" 1969 World Series championship team. He was also a four-time All-Star and won the Gold Glove Award in 1968.

"Ed Kranepool was a true Met," Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said in a statement. "He was a great player, a great teammate, and a great friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him."

Kranepool was born in the Bronx and grew up in Queens. He was a star athlete at Grover Cleveland High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and football.

Kranepool signed with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 1962. He made his major league debut in 1964 and quickly became a fan favorite.

Kranepool was a solid hitter and fielder. He was known for his consistency and his ability to come up with big hits in key situations.

Kranepool retired from the Mets after the 1981 season. He finished his career with a .262 batting average, 1,419 hits, 119 home runs, and 866 RBIs.

Kranepool was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1987. He was also a member of the New York Mets Hall of Fame Committee.

Kranepool is survived by his wife, Ann, and their two children.