Former baseball player Buddy Harrelson died at the age of 79 in a hospice home in East Northport, N.Y., on Long Island. According to the official website of Major League Baseball (MLB), Harrelson had a long battle with Alzheimer's.
"Last night, Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson passed away at age 79 at a hospice house in East Northport, Long Island after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s," the MLB wrote in a statement. release.
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.
Likewise, the MLB recalled that Harrelson played for the Mets from 1965 to 1977. In addition, he was a member of the World Series champion Mets in 1969, was in the All-Star Game twice (1970 and 1971) and won the 1971 Gold Glove as a shortstop. He later served as manager of the Mets in 1982 and again from 1985 to 1990. "Harrelson took over the managerial duties early in the 1990 season and led the Mets through the 1991 campaign," the MLB detailed.
Mets owner Steve Cohen issued a statement mourning Harrelson's death. His performance as spark plug for the 1969 Miracle Mets stood out.
"We were saddened to learn of Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson’s passing. He was 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," Cohen said.
Rest in peace, Buddy. 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/iBvmMMxqJ5
— New York Mets (@Mets) January 11, 2024
