Sad news today. Bud Harrelson has passed away at the age of 79. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019.
Harrelson, of course, was a key player for the Mets since joining the team in 1965. A member of the Miracle Mets in 1969, he was perhaps better known for his fight with Pete Rose in the 1973 NCLS.
A three-time All Star and Gold Glove winner in 1971, Harrelson was the epitome of the good-field, no-hit shortstop with a .236 career batting average and just seven home runs in 16 years, the last three of which were split between the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers.
He also spent several weeks a year fulfilling his military obligations, as did many of his generation. I wish someone would write about that.
After his playing days came to an end he remained with the Mets as a coach and later manager for parts of the 1990-91 seasons, finishing with a record of 145-129, including a fine 71-49 in his inaugural season at the helm.
Needless to say, Harrelson is a staple of any book about the Mets throughout their history.
Here’s his obituary from The New York Times by Richard Goldstein and the Associated Press. Undoubtedly there will be more on him in the days to come.
Books by and about Bud Harrelson include:
- Turning Two: My Journey to the Top of the World and Back with the New York Mets, written with Phil Pepe (2012)
- Bud Harrelson Super Shortstop, by Bill Libby (1975)
- How to Play Better Baseball, with Joel Cohen (1972)
is available on Amazon.com,
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