Most of you will think I am crazy, but those of you of a certain age will know I speak the truth. There was a time when the hands down no-doubt second most popular Met of all time was Bud Harrelson. Seaver, then Buddy. If Steve Cohen had owned the team in twenty years ago there would probably be a 3 hanging on the wall.
Probably the worst thing that ever happened to Bud was managing the Mets. After that, he was never seemed to hold that same level of magnitude in the organization – both from ownership and the fans. A real shame.
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If you ever met Buddy, and have ever met a modern day athlete, it’s incredible that he not only made the major leagues, but that he played 16 seasons. Officially listed at 5 foot eleven – well I am 5′ 9 and he wasn’t bigger than me when I met him.
.I hope the Mets at least do the black armband, but my inner Paul Lukas reminds me today is not the day to bog down in discussions of patches or whatnot.
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The Mets released this statement: (and by the way note that once again the owners are being positioned as Steve and Alex not just Steve. Keep that in mind for the future.)
FLUSHING, N.Y., January 11, 2024 — 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. Harrelson played for the Mets from 1965–1977. He was a member of the 1969 Miracle Mets, a two-time All-Star (1970 and 1971) and earned the 1971 Gold Glove at shortstop. He later would serve as a coach with the Mets in 1982 and again from 1985–1990. Harrelson took over the managerial duties early in the 1990 season and led the Mets through the 1991 campaign. The Harrelson family announced they will have a celebration of his life at a later date.
Statement from Steve and Alex Cohen
“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. 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.”
