Buddy Harrelson, the beloved shortstop for the 1969 Mets and a key figure in the team’s two championships, passed away at the age of 79 after battling Alzheimer’s. Harrelson had an impressive career with the Mets, starting from his signing in 1963 until his retirement. He made his debut as a shortstop in 1965 and became the Opening Day starter in 1967, holding that position for 11 seasons. Only David Wright and Tom Seaver have appeared in as many Opening Day lineups for the Mets.
In addition to his playing career, Harrelson also contributed to the Mets as a coach and manager. He joined the coaching staff in 1982 and again from 1985 to 1990. He even took over as manager during the 1990 season and held the position until 1991. Harrelson’s contributions to the team were recognized when he was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1986.
Harrelson’s impact on the Mets extended beyond his on-field achievements. He was known for his energy, passion, and love for the game. His former teammate Art Shamsky described him as a New York Mets icon, emphasizing his special role as a player, coach, and manager. Howie Rose, the Mets’ long-time broadcaster, echoed these sentiments, stating that nobody loved being a Met more than Buddy and that he was universally loved by all.
Harrelson’s defensive skills were highly regarded, making him a valuable asset to pitchers. Shamsky highlighted his defensive prowess and described him as the glue of the infield. According to Baseball Reference, Harrelson is the Mets’ all-time leader in defensive wins above replacement and ranks fourth in franchise history in games played. He also holds seventh place in hits and eighth place in stolen bases.
The Mets organization expressed their condolences upon hearing of Harrelson’s passing. Steve and Alex Cohen, the team’s owners, acknowledged his contributions as a skilled defender and spark plug during the 1969 Miracle Mets season. They also recognized his role as the third-base coach for the 1986 World Champions, making him the only person to be in uniform for both World Series-winning teams.
One of Harrelson’s most memorable moments as a Met came during the 1973 National League Championship Series when he engaged in a brawl with Pete Rose after a hard slide into second base. This incident symbolized the underdog Mets’ performance against the favored Reds, whom they ultimately defeated to win the pennant. Harrelson reflected on this game, stating that he remembers every little thing about the fight.
Despite his fierce competitiveness on the field, Harrelson was known for his friendly and approachable nature. He maintained a good relationship with Rose even after their altercation and later managed Rose’s son with the Long Island Ducks. Harrelson’s connection with Mets fans was strong, as he was admired for his scrappy and team-oriented attitude. Howie Rose described him as an effervescent, fun-loving soul who was universally loved by all.
The passing of Buddy Harrelson is a significant loss for the Mets organization and its fans. His contributions as a player, coach, and manager will always be remembered, and his impact on the team’s history is undeniable. Buddy Harrelson will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Mets fans everywhere.