Ed Kranepool, The True “Miracle Met”
When Ed Kranepool steps in front of the microphone on the field today at Citi Field to speak to the fans as a representative of the 1969 Miracle Mets, his message will be simple and right to the point.
“I want to let the fans know that all of us appreciate all the support we have received all these years,” said Ed, an original Met, who played with the team from 1962 to 1979. “There have been so many iconic sports teams, but how we have been treated is something special.”
Today will be a “Second Miracle” for Kranepool, who last May underwent a kidney transplant.
“When I had the surgery, the doctors at Stony Brook Hospital guaranteed me that I would be able to be here today,” Ed said. “They did a great job. I couldn’t be more thankful for the way things have worked out for me and my family.”
Fifteen players from the 1969 Mets will be in attendance this weekend. They will naturally be thinking about their teammates and friends who have passed on.
“There will be a touch of sadness for the guys who have died and for the guys who are too sick to be here,” Kranepool said. “Even though they won’t here physically they all will be in our hearts”
Many of the staff and players from the 1969 team have died. This includes General Manager Johnny Murphy, manager Gil Hodges, and coaches Yogi Berra, Rube Walker and Eddie Yost. Players who have passed away are Tommie Agee, Don Cardwell, Ed Charles, Don Clendenon, Cal Koonce, and Tug McGraw.
“What we accomplished and the odds we overcame to get there will never be forgotten,” Kranepool concluded. “ I am so proud to have been a part of it.”
