Harrelson was scrappy player, Mets manager, coach
New York Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson died Jan. 10 in East Northport, New York, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 79.
Harrelson was the only person to be in uniform for each of the Mets’ two World Series titles. The shortstop played for the Mets for 13 seasons between 1965 and 1977, including as a member of the Miracle Mets, who captured the franchise’s first World Series title in 1969.
He later served as coach in 1982 and between 1985-90. When the Mets secured the 1986 World Series, Harrelson was the team’s third base coach.
The switch hitter earned back-to-back AllStar selections in 1970 and 1971 but he was known for his dependable defense more than his bat and captured a Gold Glove at shortstop in 1971.
The California native was Tom Seaver’s roommate on the road throughout their tenure with the Mets. Harrelson famously scuffled with Pete Rose after a hard slide into second base during the 1973 National League Championship Series. The Mets ultimately captured the NL pennant in five games.
Harrelson also managed the Mets during the 1990 and 1991 seasons, notching a 145-129 record.
“We were saddened to learn of Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson’s passing,” owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “He was a 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.”
Harrelson closed his 16-year career with two seasons with the Phillies and his final season with the Rangers in 1980. He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1986. In 2000, Harrelson brought minor league baseball to Long Island as a co-owner of the Atlantic League’s Long Island Ducks.
Harrelson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016 and went public with his struggles in 2018.