Bud Harrelson, a former spark plug shortstop for the New York Mets, died in hospice care near his home in Long Island, according to a statement released by the Mets.
Harrelson was a member of the Mets‘ 1969 World Series winning squad, the “Miracle Mets,” as well as the 1973 team that won the NL Pennant.
The 79-year-old was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, according to the New York Post.
“We were saddened to learn of Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson’s passing. He was a skilled defender and spark plug on the 1969 Miracle Mets,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “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.”
Besides being a valuable contributor to the 1969 team as a player, the beloved shortstop was also an integral coach within the Mets organization. (RELATED: Shohei Ohtani’s Contract Is Patently Absurd)
Harrelson was the team’s third base coach when they defeated the Red Sox to secure their second World Series championship in 1986. During the now-iconic moment that Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner bobbled a ball and allowed the Mets to score, Harrelson can be seen running alongside Ray Knight as he scores the winning run.
“I not only waved him home, I accompanied him on his journey,” Harrelson claimed in his autobiography, according to MLB.com. “If you look at the highlights of Knight scoring the winning run, you can see me running right along with him … I had to slow down because I had Ray beat and I couldn’t touch home plate or get there before he did.”
The two-time All-Star would also go on to manage the Mets for two seasons in the early 1990s.
His teammate Art Shamsky said: “He was a terrific player and an integral part of the ’69 Mets. And I think that’s a legacy that will live on forever.”
“He’s also a terrific person and a great teammate,” Shamsky added, per MLB.com.