History of Ed Kranepool in Timeline

"Ed" Kranepool played his entire MLB career (18 seasons) for the New York Mets, primarily as a first baseman. Although he saw some action as an outfielder, he was best known for his time at first base.

November 8, 1944: Birth of Ed Kranepool

Edward Emil Kranepool III was born on November 8, 1944.

September 22, 1962: Kranepool Makes MLB Debut

Ed Kranepool made his major league debut on September 22, 1962, playing for the New York Mets against the Chicago Cubs.

1962: Kranepool Signs with the Mets

At the age of 17, Ed Kranepool was signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Mets in 1962.

1962: Ed Kranepool's New York Mets Debut

In 1962, Ed Kranepool joined the New York Mets, marking the beginning of his 18-season career with the team.

1962: Early Career with the Mets

The Gillette commercial referenced Kranepool's batting average from 1962 to 1970, highlighting his early years with the Mets.

1963: Kranepool's Breakout Season

During the 1963 season, Ed Kranepool became the Mets' everyday right fielder. He was later sent down to the minors but returned as a September call-up and improved his batting average.

1964: Kranepool Demoted to Buffalo

In 1964, Ed Kranepool was sent back to the minor leagues and played for the Buffalo Bisons.

1965: Kranepool Gives Up Number, Gets New One

Ed Kranepool gave up his number 21 to Warren Spahn and started wearing number 7 in the 1965 season.

1965: Kranepool Named to All-Star Team

Ed Kranepool was named to the National League All-Star team in 1965. Although his batting average dropped, he led the Mets in hits and doubles.

1966: Kranepool Helps Mets Avoid Last Place

Ed Kranepool achieved a career-high 16 home runs in 1966, contributing to the Mets avoiding a last-place finish.

May 21, 1969: Mets Achieve .500 Record

On May 21, 1969, the Mets reached a .500 winning percentage for the first time in franchise history.

1969: Miracle Mets Win World Series

Ed Kranepool was a key player in the Mets' World Series victory in 1969, even hitting a home run during the series.

1969: Kranepool Wins World Series with the Miracle Mets

Ed Kranepool was part of the 1969 Miracle Mets team that won the World Series.

1969: The Miracle Mets

Ed Kranepool's appearance on "Everybody Loves Raymond" with his 1969 Mets teammates highlighted their memorable World Series victory.

June 23, 1970: Kranepool Demoted, Considers Retirement

On June 23, 1970, Ed Kranepool was sent to the Tidewater Tides. His batting average was low, and he thought about retiring. He decided to continue playing and improved his performance.

1970: Batting Average Struggles

The Gillette commercial highlighted Kranepool's batting average struggles from 1962 to 1970.

1971: Kranepool's Comeback Season

Ed Kranepool had a strong comeback season in 1971, improving his batting average, home runs, and RBIs. He also had the best fielding percentage in the National League.

1971: Improved Batting Average

The Gillette commercial highlighted Kranepool's improved batting average since 1971, humorously attributing it to using Gillette Foamy shaving cream.

1973: Mets in the World Series Again

In 1973, Ed Kranepool and the Mets won the National League Championship Series and went on to play in the World Series.

1974: Kranepool Excels as Pinch Hitter

Ed Kranepool became known for his skill as a pinch hitter, achieving an impressive batting average in that role, particularly in 1974.

1974: Kranepool's Consistent Batting

Ed Kranepool had back-to-back seasons of batting .300 in 1974 and 1975.

1974: Kranepool's Offensive Peak

From 1974 to 1977, Ed Kranepool had a strong offensive performance, hitting numerous home runs and RBIs.

October 4, 1975: Mets Owner Joan Payson Passes Away

Joan Payson, the owner of the Mets, died on October 4, 1975. Ed Kranepool was the only Mets player to attend her funeral.

1976: Mets Achieve Second-Best Winning Percentage

The New York Mets achieved their second-best winning percentage in franchise history in 1976, and Ed Kranepool was a significant contributor as a first baseman.

July 13, 1977: The New York City Blackout

A Gillette commercial featuring Ed Kranepool referenced the New York City blackout that occurred on July 13, 1977, during a Mets home game.

1977: End of Kranepool's Peak

The 1977 season marked the end of Ed Kranepool's peak offensive performance in his career.

1978: The Gillette Foamy Commercial

In 1978, Ed Kranepool appeared in a memorable Gillette Foamy shaving cream commercial, humorously attributing his improved batting average to the product.

1978: Kranepool - Last of the Miracle Mets

With the trade of Jerry Koosman in 1978, Ed Kranepool became the last remaining player from the 1969 Miracle Mets team.

1979: Challenges and Ownership Changes

By 1979, Ed Kranepool's performance on the field faced scrutiny, and he reportedly experienced friction with the Mets' ownership, culminating in an unsuccessful bid to buy the team.

1979: Saturday Night Live Cameo

Ed Kranepool made a cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live in 1979, showcasing his presence in popular culture.

1979: Kranepool Retires from Baseball

Ed Kranepool retired from professional baseball in 1979. He was the last remaining player from the Mets' inaugural 1962 season.

1979: Kranepool's Retirement and Legacy

When Ed Kranepool retired in 1979, he held several all-time Mets records.

1986: Campaign Commercial Controversy

In 1986, Ed Kranepool faced criticism for appearing in a political campaign commercial wearing his Mets uniform, leading to the ad's removal.

1990: Induction into the New York Mets Hall of Fame

In 1990, Ed Kranepool was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as a franchise icon.

1999: Everybody Loves Raymond Appearance

In 1999, Ed Kranepool appeared on the sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond" alongside fellow members of the 1969 Mets.

2017: Health Challenges

In 2017, Ed Kranepool faced health challenges, including the removal of a toe due to an infection and kidney failure, leading him to seek a transplant.

2017: Surpassed on the Mets Hits List

In 2017, José Reyes surpassed Ed Kranepool on the Mets' all-time hits list, moving Kranepool to third place behind Reyes and David Wright.

May 7, 2019: Kidney Transplant

On May 7, 2019, Ed Kranepool underwent a successful kidney transplant at Stony Brook University Hospital, offering hope after a period of health challenges.

August 2023: Release of Autobiography

In August 2023, Ed Kranepool's autobiography, "The Last Miracle: My 18-Year Journey with the Amazin' New York Mets," was published.

September 8, 2024: Death of Ed Kranepool

Ed Kranepool passed away on September 8, 2024.

2024: Ed Kranepool's Legacy Continues

As of 2024, Ed Kranepool continues to hold the record for most games played with the New York Mets, solidifying his status as a legend among the team's fans.