Mets Icon Bud Harrelson Dies at 79

The infielder-turned-coach had a hand in both of the organization's World Series titles.

Former MLB infielder Bud Harrelson, a two-time All-Star with the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers from 1965-80, died Wednesday night in East Northport, N.Y. He was 79.

"We were saddened to learn of Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson’s passing. He was skilled defender and spark plug on the 1969 Miracle Mets," owner Steve Cohen and his wife Alex said in a statement. "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 signed with the Mets in 1963, just two years into their existence. Debuting with New York at 21 in 1965, Harrelson played 123 games for the Mets in their World Series-winning 1969 season.

His two best seasons were 1970-71, when he made a pair of All-Star teams and won a Gold Glove in '71. He received down-ballot MVP votes in both seasons—and then again in 1973 as New York won its second National League pennant.

In the '73 NLCS, Harrelson memorably found himself in a fight with Cincinnati Reds left fielder Pete Rose. After both benches cleared, the Mets beat the Reds 9-2 to take a 2-1 series lead.

Harrelson spent the last three years of his career with the Phillies and Rangers. After coaching New York during its 1986 championship season, he managed the team from 1990-91, compiling a career record of 145-129.