Buddy Harrelson Obituary – Buddy Harrelson, a longtime Long Islander and Mets Hall of Famer has died at 79.
Harrelson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016 and died at a hospice house in East Northport. “We were saddened to learn of Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson’s passing,” team owner Steve Cohen said in a statement. “He was the 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 won a World Series in 1969 as a member of the famed Miracle Mets then again as a coach with the Mets in 1986. He was a two-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner during his playing career.
After retiring, he would go on to co-found and co-own the Long Island Ducks. He was the team’s manager for the first year and was involved with player selection and development.
”Bud’s impact on Long Island will be felt through Ducks baseball for as long as we play,” Ducks owner and CEO Frank Boulton said in a statement. “He was my partner in bringing professional baseball to Long Island following his outstanding playing career in MLB and he made his mark on so many through his charitable giving, appearances, and kindness. He was a one-of-a-kind human being, and he is missed greatly.”