Bud Harrelson, the beloved shortstop for the 1969 Miracle Mets and later the team’s third-base coach and manager, has passed away at the age of 79 in East Northport, New York. Harrelson, known for his scrappy playing style and exceptional defensive skills, was a key figure in the Mets’ historic World Series victory in 1969 and their subsequent championship in 1986. He also gained notoriety for his involvement in a memorable brawl with Pete Rose during the 1973 National League Championship Series.
Harrelson, born on June 6, 1944, in Niles, California, spent the majority of his 16-year playing career with the Mets. Despite his modest offensive numbers, Harrelson’s defensive prowess earned him a Gold Glove in 1971 and established him as the Mets’ all-time leader in defensive WAR. He remains one of the most beloved players in Mets history, ranking among the team’s career leaders in games played, hits, and stolen bases.
The defining moment of Harrelson’s career came during the bench-clearing brawl with Pete Rose and the Cincinnati Reds in Game 3 of the 1973 NLCS. Harrelson’s innocent remark about the Reds’ performance led to a physical altercation with Rose, resulting in both teams emptying their benches. Although the Mets won the game, Rose’s game-winning home run in the following match silenced Shea Stadium. Nevertheless, the fight has become a signature moment in Mets’ franchise history.
After his playing career, Harrelson returned to the Mets in various capacities, serving as a coach and broadcaster before becoming the team’s manager in 1990. Although his managerial tenure was short-lived, Harrelson’s impact on the team was significant. He later became part-owner of the independent Long Island Ducks, where he worked as a manager and senior vice president for baseball operations.
In 2016, Harrelson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease but did not make his condition public until 2018. He remained an active presence in the baseball community, and in 2017, he visited his close friend and fellow Mets legend Tom Seaver, who also struggled with cognitive issues.
Reflecting on Harrelson’s legacy, former teammate Art Shamsky praised his contributions to the ’69 Mets and the lasting impact of their championship. Shamsky emphasized Harrelson’s excellence on the field as well as his character and camaraderie as a teammate.
Bud Harrelson’s passing marks the end of an era for the Mets and leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of fans and teammates alike. His contributions to the team will be remembered for generations to come.