As I am sitting here listening to the Giants / Falcons game, I admit that I am still basking in the glow of yesterdays Mets announcement that the Mets will transform Wilpons folly – er I meant Citi Field into a more Metscentric sanctuary that us Mets fans can finally call home . So to celebrate this hard fought victory against our perceived clueless ownership I ask you … Do you remember Ed Kranepool?
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                                                                   ” ALWAYS A FAN FAVORITE”
Edward Emil Kranepool, who garnered the nick name “Steady Eddie”, was born on November 8, 1944 . He is widely known ( because of Derek Jeter’s recently breaking of Lou Gerhig’s all time New York Yankee hit record) as the Mets all time leader in hits. He is also the only player in Mets history to play his entire career with the franchise ( which spanned three decades ( 1962 – 1979).
Ed was born in the Bronx, New York, and he attended James Monroe High School. At the age of seventeen, he signed with the New York Mets for $85,000 by Mets’ scout Bubber Jonnard. He made his major league debut on September 22, 1962 as a pinch hitter against the Chicago Cubs at the Polo Grounds, where he wore number twenty one. He failed to get a hit. His first full game was the next day, September 23, where he played first base and went 1 for 4 with a double. However, his poor speed and the popularity of the lovable loser “Marvelous” Marv Throneberry kept Kranepool from earning a full time spot. At age 17, Kranepool was six years younger than the next-youngest ’62 Met, a which was a 180 degree turn in the Mets strategy to select select mostly older veterans in the expansion draft ( because they knew they would fill the stadium if they brought in former stars of yesteryear – even if their best days were behind them).
In 1963, however, patience for Throneberry’s ineptitude on the field and at the plate wore thin on Mets management, and Thorneberry demoted to Triple A Buffalo, and Kranepool became the Mets’ full time first baseman. This, too, did not last, and Kranepool was sent down to the minors in July of ’63, resurfacing again later in the season as a September call-up. By the age of nineteen it looked like Kranepool wouldn’t fully develop as expected, prompting one New York newspaper to print the headline, “Is Ed Kranepool Over The Hill?”
1965 was what could be considered Kranepool’s first true “full” season. Changing his number to seven (after the Mets acquired pitcher Warren Spahn who also wore number 21) Kranepool played in 153 games, batting .253 with 10 home runs and 55 RBI, all while making (but not playing in) the All-Star Game. He followed that up in 1966 hitting .254 with 16 homers. The Mets were beginning to become a better team, and in 1969 the Mets completed their remarkable “Miracle” season, in which the team, backed by Kranepool, Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, won their first ever World Series title against the Baltimore Orioles. Kranepool hit a home run in game three of the series, a 5-0 win for the Mets.
Despite that magical season, Kranepool was only batting .238 by the end, and things only got worse. In 1970 Kranepool was sent to the Mets’ minor league team, the Tidewater Tides, and considered retirement.
Kranepool would bounce back with perhaps his best season in 1971, batting .280 with 14 home runs, 58 RBI and an OPS+[3] of 123. He also led the National League with a .998 fielding percentage. The late-career demotion marked a turning point for Kranepool, with him becoming a useful hitter and first baseman/outfielder despite never entering a season with a specific full-time role.
Kranepool’s batting success was reflected in a 1978 television commercial for Gillette Foamy shaving cream. The ad began with black-and-white film footage of Kranepool striking out, and an announcer saying, “From 1962 to 1970, Ed Kranepool batted .227. Then Ed switched to Gillette Foamy.” The ad showed Kranepool in front of a mirror, lathering up and shaving, and switched to color footage of him hitting a ball down the right-field line. The announcer said, “Since 1971, Ed’s batted .283! What do you think of that, Ed?” As baseball players had long had a reputation for being superstitious, the ad closed with Kranepool standing in the dugout, in uniform but lathered up and holding up a can of Foamy, saying, “I don’t know, but now I shave every other inning.” The closing narration was, “Foamy: More than thick and rich enough for New York’s heavy hitters.”
Another Gillette commercial featured Kranepool lighting a candle in his bathroom and trying to shave using Foamy during a blackout. The ad was clearly inspired by the New York blackout of the previous season, which came during a Met home game at Shea Stadium on July 13, 1977. ( I remember as a kid being excited whenever these commercials were on T.V, because he was a Met and you except for the televised games rarely saw a Met on the television)Kranepool also appeared in an ad for SportsPhone with teammate Jerry Koosman.
During this period, Kranepool’s role generally decreased (with 455 plate appearances in 1976 being a notable exception), becoming a platoon player batting against right-handed pitchers, until he was used almost exclusively as a pinch hitter, a role he flourished in. From 1974 through 1978, Kranepool hit .396 as a pinch hitter, batting .486 in the role in ’74. Over all, he hit over .300 in both 1974 and 1975, with over 200 and 300 at bats, respectively. He would eventually become a fan favorite, and a legend among Met fans for playing eighteen seasons. He was the last of the 1962 Mets to remain with the team, and the last of that team to retire from Major League Baseball.
When he retired after the 1979 season at the age of 34, he left as the all-time club leader in eight offensive categories, of which he still leads in four (at-bats: 5436; hits: 1418; doubles: 225; and total bases: 2047). He has also played more games in a Met uniform (1853) than any other player. Though still relatively young at this time, he was never an athletic player, and was only useful as long as his pinch-hits kept dropping in. He had also reportedly had some friction with the team’s ownership group, led by Lorinda DeRoulet, that was controlling the team after the death of longtime majority owner and president Joan Payson. When the team was sold after the 1979 season to a group headed by Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon, Kranepool was part of one of the groups offering a losing bid.
Ed Kranepool made a living after retirement as a stockbroker and restaurateur, and was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1990. He is currently living in New York.
Ed Kranepool also appeared on Saturday Night Live in a cameo appearance, being interviewed by Bill Murray during a skit filmed during spring training in 1978, regarding Chico Escuela’s (portrayed by Garrett Morris) tell all book, Bad Stuff ’bout The Mets.
My fondest memory of Ed Kranepool was during his last season in ’79. He came up as a pinch hitter against the St Loius Cardinals, and if memory serves me right – he had a game winning basehit. In my opinion Kranepool is synomous with the name Mets -He always seems to make himself available for any Mets related charity or event, and I feel he along with Rusty Staub should be officially named as good will ambassadors of the Mets. When you think about it Kranepool is the epitomy of the Mets – He had alot of mediocre seasons, He was there for the good years as well as the many bad years – But he is still standing and I know when I hear his name the first thing that comes to mind is - THE METS !!
                                                                    
                                                                   ” Ed standing amongst fans favorites”
( Additional information provided by Wikipedia)
41 comments
rustyjr
11/22/2009-2:29pm at 2:29 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry Kong I couldnt find any info about his relationship with DeRoulet’s daughter lol
Kingman 26
11/22/2009-2:46pm at 2:46 pm (UTC -4)
LOL! That was told to me by a pit boss at a crap table at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas–a guy who looked like he had seen everything…and as I remember, it was not Lorinda’s daughter, but Lorinda herself!
Great series Rusty–really a great contribution to the site in the offseason.
CaseStreet
11/22/2009-3:50pm at 3:50 pm (UTC -4)
So Mets expressed interest in Crawford. that’s a start. Rays need bullpen help so gotta figure Parnell would be included on any deal and maybe Santos too, cause they’re looking for a backup catcher.
Parnell, Santos and who for Crawford?
Kingman 26
11/22/2009-4:19pm at 4:19 pm (UTC -4)
Even if the depressing article I posted the link for on the other site is true, maybe we could swing Crawford, and maybe we could swing Josh Johnson (and Cantu?) from the Marlins.
Johnson, Crawford, and Cantu would be a pretty good haul.
metsfan4decades
11/22/2009-7:19pm at 7:19 pm (UTC -4)
You read my mind. I posted that same thought (prying Johnson away from the Marlins)on the last thread.
trs86
11/22/2009-5:09pm at 5:09 pm (UTC -4)
Kingman I just don’t see how it is true and I am not depressed at all. There has not been one report saying they will not at least go up to last year’s budget.
As for your deal for Crawford Case. If it is true and they plan on dealing him BEFORE the season starts, which I don’t see, then it will take a LOT. Something like Mejia, Fmart and Thole would be a start.
stickguy
11/22/2009-5:20pm at 5:20 pm (UTC -4)
gotta be more realistic on Crawford IMO. I don’t think he will be as expensive to obtain as you do.
he is a 1 year rental, that gets paid quite a bit of coin (10 milll), not cheap by today’s standards.
and while he is a nice player, he is 30, and not really a difference maker or a middle order hitter.
If anything, he is in that catagory of very good complimentary player, that would happen to fit well on some teams (including the mets and yankers).
not many teams are probably looking to give up a lot for a 1 year run with him.
Would I like him on this team? Sure. Would I trade the farm for him (and essentially hmake him the 1 big trade acquisition for the off season? Probably not, but at a more modest price (heck, package him and Pena, sign Shoppach or another C, and consider the offense done.)
trs86
11/22/2009-5:30pm at 5:30 pm (UTC -4)
Stick lets not overvalue our prospects. You got an injured former top prospect a young pitcher that got hit hard in AA and AFL that some are projecting as a reliever and a singles hitting catcher. I love all well at least 2 out of those 3 but for the Rays to trade Crawford it will take at least 2 good players otherwise they would just take the picks after offering him arbitration after 2010. So they would get a full season of Crawford and 2 picks. Also you have to remember who would be after him. Most likely Yankees, RSox and Braves among others.
stickguy
11/22/2009-7:29pm at 7:29 pm (UTC -4)
I’m sure the Yankees would be hot and heavy for him, since they have plenty of power hitters and could use a speed/defense OF to replace Damon. And of course, the salary is largely irrelevant to them.
and you can shuffle the names around, but you are probably not giving the prospects enough credit (as far as prospects go). BUt in essence, you are saying trade 3 of the teams top 5 prospects, including 2 closest to the show (both having played with the MEts already).
So, that is a serious dent in the farm, which of course is not available to go elsewhere.
If say wolf, barajas and Crawford was the off season inflow, with those guys getting traded, are you happy with the team for 2010, + the farm for 2010+ (keeping in mind Crawford will be gone for picks after 2010)?
trs86
11/22/2009-7:36pm at 7:36 pm (UTC -4)
I would imagine they would then turn and sign Crawford for like 4/48. You also have to remember that at 10 million you would still have enough money to get Lackey, Barajas and do something with 2B.
CaseStreet
11/22/2009-6:33pm at 6:33 pm (UTC -4)
I’m with you Stick. Crawford would be great in LF, but is no Halladay.
trs86
11/22/2009-7:25pm at 7:25 pm (UTC -4)
While I agree. I just don’t think he is going to come for cheap. Why would they? They don’t desperately need the 10 million this year and there is no one the market they can replace him with and get that production. So unless you blow them over I expect them to keep him until July and maybe even until the next year and take the picks.
stickguy
11/22/2009-7:31pm at 7:31 pm (UTC -4)
well, if they wil only trade him for a windfall package, then you say thanks but no thanks and move on.
again, nice player, but not the missing link.
trs86
11/22/2009-7:34pm at 7:34 pm (UTC -4)
You may be right but can you think of any reason they would let him go for less than two first rounders?
stickguy
11/22/2009-7:38pm at 7:38 pm (UTC -4)
If I was the tampa GM, I would keep him now, and make a run in 2010. If they are wa out, explore a trade at the ASB. If they are still in it, roll the dice and take the picks.
trs86
11/22/2009-7:39pm at 7:39 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, that is why he is not going to get traded in my opinion. His worth to the Rays is more than most teams. Yankees can just wait a year.
Kingman 26
11/22/2009-5:40pm at 5:40 pm (UTC -4)
TRS, I just put the link there for everyone to check out….I think it very well may be nonsense too.
I am most definitely not depressed, and am in full optimism mode.
Even if it IS true, we do have a lot of talent already, and Omar surely will add his annual big name. Hopefully he will also carefully explore trades for folks like Crawford, Johnson/Cantu, Phillips/Arroyo, and others who could be had on favorable terms if their current teams want to dump salary.
And people on Metsblog are STILL blathering about the “great leader” Hudson…if he is a great leader, what does that make Ronnie Belliard? A first ballot HOFer?
trs86
11/22/2009-7:21pm at 7:21 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah if we eat cash or take back a bad contract and then sign Hudson to anything more than 3 million it will be a loss.
Kingman 26
11/22/2009-5:42pm at 5:42 pm (UTC -4)
How about we throw in Murph and Niese and take Pena too??
CaseStreet
11/22/2009-6:36pm at 6:36 pm (UTC -4)
It’s interesting how the AL East would solve the Mets problems.
Pitching – Halladay
Left Field – Crawford
First Base – Pena or Overbay
Kingman 26
11/22/2009-6:44pm at 6:44 pm (UTC -4)
Second base–Brian Roberts?
Catcher–Victor Martinez?
trs86
11/22/2009-7:20pm at 7:20 pm (UTC -4)
How about CC, Tex and Beckett? I will take those too.
metsfan4decades
11/22/2009-7:28pm at 7:28 pm (UTC -4)
Even if you are not old enough to have seen Ed Kranepool play, I think every Met fan has to be familiar with him. He wasn’t a superstar, wasn’t flashy, but he was steady with no drama which I think went a long way towards him always being a fan favorite – despite the fact that he never developed into the star all hoped he would be.
I never checked but I think he’s one of the only Mets to have ever come up and make his debute with the Mets, play his whole career with the Mets, and retire as a Met.
trs86
11/22/2009-7:33pm at 7:33 pm (UTC -4)
Looks like there is a slight chance the Cubs make Lee and Lilly available if they can move Bradley. I would for sure take either and send Castillo but what would we do with Bradley? Let him platoon with Pagan and try and trade him later? Lilly was very good last year and is owed 12 for one year and Lee is a stud.
trs86
11/22/2009-7:37pm at 7:37 pm (UTC -4)
It just looks like more and more that the Mets and the Cubs will be able to work out something. They are the most logical teams considering their salaries.
stickguy
11/22/2009-7:41pm at 7:41 pm (UTC -4)
This is a very hard off seaosn to handicap.
from the various reports floating around, a ton of guys wil be available for trade fo financial (contract) reasons, and a whole bunch to be non-tendered.
so it could be a total free for all, with a savvy GM getting some real bargains.
No idea though what the Mets will do (yes, that was a dig at Jeff and his trusty sidkick Omarman.)
stickguy
11/22/2009-7:36pm at 7:36 pm (UTC -4)
last thought on Crawford.
He did have a decent 2009. But his 2008 was absolutely, totally putrid (think below-castillo OPS bad). Heck, his OPS+ was only 86.
and while I know pagan gets reemed for his occasional bonehead play (which I have to admit, rarely seeing the mets live or on TV, I don’t even remember), he does work cheap.
Pagan and Crawford are the same age, both play good D, steal some bases. last year Crawford had more HRS (in more ABs of course), but who knows how that translates.
And interestingly, CC has never, in his career, had an OPS as high as what Pagan put up in 340ish ABs last season.
What does it all mean? Damned if I know, but right now, I am thinking they should save the limited (relatively, and who knows what it really is) payroll $$ to spend, and the 3 or so top prospects, for other uses, and go with a different LF in 2010.
trs86
11/22/2009-7:38pm at 7:38 pm (UTC -4)
Nah, Crawford is MUCH better than Pagan. I too would not give the package above but he for sure is a guy would you could add to the core of speed and defense.
stickguy
11/22/2009-7:43pm at 7:43 pm (UTC -4)
how much better, and in what ways? ANd what $$ value?
and note that I was not advocated making Pagan the starting LF in 2010, just trying to point out that the legend of Crawford, like the legend of gritty McHudson, might be getting just a tad overblown.
Kingman 26
11/22/2009-7:51pm at 7:51 pm (UTC -4)
“The Legend of Gritty McHudson.”
That may be the funniest thing I have ever seen on here!!
Sounds like a bad John Wayne movie or something.
That’s great.
metsfan4decades
11/22/2009-7:45pm at 7:45 pm (UTC -4)
Either Omar is playing his cards very close to his chest right now, or we’re all going to be disappointed this off season.
Just listed for about a half hour to BlogTalk Radio as Ted Berg was on tonight. Seems like no one has a clue what direction Omar is going in and all these rumors floating around
Jose Guillen
metsfan4decades
11/22/2009-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry, don’t know why I’ve got a post and a half saying the same thing.
Weird…
metsfan4decades
11/22/2009-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
Either Omar is playing his cards very close to his chest right now, or we’re all going to be disappointed this off season.
Just listed for about a half hour to BlogTalk Radio as Ted Berg was on tonight. Seems like no one has a clue what direction Omar is going in and all these rumors floating around are adding to fan angst….
Jose Guillen for Pagan swap with the Royals was the newest rumor they offered up.
Sigh….
Kingman 26
11/22/2009-7:52pm at 7:52 pm (UTC -4)
I really cannot imagine that the Mets would have interest in Guillen.
He is the definition of headache/cancer/etc etc etc.
stickguy
11/22/2009-10:49pm at 10:49 pm (UTC -4)
I think it is wonderful though that no one has a clue what Omar is thinking, or what the FO plan is. Note that I assume they have one!
really, anything being reported is probably a wild guess, idle chatter, or deliberate misinformation. Fun (or exasperating) for us fans, but really just gossip.
besides, most of the rumors by the big name guys never come true, and a lot of moves come completely out of the blue (like with Putz).
How did we ever make it through the off season with nothing but the morning paper to work with?
CaseStreet
11/22/2009-8:50pm at 8:50 pm (UTC -4)
MLB Network showed the 69 series today and Wednesday’s Baseball Seasons will be on the 69 Mets, too.
CaseStreet
11/22/2009-9:03pm at 9:03 pm (UTC -4)
Two years ago, all Mets fans wanted Santana, and we got him.
Last year, all Mets fans wanted K-Rod, and we got him.
This year, will Mets fans get what they want? And what is it that we want?
I know most of us at TRDMB want Lackey, but is that the general consensus for all Mets fans?
Or is Holliday the player most Mets fans want.
Kingman 26
11/22/2009-9:28pm at 9:28 pm (UTC -4)
Halladay for me.
CaseStreet
11/22/2009-9:41pm at 9:41 pm (UTC -4)
Manny for me
stickguy
11/22/2009-10:50pm at 10:50 pm (UTC -4)
make the dodgers an offer. you can probably have him.
stickguy
11/22/2009-10:54pm at 10:54 pm (UTC -4)
santana was pretty universal. I think there was a decent amount of debate about the closer position, but K rod certainly had plenty of support, and didnt really seem to upset many people!
this year? Time for a poll! I would say holliday 40%, lackey 40% andbay 20% for a FA, with A gon and Halladay 50/50 for a trade.