Bud Harrelson: Mets Shortstop and World Series Champion Dies at 79

Bud Harrelson was an American baseball shortstop, coach and manager, best known as a defensive cornerstone of the 1969 "Miracle Mets." Born Derrel McKinley Harrelson on June 6, 1944, in Niles, California, he spent most of his career with the New York Mets and became one of the franchise's most beloved figures.

Harrelson won the 1969 World Series with the Mets and a Gold Glove Award at shortstop in 1971. He played in the 1973 World Series, which the Mets lost, and returned to the club as a coach, winning another World Series ring in 1986. He later managed the Mets and was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame.

Harrelson was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016 and made the diagnosis public in 2018. He died in a hospice in East Northport, New York, on January 11, 2024, at age 79. Remembered for his smooth glove and his loyalty to New York, he was a fan favorite for generations.

Achievements: Won the World Series with the Mets (1969), won a Gold Glove Award (1971), played in the World Series (1973), won a World Series as a Mets coach and was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame (1986).

Birth: June 6, 1944 - Niles, California.

Profession: Baseball shortstop, coach and manager.

Interesting Facts: He was born on D-Day. His nickname "Bud" came from his younger brother, who shortened "brother" when trying to say it.