With several television channels and radio stations across the country talking sports 24/7 it’s almost impossible to imagine a time in MLB when there were only 24 teams.

For almost all of Ed Kranepool’s 18 seasons with the Mets, he faced the Cubs 18 times a year. He was neither the most gifted player on those teams, but NL fans from that era are sure to recall the lefty fondly.

While never a fan of the Metropolitans, I have not been traumatized by the Amazing Mets success in 1969. I do have older friends that were traumatized by the Cub failure that season, and a friend who is a devout Orioles fan. Again, thankfully Dad took it in stride and may have disliked certain players from that team, but because they were tools or crappy players.

Like many players from that era, Kranepool spent his entire career with only one team. Without putting up great numbers, he rightfully earned his place in the Mets Hall of Fame. He wasn’t a great player; he was a great Met. Every franchise has players that are greatly appreciated by the fanbase and organization, but are associated with a team by fans everywhere.

Most of the stories that you’ll find stress his two World Series appearances-especially his role on the ’69 team, few stories will mention how many awful Mets teams he played on. He always carried himself like a professional and seemed like a cool guy.

I have a much stronger dislike for the Mets of the 80’s-2020’s, but also have a soft spot for exceptions along the way. After reading former Met, and ’72 Cub, Art Shamsky’s books and meeting him, I’d be more likely to share pop with those Mets than Daryl, Wright or Hojo.

Here are some key stats and where he’s at in Mets history. Personally, I’d love to hear what pitchers like Steve Carlton and Fergie Jenkins have to say about their battles.

Kranepool, whose World Series home run keyed the Mets’ Game 3 win, remains in the franchise’s all-time top 10 in many statistical categories. Besides ranking first in games played with 1,853, he is second in plate appearances (5,997); third in hits (1,418), at-bats (5,436) and total bases (2,047); fourth in doubles (225); fifth in RBIs (614); ninth in walks (454); ninth in runs scored (536); and 11th in triples (25). He is 13th in franchise history with 118 home runs and hit .261 for his career.

R,I.P. Mr. Kranepool!