Rob and Tim Leonard talk with Ed Kranepool, a member of the 1969 World Series Winning New York Mets, and a member of the Mets for 18 seasons. He is the author of ‘The Last Miracle: My 18-Year Journey with the Amazin’ New York Mets.’
From Amazon: No origin story of the New York Mets is complete without Ed Kranepool.
The lefty first baseman known as “Steady Eddie” made his major-league debut at age 17 during the team’s inaugural season and would eventually depart, nearly two decades later, with his name written throughout the franchise’s record books.
In this definitive autobiography, Kranepool shares a remarkable life story, including early years playing stickball in the streets of the Bronx, the growing pains the Mets endured as an expansion club, his offseasons working as a New York stockbroker, and of course the miracle 1969 season that ended in an unforgettable World Series victory.
He also opens up about the personal miracle which came 50 years after that famous championship: a lifesaving kidney transplant made possible by a Mets fan donor. A month after the surgery, Kranepool threw out the first pitch at Citi Field and boldly offered his services as a pinch hitter.
Spring training is just about over, and MLB teams are making their final decisions as to who makes the 26-man roster.
The New York Yankees had a decision to make regarding their prime prospect, Anthony Volpe, and they opted to bring him to the major leagues – and filmed his reaction when he was told the good news.
The video has gone viral – with over 27,000 views so far. Congrats, Anthony – we can’t wait to talk about you on WHPC Sports Talk!
We have another thing to love Japan for. Besides sushi, they also play baseball pretty darn well!
“I’ve seen Japan winning, and I just wanted to be part of it,” said Ohtani. “I really appreciate that I was able to have the great experience. As I say, the next generation, the kids who are playing baseball, I was hoping that those people would like to play baseball. That would make me happy.” Quote from the World Baseball Classic’s official website.
Undefeated Japan topped reigning champ USA for its first title since winning back-to-back titles in 2006 and ’09. It’s the only team to clinch multiple championships and improved to 30-8 all-time in the WBC.
You may not be a World Baseball Classic fan, but after the game on Monday night, the thrill of baseball is back!
It was a back-and-forth walk-off win for Japan, winning 6-5 in the 9th inning.
From the official WBC site comes this quote: “Obviously, it’s a big accomplishment to get to the championship series, but there’s a huge difference between getting first and second,” said Shohei Ohtani, who jump started Japan’s ninth-inning rally with a leadoff double. “I’m going to do all I can to get first place.”
The United States is in the finals once again in the World Baseball Classic – beating Cuba on Sunday night 14-2!
USA’s victory was filled with offense, including Trea Turner hitting a pair of home runs in the second and sixth innings. The shortstop became the second player in Team USA history to connect for a multi-home run game, joining Hall of Famer (and USA hitting coach) Ken Griffey Jr..
Check out the highlights we spoke about on WHPC Sports Talk here.
