Trivia

He is the only player to have played in each of the Mets' first 18 seasons (entire major league career, 1962-1979).

Named to the 1965 National League All Star team, but didn't get into the game.

Became one of baseball's premier pinch hitters late in his career; still holds the Met club record for most pinch hits with 90.

Declared himself a free agent after the 1979 season and retired when no ballclub offered to sign him.

Was a personal favorite of original Mets owner Joan Whitney Payson. She would not allow any player trade involving Kranepool.

New York Mets All-Time At Bats Leader (5,436).

New York Mets All-Time Hits Leader (1,418).

New York Mets All-Time Doubles Leader (225).

Contemplated retiring from baseball when he was sent to Tidewater, the Mets' AAA affiliate, during the 1970 season, a year in which he saw limited action with the Mets.

Still holds the Met club record for most games played - 1853.

Wore number 21 during his early days with the Mets, then gave up that number to Warren Spahn when the famed southpaw joined the club in 1965, taking number 7 instead.

Was signed by the New York Mets right out of high school.

New York Mets All-Time Total Bases Leader (2,047).

Made major league debut on 22 September 1962.

Received a Thunderbird as a signing bonus when he joined the New York Mets.

Received a kidney transplant in 1979.

Graduated from James Monroe High School in the Bronx, New York.

1990 inductee into the Mets Hall Of Fame.

Born three months after his father was killed in World War II.