Longtime Mets first baseman Ed Kranepool dead at 79

Ed Kranepool, a New York Mets icon who played first base for the team during its early years, died Thursday at 79.

He was the first player drafted by the Mets in 1964 and went on to play 18 seasons with the team, retiring in 1979. Kranepool was a four-time All-Star and helped the Mets win the World Series in 1969.

Kranepool was known for his steady defense and his ability to get on base. He finished his career with a .269 batting average, 114 home runs, and 762 RBIs.

After retiring from baseball, Kranepool worked as a coach and scout for the Mets. He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1987.