Buddy Harrelson, Shortstop on the ‘69 Amazing New York Mets, dies at 79

by Scott Mandel

It surely makes one feel old when a childhood hero leaves us. Buddy Harrelson was almost like an every man because he was about 5‘10“ and not more than 150 pounds, soaking wet. He could run a little and he could pick up ground balls, and he swung the bat with no real authority. As a hitter, Bud Harrelson was more Judy than Punch.

But Buddy, a California kid endeared himself to New Yorkers because he was tough as nails and even got in a few shots in a fight with Pete Rose at second base in 1972, when Pete had about 70 pounds on him. Tom Seaver called Harrelson the best shortstop he ever played with, and Tom. who played with a few decent shortstops. knew what he was talking about. 

I was a Yankee fan, but as a little kid, living across town, no Mets player had my respect more than Bud Harrelson.

After all, he was one of us.